The collection and treatment of the sample as specified for the referee method is intended for the express purpose of determining the total moisture in coal. The standard is available to producers, sellers, and consumers as a method of determination when other techniques or modifications are not mutually agreed upon.

The commercial method, which determines total moisture content of the crushed and divided sample, is designated as the method for total moisture for routine commercial practice.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the total moisture in coal as it exists at the site, at the time, and under the conditions it is sampled. It is applicable to coals as mined, processed, shipped, or used in normal commercial pursuits. It is not applicable to coal-water slurries, sludges, or pulverized products under 0.5-mm-diameter sieve size. It is applicable to coals of all ranks within the recognized limitations imposed by oxidation and decomposition characteristics of lower rank coals. Because of its empirical nature, strict adherence to basic principles and permissive procedures are required for valid results (see Appendix X1). This complete standard is available to producers, sellers, and consumers as a total moisture method when other procedures or modifications are not mutually agreed on.

1.2 Since coal can vary from extremely wet (water-saturated) to completely dry, special emphasis must be placed on the sampling, sample preparation, and the moisture determination itself to ensure total reliability of measurement. Therefore, this standard entails collection of the gross sample, sample preparation, and the method of determination.

1.3 While it is recognized that such a standard may be unwieldy for routine usage in commercial operations, it can provide a common base for agreement in cases of dispute or arbitration. The complete standard is referred to as the referee method. Embodied in the standard is the commercial method starting with the crushed and divided sample when the gross sample is not too wet to crush and divide. See Test Methods D 2961 and D 3173 for other moisture methods.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.