A properly collected face channel sample that includes the total coal bed interval provides a sample that is a representative cross section of the coal bed at the point of sampling. Channel samples are taken for subsequent testing needed for evaluation of coal quality and characterization for commercial evaluations, for planning of mining operations to maintain coal quality, for the determination of coal rank in accordance with Classification D 388, and for geologic coal resource studies.

Note 1—Because of the potential for lateral variability, a sample may not represent the quality of the coal bed at another sample point. The reliability of the data generated from channel samples is dependent on the number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal characteristics in a given area.

Note 2—Sampling of the mine product for these purposes is unsatisfactory because of contamination of the product with out-of-seam material, selective mining of parts of a seam, inability to obtain samples from one or more specific locations in the mine, or other incompatibility of the purpose of sampling with the mining practice. Conversely, channel samples should not be used for evaluation of the quality of commercial shipments of the mine product, which should be sampled in accordance with Methods D 2234.

1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting a coal sample from a channel extending from top to bottom in the face of a coal seam in a mine.

1.2 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. For specific precautionary information, see Note 2.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.