These instrumental test methods cover the determination of moisture, volatile matter, and ash, and the calculation of fixed carbon in the analysis of coal and coke samples prepared in accordance with Method D2013 and Practice D346.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D05 on Coal and Coke, these test methods were withdrawn in September 2010. This standard is being withdrawn to be replaced by D7582, Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis.

Moisture, as determined by this instrumental test method, is used for calculating other analytical results to a dry basis using procedures in Practice D 3180.

Moisture as determined by this test method, may be used in conjunction with the air-dry moisture loss determined by Test Method D 3302 to determine total moisture in coal. Total moisture is used for calculating other analytical results to an as-received basis using Practice D 3180.

Ash yield, as determined by this test method, is the residue remaining after burning the coal and coke samples. See Note 1.

Note 1—The ash obtained differs in composition and amount from the mineral constituents present in the original coal. Combustion causes an expulsion of all water, the loss of carbon dioxide from carbonates, the conversion of iron pyrite into iron oxides and sulfur oxides, and other chemical reactions. Ash yield, as determined by this test method, can differ from the amount of ash produced in furnace operations or other combustion systems because combustion conditions influence the chemistry and amount of ash.

Ash yield, as determined by this test method is used, (1) as a principal parameter to evaluate sampling procedures and coal cleaning processes, (2) in the ultimate analysis calculation of oxygen by difference using Practice D 3176, (3) in calculations including material balance, reactivity and yields of products relevant to coal conversion processes such as gasification and liquefaction.

Volatile matter yield, when determined as herein described, may be used to (1) establish the rank of coals, (2) indicate coke yield on carbonization, (3) provide the basis for purchasing and selling, or (4) establish burning characteristics.

5.6 Fixed carbon is a calculated value. It is the difference between 100 and the sum of the percent moisture, ash, and volatile matter. All percents shall be on the same moisture reference base.

5.7 Moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon percents constitute the proximate analysis of coal and coke.

5.8 Moisture, ash, and volatile matter are three of the principal parameters used for assessing the quality of coal.

1.1 These instrumental test methods cover the determination of moisture, volatile matter, and ash, and the calculation of fixed carbon in the analysis of coal and coke samples prepared in accordance with Method D 2013 and Practice D 346. Results obtained through the use of the instrumental tests have been shown to differ from those obtained with Test Methods D 3173, D 3174, and D 3175 on some coals and cokes. Where a relative bias between the instrumental methods and Test Methods D 3173, D 3174, and D 3175 for proximate analysis of coal and coke are shown to exist, the instrumental results shall be corrected or the instrument calibrated using samples of known proximate analysis. Test Methods D 3173, D 3174, and D 3175 shall be considered the referee test methods. The instrumental test methods are not applicable to thermogravimetric analyzers using microgram size samples.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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.