1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative grindability or ease of pulverization of coals in comparison with coals chosen as standards. A prepared and sized sample receives a definite amount of grinding energy in a miniature pulverizer, and the size consist of the pulverized product is determined by sieving. The resultant size consist is used to produce an index relative to the ease of grinding (Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI)).
1.1.1 Some coals, such as some high-volatile bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite coals, can undergo physical change as the natural or seam moisture is released during handling and preparation. This change is often sufficient to alter the grindability characteristics that will be reported when tested in the laboratory and could produce different indices dependent on the conditions of drying and the moisture level of the 1.18-mm by 600-μm (No. 16 × No. 30) (see Test Method D 4749) materials used for the test. Therefore, the repeatability and reproducibility cited in this test method may not apply for these high-volatile bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite coals.
1.2 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.
1.3 It is recognized that the term weight is considered equivalent to mass as used in this test method.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) 
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
D2234/D2234M Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
D3302 Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
D4749 Test Method for Performing the Sieve Analysis of Coal and Designating Coal Size
D6708 Practice for Statistical Assessment and Improvement of Expected Agreement Between Two Test Methods that Purport to Measure the Same Property of a Material
D6883 Practice for Manual Sampling of Stationary Coal from Railroad Cars, Barges, Trucks, or Stockpiles
D7430 Practice for Mechanical Sampling of Coal
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
Index Terms
grindability; Hardgrove Grindability Index; HGI; pulverization; Coal products; Grindability; Hardgrove machine method; Sieve analysis--coal/coke
DOI: 10.1520/D0409_D0409M-09
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citing ASTM Standards
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