This specification covers the classification of coals by rank, that is, according to their degree of metamorphism, or progressive alteration, in the natural series from lignite to anthracite. These coals are mainly composed of vitrinite. The classification shall be based on gradational properties that depend on the degree of metamorphism. The classification shall also be according to fixed carbon and gross calorific value calculated to the mineral-matter-free basis.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

Significance and Use

This classification establishes categories of coal based on gradational properties that depend principally on the degree of metamorphism to which the coal was subjected while buried. These categories indicate ranges of physical and chemical characteristics that are useful in making broad estimates of the behavior of coal in mining, preparation, and use.

1. Scope

1.1 This standard covers the classification of coals by rank, that is, according to their degree of metamorphism, or progressive alteration, in the natural series from lignite to anthracite.

1.2 This classification is applicable to coals that are composed mainly of vitrinite.

Note 1—Coals rich in inertinite or liptinite (exinite), or both, cannot be properly classified because, in those macerals, the properties that determine rank (calorific value, volatile matter, and agglomerating character) differ greatly from those of vitrinite in the same coal. Often such coals can be recognized by megascopic examination. In North America, these coals are mostly nonbanded varieties that contain only a small proportion of vitrain and consist mainly of attrital materials. The degree of metamorphism of nonbanded and other vitrinite-poor coals can be estimated by determining the classification properties of isolated or concentrated vitrinite fractions, or by determining the reflectance of the vitrinite (see Test Method D2798 and Appendix X1 of this classification). However, in the use of these vitrinite-poor coals, some properties normally associated with rank, such as rheology, combustibility, hardness, and grindability (as well as the rank determining properties) may differ substantially from those of vitrinite-rich coals of the same degree of metamorphism.

The precision of the classification of impure coal may be impaired by the effect of large amounts of mineral matter on the determination of volatile matter and calorific value, and on their calculation to the mineral-matter-free basis.

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

1.3.1 Exception—The values stated in British thermal units per pound are to be regarded as the standard. The SI equivalents of British thermal units per pound are approximate.

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

D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke

D720 Test Method for Free-Swelling Index of Coal

D1412 Test Method for Equilibrium Moisture of Coal at 96 to 97 Percent Relative Humidity and 30C

D1757 Test Method for Sulfate Sulfur in Ash from Coal and Coke

D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis

D2234/D2234M Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal

D2798 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Vitrinite Reflectance of Coal

D3172 Practice for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke

D3173 Test Method for Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke

D3174 Test Method for Ash in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke from Coal

D3175 Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke

D3177 Test Methods for Total Sulfur in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke

D3302 Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal

D4239 Test Method for Sulfur in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke Using High-Temperature Tube Furnace Combustion

D4596 Practice for Collection of Channel Samples of Coal in a Mine

D5016 Test Method for Total Sulfur in Coal and Coke Combustion Residues Using a High-Temperature Tube Furnace Combustion Method with Infrared Absorption

D5192 Practice for Collection of Coal Samples from Core

D5865 Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and Coke

Keywords

anthracite; bituminous; coal; lignite; rank; Classification (standards); Coal products; Coal sampling systems; Lignite; Rank; Sub-bituminous coal

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 75.160.10 (Solid fuels)

Citing ASTM Standards

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