A properly collected 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. Core 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 core samples is dependent on the number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal characteristics in a given area.

Moisture determined directly from a core sample shall be considered questionable in any core sample because of possible contamination from drilling fluids and groundwater. If a more representative estimate of the inherent moisture content of the core sample (with the exception of certain low-rank coals) is desired, the sample should be analyzed according to Test Method D 1412.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting and handling a coal sample from a core recovered from a borehole.

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.

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

D388 Classification of Coals by Rank

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

D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis

D2796 Terminology for Megascopic Description of Coal and Coal Seams and Microscopical Description and Analysis of Coal

D4371 Test Method for Determining the Washability Characteristics of Coal

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

Keywords

borehole samples; coal; coal rank; core; core samples; floor; roof; Borehole samples; Coal rank; Coal sampling systems; Core sampling; Flooring/floor covering systems; Roofing materials/applications

ICS Code

Citing ASTM Standards

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