Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke

There are two ASTM specifications that relate to the proximate analysis of coal. The older ASTM D 3172 is considered the referee method and consists of four separate tests for moisture, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon. The Instrumental procedure, ASTM D 5142, provides all this information in a single procedure. Several optional tests are listed that may sometimes be suitable.

ASTM D 3172 Referee Methods

Test Description

Method

Required Tests, Referee Methods:

Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke

ASTM D 3173

Volatile Matter in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke

ASTM D 3175

Ash in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke, wt%

ASTM D 3174.a

Fixed Carbon

ASTM D 3174.b

ASTM D 5412 Instrumental Method

Test Description

Method

Required Test, Instrumental Method:

Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke, Instrumental

ASTM D 5142.a

Additional Optional Tests:

Moisture, Total, in Coal

ASTM D 3302

Moisture, Total, in Coal Reduced to 2.36 mm Top Size, No. 8 Sieve

ASTM D 2961

Moisture, Dry Bases, Calculated from As-Determined Basis

ASTM D 3180.a

Moisture, As-Received Bases, Calculated from As-Determined Basis

ASTM D 3180.b

Fixed Carbon

ASTM D 3174.b

Fixed Carbon, Calculated

ASTM D 388