Laboratories that test coal and coke for moisture, volatile matter and ash will benefit from a proposed new standard being developed by ASTM International Committee D05 on Coal and Coke. The new standard, WK19081, Test Method for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis, is being developed by a task group under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D05.21 on Methods of Analysis.

According to John T. Riley, a retired chemistry professor, Western Kentucky University, and a 28-year member of Committee D05, it is estimated that at least half the laboratories in the United States use macro TGA systems to run moisture, volatile matter and ash tests. The proposed new standard will have an impact on all labs using these systems.

"The most frequent tests run for all coal and coke samples are the determination of moisture and ash," says Riley. "The moisture values are used to calculate other analytical test results to different bases, as specified in contracts. In addition to estimating the amount of ash remaining after combustion, the ash values determined in the lab are used as quality control parameters for coal sampling and coal washing operations."

Participation in the activities of Subcommittee D05.21 is welcome. Riley notes that 21 samples needed for an interlaboratory study have been identified and are being gathered. The ongoing study includes three sets of samples for bituminous coals, sub-bituminous and lignitic coals and cokes.

For technical Information, contact John T. Riley, Bowling Green, Ky. (phone: 270-842-2757; bgrileys@insightbb.com). Committee D05 meets Oct. 5-8 at ASTM International Headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pa. For meeting or membership information, contact Scott Orthey (phone: 610-832-9730; sorthey@astm.org).

Release #8030