ASTM D3173/D3173M-17a

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Moisture as determined by this test method is used for calculating other analytical results to a moisture free basis using procedures in Practice D3180. Moisture percent determined by this test method may be used in conjunction with the air-dry moisture loss determined in Method D2013 and Test Method D3302 to determine total moisture in coal. Total moisture is used for calculating other analytical results to “as received” basis using Practice D3180. Moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon percents constitute the proximate analysis of coal and coke.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of moisture in the analysis sample of coal or coke. It is used for calculating other analytical results to a dry basis. When used in conjunction with the air drying loss as determined in accordance with Method D2013 or Practice D346, each analytical result can be calculated to an as-received basis:  
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 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.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2017
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.21 - Methods of Analysis

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D121-15(2024) - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3180-15(2023) - Standard Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D121-15 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3180-15 - Standard Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3180-12 - Standard Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D346-04(2010) - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D121-09a - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM D121-09 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM D121-08 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3302-07a - Standard Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D3302-07ae1 - Standard Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D3180-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM D3302-07e1 - Standard Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D3302-07 - Standard Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D2013-07 - Standard Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007

Overview

ASTM D3173/D3173M-17a: Standard Test Method for Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke is an internationally recognized method developed by ASTM International. This standard details the procedure for determining moisture content within coal and coke samples. Accurate moisture determination is critical for subsequent analytical procedures, allowing results to be calculated on a moisture-free (dry) or "as received" basis. The moisture content determined by this method is an integral factor in proximate analysis and overall quality assessment of coal and coke used in various industrial applications.

Key Topics

• Moisture Determination in Coal and Coke:
  This standard defines the methodology for quantifying the moisture present in pulverized samples. The loss in weight upon heating under controlled conditions reflects the sample's moisture content.

• Importance for Analytical Calculations:
  Determining the moisture percentage allows for the conversion of all further analytical test results to a dry basis or an "as received" basis, as outlined in related standards like ASTM D3180. This adjustment ensures consistency and accuracy when reporting properties such as ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon.

• Standardized Procedures:

  • Use of drying ovens regulated between 104 and 110°C
  • Specified sample preparation, including use of desiccants and appropriate capsule types
  • Strict control of weighing and handling to minimize error from sample exposure
  • Calculation formulas for moisture percent

• Precision:
  The standard provides precision criteria, including repeatability and reproducibility limits, to guide laboratories in assessing the reliability of their results.

Applications

• Coal and Coke Quality Assessment:
  Moisture analysis is a fundamental requirement in power generation, steel production, and any industry relying on solid fossil fuels. It impacts combustion performance, calorific value, and material handling.

• Laboratory Analysis and Proximate Analysis:
  The test is used in routine laboratory analysis, forming part of the classical proximate analysis (together with ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon content).

• Commercial Transactions and Regulatory Compliance:
  Accurate moisture data are frequently specified in contracts and required by regulators to ensure fair trading and environmental compliance.

• Calculation Basis Conversion:
  Results from this test method, in conjunction with the air-dry loss from standards like ASTM D2013 and ASTM D3302, allow for analytical results to be accurately reported on a consistent basis, aiding both operational control and reporting.

Related Standards

To ensure consistency and full compliance, ASTM D3173/D3173M-17a is often used with the following standards:

• ASTM D121 - Terminology of Coal and Coke
• ASTM D346 - Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples
• ASTM D2013 - Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
• ASTM D3180 - Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
• ASTM D3302 - Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal

These related documents provide additional procedures for sample preparation, calculation methods, and terminology, supporting a comprehensive approach to coal and coke analysis.

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By adhering to ASTM D3173/D3173M-17a, laboratories and industries can improve the accuracy and reproducibility of coal and coke moisture determinations, thereby supporting robust quality control, regulatory compliance, and efficient resource utilization.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3173/D3173M − 17a
Standard Test Method for
Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3173/D3173M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D3302Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofmoisturein
3. Terminology
the analysis sample of coal or coke. It is used for calculating
3.1 Definitions—For additional definitions of terms used in
other analytical results to a dry basis. When used in conjunc-
this test method, refer to Terminology D121.
tion with the air drying loss as determined in accordance with
Method D2013 or Practice D346, each analytical result can be
4. Summary of Test Method
calculated to an as-received basis:
4.1 Moisture is determined by establishing the loss in
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
weight of the sample when heated under rigidly controlled
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
conditions of temperature, time and atmosphere, sample
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
weight, and equipment specifications.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
5. Significance and Use
with the standard.
5.1 Moisture as determined by this test method is used for
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
calculating other analytical results to a moisture free basis
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
using procedures in Practice D3180. Moisture percent deter-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
mined by this test method may be used in conjunction with the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
air-dry moisture loss determined in Method D2013 and Test
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Method D3302 to determine total moisture in coal. Total
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
moisture is used for calculating other analytical results to “as
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
received” basis using Practice D3180. Moisture, ash, volatile
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
matter, and fixed carbon percents constitute the proximate
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
analysis of coal and coke.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Analysis Sample
6.1 The analysis sample is that sample which has been
2. Referenced Documents
pulverized to pass 250-µm (No. 60) sieve as prepared in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
accordance with Practice D346 or Method D2013.
D121Terminology of Coal and Coke
D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke
7. Apparatus
Samples for Laboratory Analysis
7.1 Drying Oven, for coal samples:
D2013Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
7.1.1 Fordeterminingthemoistureofcoal,theovenshallbe
D3180Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses
so constructed as to have a uniform temperature in all parts,
from As-Determined to Different Bases
have a minimum of air space, and be capable of temperature
regulation between the limits of 104 and 110°C. It may be of
theformshowninFig.1.Provisionshallbemadeforrenewing
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal
the preheated air in the oven at the rate of two to four times a
and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.21 on Methods of
Analysis.
minute, with the air dried as defined in 8.1.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally
7.1.2 In the oven shown in Fig. 1, the door should contain a
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D3173/D3173M–17.
hole of approximately 3.2 mm [ ⁄8 in.] in diameter near the
DOI: 10.1520/D3173_D3173M-17a.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or bottom to permit a free flow of air through the oven space.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.2 Drying Oven, for coke samples. For determining the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. moisture of coke, an ordinary drying oven with openings for
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3173/D3173M − 17a
8.2 Desiccants—Anydesiccantordryingmethodcapableof
achieving this degree of dryness as defined in 8.1 is suitable.
8.2.1 The desiccant must be kept fresh enough to assure
that the air in the desiccator is dry as defined in 8.1.
9. Procedure for Sample Passing a 250-µm (No. 60) Sieve
9.1 Heat the empty capsules under the conditions at which
the sample is to be dried, place the stopper or cover on the
capsule,cooloveradesiccantfor15to30min,andweigh.Dip
out with a spoon or spatula from the sample bottle approxi-
mately1gofthe sample. Put this quickly into the capsule,
close, and weigh at once to the nearest 60.1 mg.
9.2 Analternativeprocedureforweighingthesample(more
subject to error) is as follows:After transferring an amount of
the sample slightly in excess of 1 g, bring to exactly1gin
weight (60.5 mg) by quickly removing the excess weight of
thesamplewithaspatula.Theutmostdispatchmustbeusedto
minimize the exposure of the sample until the weight is
determined.
9.3 Afterremovingthecovers,quicklyplacethecapsulesin
a preheated oven (at 104 to 110°C) through which passes a
NOTE 1—Details in U.S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 492, 1951, p 6.
current of dry air. (The current of dry air is not necessary for
FIG. 1 Moisture Oven
coke.) Close the oven at once and heat for 1 h. Open the oven,
cover the capsules quickly, cool in a desiccator over desiccant,
andweighassoonasthecapsuleshavereachedroomtempera-
natural air circulation and capable of temperature regulation
ture.
between limits of 104 and 110°C may be used.
9.4 Use the percentage of moisture in the sample passing a
7.3 Capsules,withcovers.Aconvenientform,whichallows
250-µm (No. 60) sieve to calculate the results of the other
the ash determination to be made on the same sample, is a
analyses to a dry basis.
7 3
porcelain capsule, 22 mm [ ⁄8 in.] in depth and 44 mm [1 ⁄4 in.]
in diameter, or a fused silica capsule of similar shape. These
10. Calculations
capsules shall be used with a well-fitting flat aluminum cover,
10.1 Calculate the percent moisture in the analysis sample
illustrated in Fig. 2. Platinum crucibles or glass capsules with
as follows:
ground-glasscapsmayalsobeused.Theyshouldbeasshallow
Moistureinanalysissample,% 5 @~A 2 B!/A# 3100 (1)
as possible, consistent with convenient handling.
where:
7.4 Balance, sensitive to 0.1 mg.
A = grams of sample used and
8. Reagents
B = grams of sample after heating.
8.1 Dry Air—Air used to purge the drying oven should be
11. Precision and Bias
dried to a moisture content of 1.9 mg/L or less. (Dew
11.1 Precision—The precision of
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3173/D3173M − 17 D3173/D3173M − 17a
Standard Test Method for
Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3173/D3173M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of moisture in the analysis sample of coal or coke. It is used for calculating other
analytical results to a dry basis. When used in conjunction with the air drying loss as determined in accordance with Method D2013
or Practice D346, each analytical result can be calculated to an as-received basis:
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 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.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
D3180 Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
D3302 Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For additional definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D121.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Moisture is determined by establishing the loss in weight of the sample when heated under rigidly controlled conditions of
temperature, time and atmosphere, sample weight, and equipment specifications.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Moisture as determined by this test method is used for calculating other analytical results to a moisture free basis using
procedures in Practice D3180. Moisture percent determined by this test method may be used in conjunction with the air-dry
moisture loss determined in Method D2013 and Test Method D3302 to determine total moisture in coal. Total moisture is used for
calculating other analytical results to “as received” basis using Practice D3180. Moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon
percents constitute the proximate analysis of coal and coke.
6. Analysis Sample
6.1 The analysis sample is that sample which has been pulverized to pass 250-μm (No. 60) sieve as prepared in accordance with
Practice D346 or Method D2013.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.21 on Methods of Analysis.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2017Aug. 1, 2017. Published February 2017August 2017. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved 2011 in 2017 as
D3173 – 11.D3173/D3173M – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D3173_D3173M-17.10.1520/D3173_D3173M-17a.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3173/D3173M − 17a
7. Apparatus
7.1 Drying Oven, for coal samples:
7.1.1 For determining the moisture of coal, the oven shall be so constructed as to have a uniform temperature in all parts, have
a minimum of air space, and be capable of temperature regulation between the limits of 104 and 110°C. It may be of the form
shown in Fig. 1. Provision shall be made for renewing the preheated air in the oven at the rate of two to four times a minute, with
the air dried as defined in 8.1.
7.1.2 In the oven shown in Fig. 1, the door should contain a hole of approximately 3.2 mm [ ⁄8 in.] in diameter near the bottom
to permit a free flow of air through the oven space.
7.2 Drying Oven, for coke samples. For determining the moisture of coke, an ordinary drying oven with openings for natural
air circulation and capable of temperature regulation between limits of 104 and 110°C may be used.
7.3 Capsules, with covers. A convenient form, which allows the ash determination to be made on the same sample, is a porcelain
7 3
capsule, 22 mm [ ⁄8 in.] in depth and 44 mm [1 ⁄4 in.] in diameter, or a fused silica capsule of similar shape. These capsules shall
be used with a well-fitting flat aluminum cover, illustrated in Fig. 2. Platinum crucibles or glass capsules with ground-glass caps
may also be used. They should be as shallow as possible, consistent with convenient handling.
7.4 Balance, sensitive to 0.1 mg.
8. Reagents
8.1 Dry Air—Air used to purge the drying oven should be dried to a moisture content of 1.9 mg/L or less. (Dew point − 10°C
or less.) Any desiccant or drying method capable of achieving this degree of dryness is suitable.
NOTE 1—Values in parentheses ( ) are literature values for the residual amount of moisture in air at equilibrium with these desiccants. (Warning:
Sulfuric acid is corrosive and can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, and clothing. Magnesium perchlorate is a strong oxidant and can react violently
with organic materials.): Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate (0.004 mg/L), Silica Gel,Magnesium Perchlorate (0.0005 mg/L), Sulfuric Acid, Concentrated (0.003
mg/L).
8.2 Desiccants—Materials suitable for use in the desiccator may be chosen from the following:Any desiccant or drying method
capable of achieving this degree of dryness as defined in 8.1 is suitable.
8.2.1 Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate (0.004 mg/L).
8.2.2 Silica Gel.
8.2.3 Magnesium Perchlorate (0.0005 mg/L).
8.2.4 Sulfuric Acid, Concentrated (0.003 mg/L).
8.2.1 The desiccant must be kept fresh enough to assure that the air in the desiccator is dry as defined in 8.1. Values in
parentheses ( ) are literature values for the residual amount of moisture in air at equilibrium with these desiccants. (Warning:
Sulfuric acid is corrosive and can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, and clothing. Magnesium perchlorate is a strong oxidant and
can react violently with organic materials.)
NOTE 1—Details in U.S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin No. 492, 1951, p 6.
FIG. 1 Moisture Oven
D3173/D3173M − 17a
FIG. 2 Capsule for Use in Determining Moisture
9. Procedure for Sample Passing a 250-μm (No. 60) Sieve
9.1 Heat the empty capsules under the conditions at which the sample is to be dried, place the stopper or cover on the capsule,
cool over a desiccant for 15 to 30 min, and weigh. Dip out with a spoon or spatula from the sample bottle approximately 1 g of
the sample. Put this quickly into the capsule, close, and weigh at once to the nearest 60.1 mg.
9.2 An alternative procedure for weighing the sample (more subject to error) is as follows: After transferring an amount of the
sample slightly in excess of 1 g, bring to exactly 1 g in weight (60.5 mg) by quickly removing the excess weight of the sample
with a spatula. The utmost dispatch must be used to minimize the exposure of the sample until the weight is determined.
9.3
...