ASTM D4596-22

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A properly collected face channel 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. Channel 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 D388, 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 channel samples is dependent on the number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal characteristics in a given area.
Note 2: Sampling of the mine product for these purposes is unsatisfactory because of contamination of the product with out-of-seam material, selective mining of parts of a seam, inability to obtain samples from one or more specific locations in the mine, or other incompatibility of the purpose of sampling with the mining practice. Conversely, channel samples should not be used for evaluation of the quality of commercial shipments of the mine product, which should be sampled in accordance with Methods D2234/D2234M.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting a coal sample from a channel extending from top to bottom in the face of a coal seam in a mine.  
1.2 Units—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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary information, see Note 2.  
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: 14-May-2022
• ICS: 73.040 - Coals
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.23 - Sampling

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D121-15(2024) - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D2234/D2234M-19 - Standard Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D388-19 - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM D388-18a - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D388-18 - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM D388-17a - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2234/D2234M-17 - Standard Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM D388-17 - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2234/D2234M-16 - Standard Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2016
• Refers: ASTM D121-15 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D388-15 - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 15-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4371-06(2012) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Washability Characteristics of Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM D388-12 - Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D2234/D2234M-10 - Standard Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2234/D2234M-09a - Standard Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009

Overview

ASTM D4596-22 is the internationally recognized standard practice for the collection of channel samples of coal in a mine. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines procedures to ensure that coal samples taken from the face of a coal seam accurately represent the composition and quality of the coal bed at the point of sampling. Channel sampling is a vital process in coal mining, geology, and commercial evaluation, providing key information for coal characterization, quality control, mining planning, and resource studies.

Key Topics

• Representative Sampling: The standard details methods for collecting face channel samples from unweathered coal seams. Such samples are designed to be representative cross-sections of coal beds, critical for evaluating coal quality.
• Sampling Equipment and Preparation: It specifies the required equipment, such as measuring tapes, miner’s picks, airtight containers, and sample tags, ensuring standardized and reliable sample collection.
• Sample Integrity: Guidelines are provided to avoid including weathered coal, which may display altered moisture, composition, and calorific values, leading to unrepresentative results.
• Planning and Site Selection: Recommendations include consideration of geologic, topographic, and ownership factors to identify optimal sampling locations.
• Safety Considerations: Users are reminded to address safety, health, and environmental issues, including precautions against falling rock and ensuring proper handling and containment of samples.
• Sampling Methodology: The procedure requires cleaning and preparing the coal face, marking and cutting the channel to specified dimensions, and immediately transferring samples to suitable containers to retain inherent moisture.

Applications

Channel sampling of coal serves multiple purposes in the mining and energy industries:

• Quality Assessment: Provides essential data for commercial coal quality evaluations, ensuring that mining operations consistently meet product specifications.
• Mining Operations Planning: Supports mine planning decisions, such as maintaining product quality or determining the most economically viable mining strategy.
• Coal Rank Determination: Used for rank classification of coal in accordance with ASTM D388, facilitating correct usage and marketing of coal resources.
• Geologic Resource Studies: Supports geologic characterization and reserves assessments, forming part of broader resource management and exploration programs.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensures that sampling methods adhere to recognized standards, supporting regulatory and contractual requirements.

It is important to note that channel samples, as defined in ASTM D4596-22, are not recommended for evaluation of commercial shipments, as mine product sampling requires alternative approaches (see ASTM D2234/D2234M).

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced or related to ASTM D4596-22 to ensure consistent and comprehensive sampling and analysis practices:

• ASTM D388 - Classification of Coals by Rank
• ASTM D2234/D2234M - Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
• ASTM D5192 - Practice for Collection of Coal Samples from Core
• ASTM D121 - Terminology of Coal and Coke
• ASTM D4371 - Test Method for Determining Washability Characteristics of Coal

These standards together provide a robust framework for sampling, classifying, and evaluating coal for industrial, commercial, and scientific applications.

Keywords: ASTM D4596-22, channel sampling, coal sampling, mine sampling, coal quality, coal bed, representative samples, coal analysis, coal resource assessment, ASTM standards, coal rank, sample collection, mining operations, geologic studies.

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: D4596 − 22
Standard Practice for
Collection of Channel Samples of Coal in a Mine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4596; 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 3. Summary of Practice
1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting a coal 3.1 At selected sites in the mine, the face of the seam is
samplefromachannelextendingfromtoptobottomintheface cleaned of weathered coal and debris and the face is evened.A
of a coal seam in a mine. channel of uniform horizontal cross section is cut from the coal
seam and the coal therefrom is collected for analysis and
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
testing.
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 A properly collected face channel sample that includes
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the total coal bed interval provides a sample that is a repre-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sentative cross section of the coal bed at the point of sampling.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Channel samples are taken for subsequent testing needed for
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
evaluation of coal quality and characterization for commercial
For specific precautionary information, see Note 2.
evaluations, for planning of mining operations to maintain coal
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
quality, for the determination of coal rank in accordance with
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Classification D388, and for geologic coal resource studies.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 1—Because of the potential for lateral variability, a sample may
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
not represent the quality of the coal bed at another sample point. The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
reliability of the data generated from channel samples is dependent on the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal
characteristics in a given area.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 2—Sampling of the mine product for these purposes is unsatis-
factory because of contamination of the product with out-of-seam
2.1 ASTM Standards:
material, selective mining of parts of a seam, inability to obtain samples
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
from one or more specific locations in the mine, or other incompatibility
D388 Classification of Coals by Rank
of the purpose of sampling with the mining practice. Conversely, channel
samples should not be used for evaluation of the quality of commercial
D5192 Practice for Collection of Coal Samples from Core
shipments of the mine product, which should be sampled in accordance
D2234/D2234M Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample
with Methods D2234/D2234M.
of Coal
D2796 Terminology for Megascopic Description of Coal
5. Apparatus
and Coal Seams and Microscopical Description and
3 5.1 Steel Measuring Tape, not less than3m(8ft) long.
Analysis of Coal (Withdrawn 1995)
D4371 Test Method for Determining the Washability Char- 5.2 Miner’s Pick or Similar Tool, with file for sharpening.
Other devices may be used such as a pneumatically operated
acteristics of Coal
chain saw with tungsten carbide teeth.
5.3 Brush or Broom, for removing loose particles on the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and
coal face.
Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.23 on Sampling.
5.4 Chalk.
Current edition approved May 15, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4596 – 09(2015).
5.5 Sample Containers With Closures—Ifthesampleistobe
DOI: 10.1520/D4596-22.
used for determination of inherent moisture, the container shall
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
be such that less than 0.05 % of the sample weight is lost
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
between the time of sealing the container with sample and the
the ASTM website.
time of opening for preparation of the sample for analysis.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. Steelairtightcontainerswithpolyethylenebaglinershavebeen
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4596 − 22
found to be satisfactory for this purpose. For other purposes, ment of inherent moisture. Slower disappearance (taking per-
bags made of a strong cloth and lined with a polyethylene bag haps a minute or more) is characteristic of evaporation and
may be suitable. suggests that the pores are filled with moisture. To account for
variations in field conditions such as temperature, humidity,
5.6 Ground Cloth—Canvas tarpaulin or heavy-duty plastic
different absorption rates by different coals, and so forth, the
sheet about 3 m by 3 m (10 ft by 10 ft). If the purpose of
test is applied to a number of coal pieces both before and
sampling includes the determination of inherent moisture, the
during the sample collection process.
sheet shall be of low water solubility and permeability, such as
polyethylene or oilcloth. 6.3 Sampling Plan for Classification According to Rank:
6.3.1 Aminimum of three, but preferably five or more, face
5.7 Tags and Pen,for sample identification and for marking.
channel samples are required to characterize the rank of the
5.8 Shovel.
coal in a given area in accordance with Classification D388.
5.9 Notebook and Pencil,orothermeansforrecordkeeping. Face channel samples containing weathered coal are unsuitable
for the determination of standard rank.
6. Planning of Sampling
6.3.2 The channel size shall be at least 8 cm (3 in.) deep and
10 cm (4 in.) wide, and shall yield at least 3 kg (6 lb) of coal
6.1 The objective of face channel sampling is to collect
for each foot of thickness of coal seam.
representative samples from a fresh, unweathered coal seam at
6.3.3 All roof and floor rock, mineral partings more than
each point of sampling for subsequent testing needed for the
evaluation of coal quantity and quality for commercial evalu- 1cm( ⁄8 in.) thick, and mineralized lenses or concretions (such
1 1
as sulfur balls) more than 1 ⁄4 cm ( ⁄2 in.) thick and 5 cm (2 in.)
ations. Obtain information such as geologic, topographic, and
land ownership to locate suitable sites for face channel wide shall be excluded from the sample.
sampling. Choose sites that will best satisfy the specific
6.4 Sampling for Other Purposes—Variationsinthepurpose
purpose of sampling.
of samp
...

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: D4596 − 09 (Reapproved 2015) D4596 − 22
Standard Practice for
Collection of Channel Samples of Coal in a Mine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4596; 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
1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting a coal sample from a channel extending from top to bottom in the face of
a coal seam in a mine.
1.2 Units—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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary information, see Note 2.
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
D388 Classification of Coals by Rank
D5192 Practice for Collection of Coal Samples from Core
D2234/D2234M Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal
D2796 Terminology for Megascopic Description of Coal and Coal Seams and Microscopical Description and Analysis of Coal
(Withdrawn 1995)
D4371 Test Method for Determining the Washability Characteristics of Coal
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 At selected sites in the mine, the face of the seam is cleaned of weathered coal and debris and the face is evened. A channel
of uniform horizontal cross section is cut from the coal seam and the coal therefrom is collected for analysis and testing.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 A properly collected face channel sample that includes the total coal bed interval provides a sample that is a representative
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.23 on Sampling.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015May 15, 2022. Published September 2015June 2022. Originally published approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in
20092015 as D4596 – 09.D4596 – 09(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D4596-09R15.10.1520/D4596-22.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4596 − 22
cross section of the coal bed at the point of sampling. Channel 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 D388, 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 channel samples is dependent on the number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal characteristics
in a given area.
NOTE 2—Sampling of the mine product for these purposes is unsatisfactory because of contamination of the product with out-of-seam material, selective
mining of parts of a seam, inability to obtain samples from one or more specific locations in the mine, or other incompatibility of the purpose of sampling
with the mining practice. Conversely, channel samples should not be used for evaluation of the quality of commercial shipments of the mine product,
which should be sampled in accordance with Methods D2234/D2234M.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Steel Measuring Tape, not less than 3 m (8 ft) long.
5.2 Miner’s Pick or Similar Tool, with file for sharpening. Other devices may be used such as a pneumatically operated chain saw
with tungsten carbide teeth.
5.3 Brush or Broom, for removing loose particles on the coal face.
5.4 Chalk.
5.5 Sample Containers With Closures—If the sample is to be used for determination of inherent moisture, the container shall be
such that less than 0.05 % of the sample weight is lost between the time of sealing the container with sample and the time of
opening for preparation of the sample for analysis. Steel airtight containers with polyethylene bag liners have been found to be
satisfactory for this purpose. For other purposes, bags made of a strong cloth and lined with a polyethylene bag may be suitable.
5.6 Ground Cloth—Canvas tarpaulin or heavy-duty plastic sheet about 33 m by 3 m (10(10 ft by 10 ft). If the purpose of sampling
includes the determination of inherent moisture, the sheet shall be of low water solubility and permeability, such as polyethylene
or oilcloth.
5.7 Tags and Pen, for sample identification and for marking.
5.8 Shovel.
5.9 Notebook and Pencil, or other means for record keeping.
6. Planning of Sampling
6.1 The objective of face channel sampling is to collect representative samples from a fresh, unweathered coal seam at each point
of sampling for subsequent testing needed for the evaluation of coal quantity and quality for commercial evaluations. Obtain
information such as geologic, topographic, and land ownership to locate suitable sites for face channel sampling. Choose sites that
will best satisfy the specific purpose of sampling.
NOTE 3—Although ASTM Manual 11 was developed specifically for guidance in core sampling (Practice D5192), many topics in that Manual are
common to face channel sampling. The planning, sample compositing, and other related issues in Manual 11 may be helpful in developing successful
face channel sampling programs.
6.2 Considerations regarding weathered coal and inherent moisture:Regarding Weathered Coal and Inherent Moisture:
Weathered coal is unsuitable for inclusion in channel samples collected to secure fresh and unaltered material. Weathered coal
typically contains anomalously low total moisture, yields low calorific value (dry and moisture-and-ash-free basis), and also
Manual on Drilling, Sampling, and Analysis of Coal, ASTM MNL 11, ASTM, 1992.
D4596 − 22
produces atypical results for other tests. It does not reflect unaltered in-situ coal properties, cannot be used for classification
according to rank, and does not give accurate estimates of typical as-mined moisture.
6.2.1 Weathered coal is unsuitable for inclusion in channel samples collected to secure fresh and unaltered material. Obvious
indications of weathering include, but are not limited to: ((1)1) any discoloration of or staining on broken coal surfaces or cleats,
((2)2) presence of sulfate minerals resulting from oxidation of pyrite, ((3)3) presence of gypsum (calcium sulfate) crystals, and
((4)4) presence of dust, fine cracked and crazed coal surfaces, or a(5) blocky, fragmented condition of the coal blocks resulting
from loss of inherent moisture.
6.2.2 Weathered coal typically contains anomalously low total moisture, yields low calorific value (as-received, dry and
moisture-and-ash-free basis), and also produces atypical results for other tests. Additionally, weathered coal cannot be used for
classification according to rank. Sampling to different depths and testing of the properties may be required to establish the
...