ASTM D6347/D6347M-05(2018)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of Bulk Density of Coal Using Nuclear Backscatter Depth Density Methods
Standard Test Method for Determination of Bulk Density of Coal Using Nuclear Backscatter Depth Density Methods
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The measured mean bulk density of a coal stockpile is used with a measurement of the stockpile volume per Test Method D6172. Procedures to determine the quantity of stockpiled coal. This measure of quantity is often used as a reference value for adjusting inventory records.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the bulk density of coal using instrumentation that measures the relative backscatter of nuclear gamma radiation throughout the depth of the stockpile under test.
1.2 This procedure is applicable to all ranks of coal.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4 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. The equipment uses radioactive materials, which may be hazardous to the health of users, unless proper precautions are taken.
1.5 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
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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: D6347/D6347M − 05 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Bulk Density of Coal Using Nuclear
Backscatter Depth Density Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6347/D6347M; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Data obtained from the density of coal stockpiles is combined with volume determinations perTest
Method D6172 to complete the physical inventory of total tons. The book inventory is compared to
thephysicalinventoryfordeterminingtheaccumulationofmeasurementdifferencethathaveoccurred
since the last physical inventory.
Since the physical inventory is the reference value used to compare and adjust the book inventory,
it is important that the standard methods for conducting the density and volume measurements
introduce the least possible error. Close adherence to the details of the procedures described in this
standard is a prerequisite to the objective of this test method.
This standard test method for determination of bulk density of stockpiled coal is used for all ranks
of coal. Proper density determination involves an understanding of the physical characteristics of the
coal types and the stockpiling facilities.
1. Scope The equipment uses radioactive materials, which may be
hazardous to the health of users, unless proper precautions are
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the
taken.
bulk density of coal using instrumentation that measures the
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
relative backscatter of nuclear gamma radiation throughout the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
depth of the stockpile under test.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 This procedure is applicable to all ranks of coal.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
2. Referenced Documents
used independently of the other, and values from the two
2.1 ASTM Standards:
systems shall not be combined.
D1586TestMethodforStandardPenetrationTest(SPT)and
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D6172Test Method for Determining the Volume of Bulk
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Materials Using Contours or Cross Sections Created by
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
DirectOperatorCompilationUsingPhotogrammetricPro-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cedures
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal
and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.07 on Physical
Characteristics of Coal. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6347/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D6347M–05(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D6347_D6347M-05R18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6347/D6347M − 05 (2018)
2.2 NIST Standard: densityusingacalibrationcurve.Themeanbulkdensityofthe
National Institute for Standards and Technology Handbook stockpile is estimated using the test count reading and calibra-
44, Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Re- tion data.
quirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices
4.2 The procedures appear in the following order:
2.3 ASME Standard:
Procedures Section
ASME Pipe Codes
Preparation of Sampling Plan 8
2.4 Code of Federal Regulations:
Standardization of Nuclear Depth Density Gauge 9
Title 10,Parts 19 and 20
Field standardization 9.1
Title 49 Stockpile Penetration and Access Procedures 10
Standardize the nuclear depth probe 10.1
Penetrate the stockpile 10.2
3. Terminology
Measure and record depth 10.3
Place access stabilization and sample collection device 10.4
3.1 Definitions of Terms:
Taking replicate test counts 10.5
3.1.1 access hole—used loosely in this standard to denote
Procedure A—split-barrel sampler/large auger procedure 10.6
Procedure B—small auger procedure 10.7
the opening made into the stockpile for insertion of the probe
Procedure C—hydraulic access procedure 10.8
access tube.
Field Calibration of Nuclear Depth Density Gauge 11
Influence of elemental composition on nuclear depth density probe 11.1
3.1.2 counting period—the period of time, set using the
Perform calibration procedures on-site 11.2
scaler time switch, during which the readout device accumu-
Minimum eight calibration vessels 11.3
lates pulses.
Weight and record empty calibration vessel weight 11.4
Compact coal in calibration vessel 11.5
3.1.3 penetration—inserting the probe access tube in a
Weigh and record compacted coal in calibration vessel 11.6
selected position for collecting test count readings. Penetrate compacted coal in calibration vessel 11.7
Minimum number of replicate test counts 11.8
3.1.4 reference standard count—a series of 30 consecutive
Conduct a uniform compaction check 11.9
standard counts, taken on the occasions specified in 9.1.5. Data for establishing calibration curve (Annex A3) 11.10
Develop calibration curve (Annex A3) 11.11
3.1.5 stability check standard count—a series of five con-
Separate calibration curve for each access method 11.12
secutive standard counts, taken on the occasions specified in Interpretation of Results 12
Report 13
9.1.6.
3.1.6 standard count—a test count taken with the probe
5. Significance and Use
positioned inside the shield and standard assembly.
5.1 The measured mean bulk density of a coal stockpile is
3.1.7 test counts—the recording of pulses accumulated by
used with a measurement of the stockpile volume per Test
the readout device during a counting period. The test count is
Method D6172. Procedures to determine the quantity of
initiated by pushing a start button located on the scaler, which
stockpiled coal. This measure of quantity is often used as a
resets the accumulator and starts a new counting period.
reference value for adjusting inventory records.
3.1.8 vertical interval—the vertical interval moved by the
test probe when repositioned from one vertical position to the
6. Apparatus
next test vertical position in the same access hole. For this test
6.1 Field-test location preparation equipment consisting of:
method, a vertical interval is equal to 30 in. [76 cm].
6.1.1 Drilling Rig—mobile equipment capable of boring,
3.1.9 vertical position—the position of the probe where a
driving, or hydraulically forcing, on its own power, access
test count reading is taken, measured from a reference eleva-
holes through the entire depth of the stockpile.
tion.
6.1.2 Access Tube—hollow tubing with an inside diameter
4. Summary of Test Method allowing clearance between 0.035 in. [0.90 mm] and 0.060 in.
[1.50 mm] for the nuclear depth probe to be positioned at
4.1 The area of the stockpile accessible for stockpile pen-
specified vertical intervals. The tubing shall be sufficiently
etration is first identified. An access (sampling) plan for the
durable to withstand the applied forces of insertion into the
accessible area is determined, and the depth of the stockpile is
access hole. The inside diameter of the access tube shall
accessed at locations within the area according to plan. The
provideasmoothpathwithanannularspaceandwallthickness
probe is used to obtain test count readings at vertical intervals
sufficient that there is no deformation of shape under normal
withineachaccesshole.Testcountreadingsofcompactedcoal
use. ASME Schedule 80 thickness PVC pipe is the most
in field calibration vessels are taken using coal from the
commonly used access tube material. Other materials may be
stockpile so as to convert stockpile test count readings to bulk
used, but their use may require a different tube wall thickness
or a different counting period, or both, to obtain an equivalent
test count.
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
6.1.3 Small Auger—a boring apparatus with connecting
Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
sections used to provide an access hole the entire depth of the
International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
stockpile.Theoutsidediameteroftheaugerissizedtoproduce
www.asme.org.
an access hole with a diameter equal to the outside diameter of
Available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
Documents, Washington, DC 20402. the access tube. To obtain reliable test count readings, it is
D6347/D6347M − 05 (2018)
essentialthattheaccesstubefitsnuglyintotheaccessholewith 6.2.3 Field Calibration Coal Retrieval Auger—an auger,
noemptyspacesatthejunctionbetweenthecoalandtheaccess withaminimumoutsidediameterof2.5timesoftopsizeofthe
tube. coal, used to collect calibration coal from the stockpile.
6.2.4 Field Compaction Hammer Assembly—an apparatus
6.1.4 Split-Barrel Sampler—a hollow device with a cutting
for compacting the coal uniformly in the calibration vessel to
edge, which, when driven into coal, can be extracted and leave
the required range of densities. Manual devices are not
an access hole. Drill rod extensions provide for sampling the
recommended for compaction.
entire depth of the stockpile.
6.2.5 Field Calibration Scale—a weighing device meeting
6.1.5 Hollow Stem Auger—an auger with a hollow central
National Institute for Standards andTechnology Handbook 44,
shaft having an inside diameter larger than the access tube.
Type II requirements. The weighing device shall have the
This auger is used in the split-barrel access technique to
capacityofweighingthecalibrationvesselemptyorfilledwith
continue the access hole through previously tested depths of
coal in a single weighment. The weighing device shall be
the stockpile.
certified accurate to 60.1% of applied load and calibrated
6.1.6 Nuclear Depth Density Probe—The device required
semiannually. Provide a certificate of calibration in accordance
for collecting the test count readings from the stockpile. It is
with 13.1.12.
equipped with the following components:
6.2.6 Access Stabilization/Sample Collection Device—a
6.1.7 Gamma Source—an encapsulated and sealed radioac-
sample collection pan with an opening placed over the top of
tive source that meets the specific form requirements of Title
the calibration vessel to restrict the lateral movement of the
49oftheCodeofFederalRegulations.ACesium137,nominal
access equipment.
8-milli-curie source is used.
6.1.8 Gamma Detector—a Geiger-Mueller tube housed in
7. Precautions
the probe is an unlimited life, metal wall gamma detector. A
preampliferisincludedtoamplifyandsendtheelectricalsignal 7.1 Operatorsoftheequipmentshallobtainalicenseforthe
to the readout device or scaler. use of the equipment from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
commission or state regulatory agencies, or both.The operator
6.1.9 Shield and Standard—an assembly, which protects the
takes proper precautions to ensure that the use of this equip-
probefrommechanicaldamage,providesthenecessaryshield-
ment complies with applicable sections of Title 10, Code of
ing of the radioactive source when not in use and provides a
Federal Regulations, Parts 19 and 20.
means to obtain repeatable reference and stability check
standard counts.
7.2 Backfill the access holes to lessen the risk of stockpile
6.1.10 Read-Out Device—a scaler with a resolution and
spontaneous combustion.
range to display counts over the density for which the
apparatus will be used. The scaler contains other electronic
8. Preparation of Sampling Plan
components and an electrical power supply. Units with a
8.1 Useexperiencedpersonnelfamiliarwithstockpilingand
maximum error of timing 60.005 and 60.002% stability.
reclaiming procedures used at the location. Determine the
6.1.11 Electrical Cable—toconnecttheprobetothereadout
surface area and the nominal depth of the stockpile to be
device. The cable shall be of sufficient length to allow test
sampled.Prepareadrawingthatclearlyidentifiesareasthatare
counts to be taken the entire depth of coal being tested.
not accessible for penetration or else not intended for access,
6.1.12 Transport Case—a sampling case used for storing
such as areas covering underground hoppers and reclaiming
and transporting the nuclear depth probe. The transport case
facilities, or heavily compacted haul roads.
shall be constructed and labeled to meet the U.S. Department
8.1.1 It is good practice to use laboratory analysis from
of Transportation requirements in Title 49 of the Code of
samples collected at each vertical test interval to identify
Federal Regulations.
foreign material from the base of the stockpile and to convert
bulk density to other than in-situ moisture basis.
6.2 Field Calibration Equipment:
8.1.2 Determine the number (n) of test counts required to
6.2.1 Field Calibration Vessel—a vessel with a minimum
represent the stockpile. For stockpiles with a prior history of
inside diameter of 23 in. [58 cm] and a minimum inside height
density testing, this data will prove helpful in making this
of 32 in. [81 cm]. The volume of the vessel is measured and
determination. If no prior history is available, it is recom-
certified semiannually using the temperature-corrected water
mended that a minimum of 100 test counts and a minimum of
method. A weighing device that has been certified as accurate
8 access holes be used to represent the stockpile.
by a metrology laboratory determines certification weights. A
certificate of calibration is provided in accordance with
NOTE 1—The minimum test counts designated for stockpiles with no
13.1.12.The vessel can be made of metal or polymer material,
his
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