ASTM D5671-95(2005)

Standard Practice for Polishing and Etching Coal Samples for Microscopical Analysis by Reflected Light

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Components observable in surfaces of coal samples prepared in accordance with the laboratory procedures of this practice will have differential relief that will aid in their maceral identification by visual classification and enables identification of plant parts or tissues that formed the coal.
Samples prepared by this practice can be used for microscopical determination of the volume percent of physical components of coal in accordance with Test Method D 2799.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers laboratory procedures for preparing an etched, polished surface of granular and block samples of coal for examination with a microscope using reflected light illumination.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units shall be considered as 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Sep-2005
• ICS: 73.040 - Coals
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.28 - Petrographic Analysis of Coal and Coke

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5671 – 95 (Reapproved 2005)
Standard Practice for
Polishing and Etching Coal Samples for Microscopical
1
Analysis by Reflected Light
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5671; 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 Practice D2797 or a block of coal obtained in accordance with
Practice D5192 is polished to a flat, scratch-free surface, the
1.1 This practice covers laboratory procedures for preparing
reflectance of vitrinite is determined on a subsplit in accor-
an etched, polished surface of granular and block samples of
dance with Test Method D2798, and then other subsplits are
coal for examination with a microscope using reflected light
chemically etched using an acidified potassium permanganate
illumination.
solution.
1.2 The values stated in SI units shall be considered as
standard.
5. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 Components observable in surfaces of coal samples
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
prepared in accordance with the laboratory procedures of this
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
practice will have differential relief that will aid in their
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
maceral identification by visual classification and enables
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
identification of plant parts or tissues that formed the coal.
2. Referenced Documents 5.2 Samples prepared by this practice can be used for
2
microscopical determination of the volume percent of physical
2.1 ASTM Standards:
components of coal in accordance with Test Method D2799.
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
D2797 PracticeforPreparingCoalSamplesforMicroscopi-
6. Apparatus
cal Analysis by Reflected Light
6.1 Ultrasonic Cleaner—large enough for sample holder
D2798 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the
and sample preparations to be immersed in cleaning solution.
Vitrinite Reflectance of Coal
6.2 Beakers—glass beakers, 50, 100, and 500 ml capacity,
D2799 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the
one each for each etching setup.
Maceral Composition of Coal
6.3 Stirring Rods—glass, approximately 20 cm long.
D4596 Practice for Collection of Channel Samples of Coal
6.4 Hot Plate—electric or gas-heated with capability for
in a Mine
temperature control and rotating stirring magnets.
D5192 Practice for Collection of Coal Samples from Core
6.5 Watch Glasses—glass, 100–200 mm in diameter de-
3. Terminology pending on size of specimen blocks to be etched.
6.6 Graduated Cylinders—glass, 25 and 100 ml.
3.1 Terminology used in this standard can be found in
6.7 Grinding and Polishing Equipment—one or several laps
Terminology D121.
on which the coal briquets or blocks can be ground and
4. Summary of Practice polished to a flat, scratch-free surface. Laps may be made of
aluminum, iron, brass, or bronze.
4.1 Asubsplit of a representative sample obtained in accor-
dance with Practice D4596 and prepared in accordance with
7. Reagents
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.28 on Petrographic
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
Analysis of Coal and Coke.
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2005. Published October 2005. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D5671 - 95(2001).
DOI: 10.1520/D5671-95R05.
2
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5671 – 95 (2005)
3
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, 9. Sample Preparation
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
9.1 Coal Briquets:
highpuritytopermititsusewithoutlesseningthequalityofthe
9.1.1 Prepare granular samples as briquets in accordance
etch.
with Practice D2797.
7.2 Potassium Permanganate (KMnO ), crystals.
4
9.2 Coal Blocks:
7.3 Sodium Sulfite (Na SO ), anhydrous, granular.
2 3
7.4 Sulfuric Acid (H SO ), 47 % H SO .
9.2.1 Obtain speci
...