ASTM D6347/D6347M-05(2010)
(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
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 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.
1.4 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 and health 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.
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Designation: D6347/D6347M − 05 (Reapproved 2010)
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 radioactive materials, which may be hazardous to the health of
users, unless proper precautions are taken.
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the
bulk density of coal using instrumentation that measures the
2. Referenced Documents
relative backscatter of nuclear gamma radiation throughout the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
depth of the stockpile under test.
D1586Test Method for Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-
1.2 This procedure is applicable to all ranks of coal.
Barrel Sampling of Soils
D6172Test Method for Determining the Volume of Bulk
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in Materials Using Contours or Cross Sections Created by
DirectOperatorCompilationUsingPhotogrammetricPro-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining cedures
2.2 NIST Standard:
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard. National Institute for Standards and Technology Handbook
44, Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Re-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
quirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.3 ASME Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ASME Pipe Codes
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. The equipment uses
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal the ASTM website.
and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.07 on Physical Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
Characteristics of Coal. Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2010. Published January 2011. Originally Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D6347/D6347M–05. International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
DOI: 10.1520/D6347_D6347M-05R10. www.asme.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6347/D6347M − 05 (2010)
2.4 Code of Federal Regulations:
Measure and record depth 10.3
Place access stabilization and sample collection device 10.4
Title 10,Parts 19 and 20
Taking replicate test counts 10.5
Title 49
Procedure A—split-barrel sampler/larger auger 10.6
Procedure B—small auger procedure 10.7
3. Terminology Procedure C—hydraulic access procedure 10.8
Field Calibration of the Nuclear Gauge 11
3.1 Definitions of Terms:
Influence of elemental composition on nuclear depth density probe 11.1
Perform calibration procedures on-site 11.2
3.1.1 counting period—the period of time, set using the
Minimum eight calibration vessels 11.3
scaler time switch, during which the readout device accumu-
Weight and record empty calibration vessel weight 11.4
lates pulses.
Compact coal in calibration vessel 11.5
Weigh and record compacted coal in calibration vessel 11.6
3.1.2 test counts—the recording of pulses accumulated by
Penetrate compacted coal in calibration vessel 11.7
the readout device during a counting period. The test count is
Minimum number of replicate test counts 11.8
Conduct a uniform compaction check 11.9
initiated by pushing a start button located on the scaler, which
Data for establishing calibration curve (Annex A3) 11.10
resets the accumulator and starts a new counting period.
Develop calibration curve (Annex A3) 11.11
Separate calibration curve for each access method 11.12
3.1.3 standard count—a test count taken with the probe
Interpretation of Results 12
positioned inside the shield and standard assembly.
Report 13
3.1.4 reference standard count—a series of 30 consecutive
5. Significance and Use
standard counts, taken on the occasions specified in 9.1.5.
5.1 The measured mean bulk density of a coal stockpile is
3.1.5 stability check standard count—a series of five con-
used with a measurement of the stockpile volume per Test
secutive standard counts, taken on the occasions specified in
Method D6172. Procedures to determine the quantity of
9.1.6.
stockpiled coal. This measure of quantity is often used as a
3.1.6 access hole—used loosely in this standard to denote
reference value for adjusting inventory records.
the opening made into the stockpile for insertion of the probe
access tube.
6. Apparatus
3.1.7 penetration—inserting the probe access tube in a
6.1 Field-test location preparation equipment consisting of:
selected position for collecting test count readings.
6.1.1 Drilling Rig—mobile equipment capable of boring,
driving, or hydraulically forcing, on its own power, access
3.1.8 vertical position—the position of the probe where a
holes through the entire depth of the stockpile.
test count reading is taken, measured from a reference eleva-
6.1.2 Access Tube—hollow tubing with an inside diameter
tion.
allowing clearance between 0.035 in. [0.90 mm] and 0.060 in.
3.1.9 vertical interval—the vertical interval moved by the
[1.50 mm] for the nuclear depth probe to be positioned at
test probe when repositioned from one vertical position to the
specified vertical intervals. The tubing shall be sufficiently
next test vertical position in the same access hole. For this test
durable to withstand the applied forces of insertion into the
method, a vertical interval is equal to 30 in. [76 cm].
access hole. The inside diameter of the access tube shall
provideasmoothpathwithanannularspaceandwallthickness
4. Summary of Test Method
sufficient that there is no deformation of shape under normal
4.1 The area of the stockpile accessible for stockpile pen-
use. ASME Schedule 80 thickness PVC pipe is the most
etration is first identified. An access (sampling) plan for the
commonly used access tube material. Other materials may be
accessible area is determined, and the depth of the stockpile is
used, but their use may require a different tube wall thickness
accessed at locations within the area according to plan. The
or a different counting period, or both, to obtain an equivalent
probe is used to obtain test count readings at vertical intervals
test count.
withineachaccesshole.Testcountreadingsofcompactedcoal
6.1.3 Small Auger—a boring apparatus with connecting
in field calibration vessels are taken using coal from the
sections used to provide an access hole the entire depth of the
stockpile so as to convert stockpile test count readings to bulk
stockpile.Theoutsidediameteroftheaugerissizedtoproduce
densityusingacalibrationcurve.Themeanbulkdensityofthe
an access hole with a diameter equal to the outside diameter of
stockpile is estimated using the test count reading and calibra-
the access tube. To obtain reliable test count readings, it is
tion data.
essentialthattheaccesstubefitsnuglyintotheaccessholewith
4.2 The procedures appear in the following order:
noemptyspacesatthejunctionbetweenthecoalandtheaccess
Procedures Section tube.
6.1.4 Split-Barrel Sampler—a hollow device with a cutting
Preparation of Sampling Plan 8
edge, which, when driven into coal, can be extracted and leave
Standardization of the Nuclear Depth Density Gauge 9
an access hole. Drill rod extensions provide for sampling the
Field standardization 9.1
Stockpile Penetration and Access Procedures 10
entire depth of the stockpile.
Standardize the nuclear depth probe 10.1
6.1.5 Hollow Stem Auger—an auger with a hollow central
Penetrate the stockpile 10.2
shaft having an inside diameter larger than the access tube.
This auger is used in the split-barrel access technique to
continue the access hole through previously tested depths of
Available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
Documents, Washington, DC 20402. the stockpile.
D6347/D6347M − 05 (2010)
6.1.6 Nuclear Depth Density Probe—The device required certified accurate to 60.1% of applied load and calibrated
for collecting the test count readings from the stockpile. It is semiannually. Provide a certificate of calibration in accordance
equipped with the following components: with 13.1.12.
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
6.1.9 Shield and Standard—an assembly, which protects the
commission or state regulatory agencies, or both.The operator
probefrommechanicaldamage,providesthenecessaryshield-
takes proper precautions to ensure that the use of this equip-
ing of the radioactive source when not in use and provides a
ment complies with applicable sections of Title 10, Code of
means to obtain repeatable reference and stability check
Federal Regulations, Parts 19 and 20.
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 the 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
6.2 Field Calibration Equipment:
bulk density to other than in-situ moisture basis.
6.2.1 Field Calibration Vessel—a vessel with a minimum
8.1.2 Determine the number (n) of test counts required to
inside diameter of 23 in. [58 cm] and a minimum inside height
represent the stockpile. For stockpiles with a prior history of
of 32 in. [81 cm]. The volume of the vessel is measured and
density testing, this data will prove helpful in making this
certified semiannually using the temperature-corrected water
determination. If no prior history is available, it is recom-
method. A weighing device that has been certified as accurate
mended that a minimum of 100 test counts and a minimum of
by a metrology laboratory determines certification weights. A
8 access holes be used to represent the stockpile.
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,
history available are based on a standard deviation taken from a Z table.
providedthevesselretainsconstantvolumeduringcompaction
Eight borings were designated to assure reasonable representation of the
and weighing. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion
stockpile.
for polymer material, which can be eleven times greater than
8.1.3 Using the accessible surface area and the nominal
for steel over the same temperature ranges, can result in
depth of the stockpile determine the number of access holes
calibration error.
required to provide the number (n) of test counts selected in
6.2.2 Field Calibration Access Tube—is identical to that
8.1.2, allowing one vertical interval per test count. Divide the
used to access the stockpile and specified in 6.1.2.
accessible area into the same number of grid openings as the
6.2.3 Field Calibration Coal Retrieval Auger—an auger,
number of access holes. The grid openings should represent as
withaminimumoutsidediameterof2.5timesoftopsizeofthe
near equal volume as feasible. The openings need not be
coal, used to collect calibration coal from the stockpile.
identical in shape.
6.2.4 Field Compaction Hammer Assembly—an apparatus 8.1.4 Sele
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