ASTM D5192-09(2015)

Standard Practice for Collection of Coal Samples from Core

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 A properly collected 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. Core 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 core samples is dependent on the number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal characteristics in a given area.  
5.2 Moisture determined directly from a core sample shall be considered questionable in any core sample because of possible contamination from drilling fluids and groundwater. If a more representative estimate of the inherent moisture content of the core sample (with the exception of certain low-rank coals) is desired, the sample should be analyzed according to Test Method D1412.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting and handling a coal sample from a core recovered from a borehole.  
1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2015
• ICS: 73.040 - Coals
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.23 - Sampling

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D5192 − 09 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Practice for
Collection of Coal Samples from Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5192; 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 3.1.3 caves or washouts, n—zones of increased hole diam-
eter caused by rock fragments that fall from the walls of a
1.1 This practice describes procedures for collecting and
borehole and can block the hole or contaminate the cuttings
handling a coal sample from a core recovered from a borehole.
and which erode or abrade the sidewall of the borehole by the
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
action of the drilling. These zones can affect the accuracy of
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
certain geophysical logs (especially density). Corrections to
standard.
other geophysical logs can be made if a caliper log is available.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
The most common causes of caves or washouts include soft or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
fractured lithologies, the presence of water-producing zones,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and the downhole pressure of the drilling medium (fluid or air)
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
thatoftencausesdifferentialerosionofvariousstratawithinthe
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
borehole.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.4 concretion, n—in a geological sense, a mass of min-
2.1 ASTM Standards: eral matter found in rock of a composition different from its
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
own and produced by deposition from aqueous solution in the
D388 Classification of Coals by Rank
rock.
D1412 Test Method for Equilibrium Moisture of Coal at 96
3.1.5 core, n—in drilling, a cylindrical section of rock (coal)
to 97 Percent Relative Humidity and 30 °C
that is usually 5 to 10 cm in diameter, taken as part of the
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
interval penetrated by a core bit and brought to the surface for
D2796 Terminology for Megascopic Description of Coal
geologic examination, representative sampling, and laboratory
and Coal Seams and Microscopical Description and
analyses.
Analysis of Coal (Withdrawn 1995)
D4371 Test Method for Determining the Washability Char-
3.1.6 core barrels, n—two nested tubes above the bit of a
acteristics of Coal
coredrill,theouterrotatingwiththebit,theinnerreceivingand
D4596 Practice for Collection of Channel Samples of Coal
preserving a continuous section or core of the material pen-
in a Mine
etrated.Thefollowingtwotypesofinnerbarrelsarecommonly
used.
3. Terminology
3.1.6.1 split-tube barrel, n—a type of inner barrel consisting
3.1 Definitions:
oftwolongitudinalhalvesofpipeboundtogetherbyreinforced
3.1.1 For additional definitions of terms, refer to Terminol-
tape at intervals along the barrel length that allows easy access
ogy D121.
3.1.2 borehole, n—the circular hole through soil and rock to a relatively intact core (by cutting the tape). (This is the
preferred barrel type for coal exploration, when available.)
strata made by boring.
3.1.6.2 solid-tube barrel, n—a type of inner barrel consist-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and
ing of a single solid-walled length of pipe in which removal of
Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.23 on Sampling.
the core is accomplished by mechanical or hydraulic pressure
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally
at one end of the pipe thus extruding the core onto a core tray.
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D5192 – 09. DOI:
10.1520/D5192-09R15.
(Thecoreislikelytobelessintactthanwhenasplit-tubebarrel
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
is used.)
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
3.1.7 core sample, n—that part of a core of rock or coal
the ASTM website.
3 obtained so as to accurately represent a thickness of a unit
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. penetrating by drilling.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5192 − 09 (2015)
3.1.8 geophysical log, n—a graphic record of the measured 4. Summary of Practice
or computed physical characteristics of the rock section en-
4.1 Atselectedsitesinadepositofcoal,aboreholeisdrilled
countered in a borehole, plotted as a continuous function of
and the core containing the coal and surrounding strata of rock
depth. Measurements are made by a sonde, which contains the
is recovered.
detectors, as it is withdrawn from the borehole by a wire line.
4.2 The coal core is cleaned of drilling fluid, if necessary,
Several measurements are usually made simultaneously, and
properly described, and packaged so that loss of moisture is
the resulting curves are displayed side by side on the common
minimized. From this core, coal and roof and floor material of
depth scale. A common suite of logs used in coal exploration
interest are collected for analysis and testing.
include caliper, density (gamma-gamma), natural gamma, and
resistivity.
5. Significance and Use
3.1.8.1 caliper log, n—a continuous mechanical measure-
5.1 A properly collected sample that includes the total coal
ment of the diameter and thus the rugosity of the borehole.The
tool identifies zones where swelling or cavings (washouts) bed interval provides a sample that is a representative cross
section of the coal bed at the point of sampling. Core samples
have occurred during drilling. The tool’s value is in allowing
qualitative or quantitative corrections to be made to other are taken for subsequent testing needed for evaluation of coal
geophysical logs which are affected by borehole size (espe- quality and characterization for commercial evaluations, for
cially density). planning of mining operations to maintain coal quality, for the
determination of coal rank in accordance with Classification
3.1.8.2 density log (gamma-gamma log), n— measures elec-
D388, and for geologic coal resource studies.
tron density within lithologic units which is related to their
bulk density. The wireline tool records the intensity of gamma
NOTE 1—Because of the potential for lateral variability, a sample may
radiation (in counts per second) from a nuclear source within not represent the quality of the coal bed at another sample point. The
reliability of the data generated from core samples is dependent on the
the tool after it has been attenuated and backscattered by
number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal
lithologies within the borehole. Due to the distinctly low
characteristics in a given area.
density of coals, the density log is essential in coal exploration
5.2 Moisture determined directly from a core sample shall
for identifying coal seams and coal-seam partings. The bias/
be considered questionable in any core sample because of
resolution of density logs can be affected by source-detector
possible contamination from drilling fluids and groundwater. If
spacing(closerspacingincreasesresolution),boreholesizeand
a more representative estimate of the inherent moisture content
irregularities (see caves or washouts), and the presence of
of the core sample (with the exception of certain low-rank
casing and logging speed.
coals) is desired, the sample should be analyzed according to
3.1.8.3 natural gamma-ray log, n—a record of the natural
Test Method D1412.
radioactivity of the lithologies encountered in the borehole
environment. During recording of geophysical logs, the
6. Apparatus
amount of natural radiation is recorded and presented in either
counts per second (CPS) or American Petroleum Institute 6.1 Steel Measuring Tape, not less than 10 m (30 ft) long.
(API) units. Unlike many other log types, a representative
6.2 Rock Hammer, Chisel, or Pick, with file for sharpening.
natural gamma log can be obtained where borehole or fluid
6.3 Water Source, to provide fresh, clean water for rinsing
conditions, or both, are not optimal or where casing is present.
drilling mud from cut surface of the core.
The natural gamma log is most often used in the coal
environment for identifying classic lithologies and differenti-
6.4 Waterproof Marking Pencils that are visible on coal,
ating coal seams and coal-seam partings.
such as a yellow lumber crayon.
3.1.8.4 resistivity log, n—a measure of the voltage differen-
6.5 Polyethylene Bags, Tubing, or Sheets, 0.1 mm (4 mil) or
tial of strata along the walls of a borehole when electrical
thicker.
current is passed through the strata. The resistivity log requires
6.6 Core Tray, constructed of wood, plastic, or metal, onto
a fluid-filled hole to constantly provide a conductive medium
which to extrude the core from the core barrel.
between electrodes on the tool. The spacing between the
electrodes determines the precision of the bed boundary
6.7 Boxes for Core Storage, constructed of wood, plastic, or
relationships in much the same manner as with the density log.
coated cardboard or if the core is to remain stratigraphically
The resistivity log is useful primarily in conjunction with other
oriented,usecontainerssuchaspolyvinylchloride(PVC)pipe.
log types. The logs are affected by casing, logging speed,
6.8 Tags and Waterproof Marking Pens, for sample identi-
electrode spacing, formation porosity, and resistivity changes
fication and for marking depths, orientation, and so forth, on
in the borehole fluid.
the plastic sheeting.
3.1.9 floor, n—the rock material immediately underlying a
6.9 NotebookandPencil,orothermeansforrecordkeeping.
coal bed.
6.10 Waterproof Container, to hold sample tag.
3.1.10 roof, n—the rock material immediately overlying a
coal bed.
6.11 Geophysical Logging Unit (optional), consisting of
3.1.11 sonde, n—an elongate cylindrical tool assembly used recording equipment and sondes for high-resolution density
in a borehole to acquire a geophysical log. and caliper logs and possibly gamma and resistivity logs.
D5192 − 09 (2015)
7. Planning for Sampling 7.4.2 Sampling Plan for Classification According to Rank:
7.4.2.1 A minimum of three, but preferably five or more,
7.1 Obtain information such as geologic, topographic, and
whole-seam samples are required to characterize the rank of
land ownership for locating suitable sites for drilling. Choose
thecoalinagivenareainaccordancewithClassificationD388.
sites that will best satisfy the purpose of sampling.
7.4.2.2 All roof and floor rock, all mineral partings more
7.2 A core approximately 47 mm (1.87 in.) in diameter
than 10 mm ( ⁄8 in.) thick, and mineralized lenses or concre-
yields a sufficient sample for most purposes. Minimum sample
tions (such as sulfur balls) more than 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.) thick and
mass requirements for analytical tests, such as washability
50 mm (2 in.) wide shall be excluded from the sample.Angular
testing, may dictate a sample mass that can only be obtained
or wedge-shaped mineral lenses or concretions that are not
from larger diameter cores or multiple separate cores.
continuous shall be excluded from the samples if the volume
exceeds that of a parting 10 mm thick. (Refer to Practice
NOTE 2—The diameter and length of the core (or number of separate
cores) required to obtain a desired mass of sample may be estimated from
D4596.)
the density of coal, approximately 1.3 to 1.35 g/cm . The selected
diameter of the core can have an effect on the representativeness of
8. Core Recovery
subsamples obtained from the core sample for various types of testing.As
an example in washability testing, the diameter of the core should be at
8.1 Recovery for Classification According to Rank and
least three times the largest dimension of the topsize of any subsamples to
Some Other Purposes—The recovery of 100 % of the entire
be obtained from the core sample. For information on determining the
seam is not possible on every core under even the best of field
washability characteristics of coal, see Test Method D4371 and the report
conditions. However, useful information such as apparent rank
by Wizzard.
A larger diameter core can also be necessary to obtain a more can many times be obtained from cores where less than 100 %
representative sample if the quality of the coal varies greatly from layer to
of the seam has been recovered. When portions of the interval
layer in the seam.
have been lost, the following information should be recorded:
7.3 Increment Sampling—Where differences of coal quality
(1) the percent recovery and (2) the estimated location and
parameters exist among different layers or benches in the same
thickness of the lost intervals. Use of data from cores that
coal seam or where the seam is thick, it is best to sample and
represent less than 100 % of the total seam thickness shall be
analyze the seam in vertical increments.
identified as such and used with caution.
7.3.1 Compositing —Data obtained from the separate
8.2 Determining Recovery From Comparison of Geophysi-
analyses of the vertical core increments can be composited by
cal Logs and Core —The most reliable measurement of coal
calculation,preferablybysamplemassifsufficientinformation
seam thickness can be obtained from deflections on the
such as core length and density has been measured for each
high-resolution density log and the caliper log. If the roof and
increment.Alternatively,acompositesampleoftheentireseam
floor lithologies are other than sandstone, the resistivity and
can be produced by combining representative splits of the
natural gamma can also be used, especially if caves or
increments by increment thickness for the determination of
washouts have caused material to be lost during coring.
whole core characteristics. The use of an ash/density relation-
Generally, the midpoint (the point at one half the deflection
ship for the specific geographic area and seam being studied
between the lithologic-density lines) on the log trace is used to
can be helpful in validating direct density measurements.
determine bed boundaries. However, for certain geophysical
Extreme care and cross-checking should be exercised when
toolsitmaybenecessarytouseothercriteria,suchasone-third
combiningasamplecompositeforanalysisorwhencalculating
deflect
...

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: D5192 − 09 D5192 − 09 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Practice for
Collection of Coal Samples from Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5192; 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 and handling a coal sample from a core recovered from a borehole.
1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
D388 Classification of Coals by Rank
D1412 Test Method for Equilibrium Moisture of Coal at 96 to 97 Percent Relative Humidity and 30°C
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
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
D4596 Practice for Collection of Channel Samples of Coal in a Mine
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For additional definitions of terms, refer to Terminology D121.
3.1.2 borehole, n—the circular hole through soil and rock strata made by boring.
3.1.3 caves or washouts, n—zones of increased hole diameter caused by rock fragments that fall from the walls of a borehole
and can block the hole or contaminate the cuttings and which erode or abrade the sidewall of the borehole by the action of the
drilling. These zones can affect the accuracy of certain geophysical logs (especially density). Corrections to other geophysical logs
can be made if a caliper log is available. The most common causes of caves or washouts include soft or fractured lithologies, the
presence of water-producing zones, and the downhole pressure of the drilling medium (fluid or air) that often causes differential
erosion of various strata within the borehole.
3.1.4 concretion, n—in a geological sense, a mass of mineral matter found in rock of a composition different from its own and
produced by deposition from aqueous solution in the rock.
3.1.5 core, n—in drilling, a cylindrical section of rock (coal) that is usually 5 to 10 cm in diameter, taken as part of the interval
penetrated by a core bit and brought to the surface for geologic examination, representative sampling, and laboratory analyses.
3.1.6 core barrels, n—two nested tubes above the bit of a core drill, the outer rotating with the bit, the inner receiving and
preserving a continuous section or core of the material penetrated. The following two types of inner barrels are commonly used.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.18 on Classification of Coals.
Current edition approved June 1, 2009Sept. 1, 2015. Published June 2009September 2015. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20082009 as
D5192 – 08.D5192 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/D5192-09.10.1520/D5192-09R15.
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
D5192 − 09 (2015)
3.1.6.1 split-tube barrel, n—a type of inner barrel consisting of two longitudinal halves of pipe bound together by reinforced
tape at intervals along the barrel length that allows easy access to a relatively intact core (by cutting the tape). (This is the preferred
barrel type for coal exploration, when available.)
3.1.6.2 solid-tube barrel, n—a type of inner barrel consisting of a single solid-walled length of pipe in which removal of the
core is accomplished by mechanical or hydraulic pressure at one end of the pipe thus extruding the core onto a core tray. (The core
is likely to be less intact than when a split-tube barrel is used.)
3.1.7 core sample, n—that part of a core of rock or coal obtained so as to accurately represent a thickness of a unit penetrating
by drilling.
3.1.8 geophysical log, n—a graphic record of the measured or computed physical characteristics of the rock section encountered
in a borehole, plotted as a continuous function of depth. Measurements are made by a sonde, which contains the detectors, as it
is withdrawn from the borehole by a wire line. Several measurements are usually made simultaneously, and the resulting curves
are displayed side by side on the common depth scale. A common suite of logs used in coal exploration include caliper, density
(gamma-gamma), natural gamma, and resistivity.
3.1.8.1 caliper log, n—a continuous mechanical measurement of the diameter and thus the rugosity of the borehole. The tool
identifies zones where swelling or cavings (washouts) have occurred during drilling. The tool’s value is in allowing qualitative or
quantitative corrections to be made to other geophysical logs which are affected by borehole size (especially density).
3.1.8.2 density log (gamma-gamma log), n— measures electron density within lithologic units which is related to their bulk
density. The wireline tool records the intensity of gamma radiation (in counts per second) from a nuclear source within the tool
after it has been attenuated and backscattered by lithologies within the borehole. Due to the distinctly low density of coals, the
density log is essential in coal exploration for identifying coal seams and coal-seam partings. The bias/resolution of density logs
can be affected by source-detector spacing (closer spacing increases resolution), borehole size and irregularities (see caves or
washouts), and the presence of casing and logging speed.
3.1.8.3 natural gamma-ray log, n—a record of the natural radioactivity of the lithologies encountered in the borehole
environment. During recording of geophysical logs, the amount of natural radiation is recorded and presented in either counts per
second (CPS) or American Petroleum Institute (API) units. Unlike many other log types, a representative natural gamma log can
be obtained where borehole or fluid conditions, or both, are not optimal or where casing is present. The natural gamma log is most
often used in the coal environment for identifying classic lithologies and differentiating coal seams and coal-seam partings.
3.1.8.4 resistivity log, n—a measure of the voltage differential of strata along the walls of a borehole when electrical current is
passed through the strata. The resistivity log requires a fluid-filled hole to constantly provide a conductive medium between
electrodes on the tool. The spacing between the electrodes determines the precision of the bed boundary relationships in much the
same manner as with the density log. The resistivity log is useful primarily in conjunction with other log types. The logs are
affected by casing, logging speed, electrode spacing, formation porosity, and resistivity changes in the borehole fluid.
3.1.9 floor, n—the rock material immediately underlying a coal bed.
3.1.10 roof, n—the rock material immediately overlying a coal bed.
3.1.11 sonde, n—an elongate cylindrical tool assembly used in a borehole to acquire a geophysical log.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 At selected sites in a deposit of coal, a borehole is drilled and the core containing the coal and surrounding strata of rock
is recovered.
4.2 The coal core is cleaned of drilling fluid, if necessary, properly described, and packaged so that loss of moisture is
minimized. From this core, coal and roof and floor material of interest are collected for analysis and testing.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 A properly collected 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. Core 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 core samples is dependent on the number and spacing of the sample points and the variability of the coal characteristics in
a given area.
5.2 Moisture determined directly from a core sample shall be considered questionable in any core sample because of possible
contamination from drilling fluids and groundwater. If a more representative estimate of the inherent moisture content of the core
sample (with the exception of certain low-rank coals) is desired, the sample should be analyzed according to Test Method D1412.
D5192 − 09 (2015)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Steel Measuring Tape, not less than 10 m (30 ft) long.
6.2 Rock Hammer, Chisel, or Pick, with file for sharpening.
6.3 Water Source, to provide fresh, clean water for rinsing drilling mud from cut surface of the core.
6.4 Waterproof Marking Pencils that are visible on coal, such as a yellow lumber crayon.
6.5 Polyethylene Bags, Tubing, or Sheets, 0.1 mm (4 mil) or thicker.
6.6 Core Tray, constructed of wood, plastic, or metal, onto which to extrude the core from the core barrel.
6.7 Boxes for Core Storage, constructed of wood, plastic, or coated cardboard or if the core is to remain stratigraphically
oriented, use containers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe.
6.8 Tags and Waterproof Marking Pens, for sample identification and for marking depths, orientation, and so forth, on the plastic
sheeting.
6.9 Notebook and Pencil, or other means for record keeping.
6.10 Waterproof Container, to hold sample tag.
6.11 Geophysical Logging Unit (optional), consisting of recording equipment and sondes for high-resolution density and caliper
logs and possibly gamma and resistivity logs.
7. Planning for Sampling
7.1 Obtain information such as geologic, topographic, and land ownership for locating suitable sites for drilling. Choose sites
that will best satisfy the purpose of sampling.
7.2 A core approximately 47 mm (1.87 in.) in diameter yields a sufficient sample for most purposes. Minimum sample mass
requirements for analytical tests, such as washability testing, may dictate a sample mass that can only be obtained from larger
diameter cores or multiple separate cores.
NOTE 2—The diameter and length of the core (or number of separate cores) required to obtain a desired mass of sample may be estimated from the
density of coal, approximately 1.3 to 1.35 g/cm . The selected diameter of the core can have an effect on the representativeness of subsamples obtained
from the core sample for various types of testing. As an example in washability testing, the diameter of the core should be at least three times the largest
dimension of the topsize of any subsamples to be obtained from the core sample. For information on determining the washability characteristics of coal,
see Test Method D4371 and the report by Wizzard.
A larger diameter core can also be necessary to obtain a more representative sample if the quality of the coal varies greatly from layer to layer in the
seam.
7.3 Increment Sampling—Where differences of coal quality parameters exist among different layers or benches in the same coal
seam or where the seam is thick, it is best to sample and analyze the seam in vertical increments.
7.3.1 Compositing —Data obtained from the separate analyses of the vertical core increments can be composited by calculation,
preferably by sample mass if sufficient information such as core length and density has been measured for each increment.
Alternatively, a composite sample of the entire seam can be produced by combining representative splits of the increments by
increment thickness for the determination of whole core characteristics. The use of an ash/density relationship for the specific
geographic area and seam being studied can be helpful in validating direct density measurements. Extreme care and cross-checking
should be exercised when combining a sample composite for analysis or when calculating a composite analysis from the analysis
of increments. Some coal quality parameters are not additive in a linear fashion and cannot be accurately determined by calculated
compositing. Fusion temperatures of ash and Hardgrove grindability and Gieseler fluidity indices are examples of physical
properties that are nonadditive and best determined on whole samples.
7.4 Sampling Plans for Different Purposes:
7.4.1 Variations in the purpose of sampling and in conditions encountered in the field may preclude the establishment of rigid
procedures covering every sampling situation. Therefore, formulate a plan taking into account the conditions of drilling, the
purpose of the sampling, and the known characteristics of the coal seam. Characteristics include lateral or vertical variations in coal
quality and occurrences of persistent mineral parting or concretions within a seam.
7.4.2 Sampling Plan for Classification According to Rank:
7.4.2.1 A minimum of three, but preferably five or more, whole-seam samples are required to characterize the rank of the coal
in a given area in accordance with Classification D388.
Wizzard, J. T., “The Reliability of Using Channel Samples to Represent Run-of-Mine Coal Washability,” Technical Report TR-82/3, Department of Energy, Pittsburgh
Energy Technology Center.
Manual on Drilling, Sampling, and Analysis of Coal, ASTM MNL 11, ASTM, 1992.
D5192 − 09 (2015)
7.4.2.2 All roof and floor rock, all mineral partings more than 10 mm ( ⁄8 in.) thic
...