ASTM C737-22

Standard Specification for Limestone for Dusting of Coal Mines

ABSTRACT
This specification covers limestone suitable for use as dust in coal mines to prevent coal dust explosions. The limestone shall conform to the chemical composition requirements prescribed. The chemical analysis and the particle size analysis of the limestone shall be conducted.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers pulverized limestone suitable for use as dust in coal mines to reduce risk of coal dust explosions.
Note 1: Pulverized limestone can serve as a source of incombustible material in coal mine operations. Limestone is dusted onto coal exposures in sufficient amount so that the incombustible content of the combined coal dust, rock dust, other dust, and moisture shall not be less than 80 % of all loose dust (MSHA 30 CFR 75.403). With such a concentration of limestone incombustible material, dust explosions cannot initiate or be propagated from nearby gas explosions. The limestone must be substantially dry in order to dust satisfactorily.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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: 30-Jun-2022
• ICS: 73.020 - Mining and quarrying
• Technical Committee: C07 - Lime and Limestone
• Drafting Committee: C07.02 - Specifications and Guidelines

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C51-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as Used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C25-19e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C51-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM C110-16 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C110-15 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C110-15e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C110-14e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM C110-14 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C51-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C25-11e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C110-11 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C110-10 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C110-09a - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM C1301-95(2009)e1 - Standard Test Method for Major and Trace Elements in Limestone and Lime by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP) and Atomic Absorption (AA)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009

Overview

ASTM C737-22: Standard Specification for Limestone for Dusting of Coal Mines provides internationally recognized guidelines for the quality and characteristics of pulverized limestone used to mitigate coal dust explosion risks in mining environments. This specification sets forth chemical and physical property requirements for limestone intended for dusting coal mines, helping to maintain compliance with regulatory standards such as MSHA 30 CFR 75.403. By ensuring a minimum concentration of incombustible material, proper limestone dusting minimizes the likelihood of coal dust explosions and promotes mine safety.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Limestone Dusting: Limestone serves as an incombustible material, reducing the risk of coal dust explosion propagation. Proper application ensures that the overall incombustible content of deposited dust, including limestone, rock dust, and moisture, is not less than 80% of total loose dust.
• Material Requirements: The standard covers both high calcium and dolomitic limestone. The limestone must be substantially dry to ensure effective dusting performance.
• Chemical Composition:
  • Moisture content at the point of manufacture: maximum 0.5%
  • Maximum combustible matter: 5.0%
  • Maximum silica (free and combined): 4.0%
  • Other specifications may apply with appropriate authorization.
• Particle Size Distribution:
  • 100% must pass an 850 μm (No. 20) sieve
  • At least 70% must pass a 75 μm (No. 200) sieve
• Test Methods: Chemical analysis is conducted following ASTM standards C25, C1271, or C1301, while sieve analysis follows ASTM C110.
• Sampling and Inspection: Sampling, inspection, and packaging must be carried out in accordance with ASTM C50. Users are responsible for safety, health, and environmental practices while handling limestone dust.

Applications

• Coal Mine Safety: The primary application of ASTM C737-22 limestone is in underground coal mining operations for explosion mitigation. Regular dusting of mine surfaces with compliant limestone reduces the dispersibility and combustibility of coal dust.
• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with this standard assists mine operators in meeting mandatory safety standards, such as U.S. federal regulations (MSHA 30 CFR Part 75), which require adequate dust control measures for mine safety.
• Quality Assurance: Laboratories and mining operators use the defined test methods and thresholds for ongoing verification of dusting material quality, helping to ensure consistent performance and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

• ASTM C25 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• ASTM C110 - Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• ASTM C50 - Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• ASTM C1271 - Test Method for X-ray Spectrometric Analysis of Lime and Limestone
• ASTM C1301 - Test Method for Major and Trace Elements in Limestone and Lime by ICP-AES and AA
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Terminology C51 - Relating to Lime and Limestone

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM C737-22 ensures effective risk reduction against coal dust explosions in underground mines. This standard provides the mining industry with clear requirements and reliable test protocols for limestone efficacy and safety. Consistent use of compliant limestone dust not only safeguards miners but also aids operators in maintaining regulatory compliance and fostering a safer working environment. ASTMC737-22 is an essential reference for mine safety engineers, laboratory technicians, and regulatory agencies involved in coal mine dust control.

Keywords: ASTM C737, limestone dust, coal mine safety, rock dust, combustible matter, high calcium limestone, dolomitic limestone, mine explosions, silica content, moisture content, loss on ignition, standards compliance, dust explosion prevention.

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: C737 − 22
Standard Specification for
Limestone for Dusting of Coal Mines
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C737; 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* C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as Used
by the Industry)
1.1 This specification covers pulverized limestone suitable
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime,
for use as dust in coal mines to reduce risk of coal dust
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
explosions.
C1271 Test Method for X-ray Spectrometric Analysis of
NOTE 1—Pulverized limestone can serve as a source of incombustible
Lime and Limestone
material in coal mine operations. Limestone is dusted onto coal exposures
C1301 Test Method for Major and Trace Elements in Lime-
in sufficient amount so that the incombustible content of the combined
stone and Lime by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic
coal dust, rock dust, other dust, and moisture shall not be less than 80 %
Emission Spectroscopy (ICP) and Atomic Absorption
of all loose dust (MSHA 30 CFR 75.403). With such a concentration of
limestone incombustible material, dust explosions cannot initiate or be
(AA)
propagated from nearby gas explosions. The limestone must be substan-
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
tially dry in order to dust satisfactorily.
Sieves
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
2.2 Government Regulations:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
30 CFR Part 75 Mandatory Safety Standards - Underground
standard.
Coal Mines
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 Definitions:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
to Terminology C51.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.1 rock dust—pulverized limestone or other inert materi-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
als which meet chemical and physical requirements; when
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
applied to coal dust, will reduce dispersibility and minimize the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
explosion hazard. 30 CFR § 75.2.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Chemical Composition
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Limestone shall conform to the following as to chemical
composition:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone,
Moisture (at point of manufacture), max, % 0.5
Combustible matter, max, % 5.0
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
Silica, free and combined, max, % 4.0
C50 Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging,
NOTE 2—Rock dust sources which do not contain more than 5 % of free
and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
or combined silica may be used with authorization from the Secretary of
Labor or their designee.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C07 on Lime 5. Physical Properties
and Limestone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C07.02 on
5.1 Limestone for this application shall have the following
Specifications and Guidelines.
Current edition approved July 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally particle size:
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C737 – 13 which was
Passing 850 μm (No. 20) sieve, min, % 100
withdrawn January 2022 and reinstated in September 2022. DOI: 10.1520/C0737-
Passing 75 μm (No. 200) sieve, min, % 70
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 Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St.,
the ASTM website. NW, Washington, DC 20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C737 − 22
6. Test Methods 8. Sampling, Inspection, etc.
6.1 Chemical Analysis—The chemical analysis of the lime-
8.1 The sampling, inspection, rejection, retesting,
stone shall be conducted in accordance with Test Methods C25,
packaging, and marking shall be conducted in accordance with
C1271, or C1301.
Methods C50.
6.2 Combustible Matter—See Annex A1.
9. Keywords
6.3 Particle Size—The sieve analysis of limestone shall be
conducted in accordance with Test Methods C110.
9.1 coal mines; combustible matter; dolomitic limestone;
high calcium limestone; limestone; limestone dust; loss on
7. General Requirements
ignition (LOI); low temperature ash (LTA); mine explosions;
7.1 Either high calcium or dolomitic limestone may be
moisture content; silica content
furnished for this application.
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. COMBUSTIBLE MATTER BY LOW TEMPERATURE ASHING
A1.1 Scope A1.3 Apparatus
A1.1.1 This test method covers the chemical analysis of
A1.3.1 Balance—The balance shall be of an analytical type
combustible matter in pulverized limestone for use as rock with a capacity not to exceed 200 g. It may be of conventional
dust.
design or it may be a constant-load, direct-reading type. It shall
be capable of reproducing weighings within 0.0002 g with an
A1.1.2 This test method uses classical gravimetric analyti-
accuracy of 60.
...