ASTM D167/D167M-21a

Standard Test Method for Apparent and True Specific Gravity and Porosity of Lump Coke

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Apparent and true specific gravity, as determined by this test method, are influenced by the type of coals carbonized and the operating and preparational conditions of that carbonization, that is, charge bulk density, heating rate, and pulverization level. In turn, these properties directly influence the performance in processes using coke.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of apparent specific gravity (Sections 5 to 9) and true specific gravity (Sections 10 to 14) of lump coke larger than 25 mm [1 in.] size and calculating porosity (Section 15) from the specific gravity data.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or non-SI 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.  
1.3 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-Apr-2021
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: D05 - Coal and Coke
• Drafting Committee: D05.15 - Metallurgical Properties of Coal and Coke

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D121-15(2024) - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D121-15 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D346-04(2010) - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D121-09a - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM D121-09 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM D121-08 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM D121-07 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D121-05 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM D121-04a - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM D121-04 - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM D346-04 - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D346-04e1 - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D121-01a - Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM D167/D167M-21a: Standard Test Method for Apparent and True Specific Gravity and Porosity of Lump Coke is a recognized ASTM International standard that defines procedures to determine the apparent specific gravity, true specific gravity, and porosity of lump coke samples greater than 25 mm [1 in.] in size. These key properties are essential for evaluating coke performance in metallurgical processes, energy production, and industrial applications where the physical characteristics of coke directly influence operational efficiency.

Consistent determination of specific gravity and porosity provides valuable information for product quality assurance and process optimization in coal, coke, and steel industries worldwide.

Key Topics

• Apparent Specific Gravity: Measures the density of lump coke, factoring in its internal pore structure. This is determined using specific apparatus and methodical sampling and weighing procedures.
• True Specific Gravity: Represents the density of the solid material alone, excluding pore spaces, achieved by pulverizing a subset of the sample and measuring in a specific gravity bottle.
• Porosity Calculation: Porosity is calculated from the difference between apparent and true specific gravities, expressed as a percentage, indicating the volume of internal pore space in the coke.
• Sampling Practices: Detailed guidelines for representative sampling at both the source (coke wharf) and delivery point to ensure results accurately reflect the material's properties.
• Precision and Reporting: The standard provides instructions on reporting results to the nearest 0.01 for specific gravities and whole percent for porosity, using either SI or non-SI units independently.

Applications

The ASTM D167/D167M-21a standard is widely used for:

• Metallurgical Coke Assessment: Benchmarking lump coke for blast furnace and cupola operations in steelmaking, where optimal porosity and specific gravity are linked to fuel efficiency and furnace performance.
• Quality Control: Ensuring consistency in coke batches by verifying apparent and true specific gravity, which reflect batch-to-batch uniformity and suitability for use.
• Research and Development: Supporting material scientists and process engineers in investigating how coal quality, carbonization conditions, and preparation impact coke properties.
• Industry Compliance: Providing a reliable framework for coke suppliers and users who must meet contract specifications or regulatory requirements related to fuel or reducing agent properties.

By following this standard, organizations can confidently compare coke from different sources, optimize process variables (such as charge density and heating rates), and ensure the reproducibility and reliability of laboratory measurements.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards complement or are referenced by ASTM D167/D167M-21a:

• ASTM D121: Terminology of Coal and Coke, offering precise definitions for technical terms used in coke testing and analysis.
• ASTM D346: Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis, outlining procedures to obtain representative test specimens.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water, used in laboratory procedures to ensure test reliability and comparability.
• International Standardization Principles: The standard aligns with WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee rules, reinforcing global acceptance and harmonization.

Keywords: apparent specific gravity, true specific gravity, lump coke, porosity, ASTM D167, coal testing, metallurgical coke, coke porosity, coke quality, coke sampling.

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:D167/D167M −21a
Standard Test Method for
Apparent and True Specific Gravity and Porosity of Lump
Coke
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D167/D167M; 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. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to
1.1 This test method covers the determination of apparent
Terminology D121.
specific gravity (Sections 5 to 9) and true specific gravity
(Sections 10 to 14) of lump coke larger than 25 mm [1 in.] size
4. Significance and Use
and calculating porosity (Section 15) from the specific gravity
data.
4.1 Apparent and true specific gravity, as determined by this
test method, are influenced by the type of coals carbonized and
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or non-SI
the operating and preparational conditions of that
units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values
carbonization, that is, charge bulk density, heating rate, and
stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents;
pulverization level. In turn, these properties directly influence
therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
the performance in processes using coke.
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
from the two systems shall not be combined.
APPARENT SPECIFIC GRAVITY
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 The apparatus for the determination of the apparent
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- specific gravity of coke shall consist of the following:
5.1.1 An Elliptical or Rectangular Cross-Sectioned
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Container, approximately 560 mm [22 in.] in length, 280 mm
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
[11 in.] in width, and a minimum of 330 mm [13 in.] in height,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
provided with a spout consisting of a short 13 mm [0.5 in.]
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
nipple extending horizontally from the container about
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
267 mm [10.5 in.] above the bottom.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1.2 Wire Cage or Basket, of about 13 mm [0.5 in.] square-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mesh screen wire cloth provided with a cover and two long
handles, suitable for holding the entire sample of coke and so
2. Referenced Documents
made as to fit inside the container below the spout.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.3 Bucket or Other Vessel, 11 L [3.0 gal], suitable for
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
receiving the displaced water.
D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke
5.1.4 Pan, about 380 mm [15 in.] square and 76 mm
Samples for Laboratory Analysis
[3.0 in.] in height or the equivalent for containing the coke
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
during the determination of its mass.
5.1.5 Balance, sensitive to 0.05 kg [0.1 lb].
6. Sampling at Source
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal
and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.15 on Metallurgical
6.1 When the porosity test is desired on run-of-oven coke,
Properties of Coal and Coke.
the sample shall be collected from the coke wharf.
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
6.1.1 By-Product Coke—About 20 kg [50 lb] of representa-
approved in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as D167/D167M – 21.
DOI: 10.1520/D0167_D0167M-21A.
tive pieces of coke shall be selected from the coke wharf for
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
eachtest.Thisisbestaccomplishedbydividingthecokeonthe
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
wharf into approximately equal areas and selecting an equal
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. number of pieces from each area. Each piece of coke selected
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D167/D167M−21a
shall be approximately equal in length to one half of the width the coke shall have been completely submerged at all times,
ofthecokeovens,andshallshowa“cauliflower”endproduced remove the cork after the water has come to rest and permit the
at the walls of the ovens, and an “inner” end produced at the displaced water to drain into a weighed bucket or other suitable
center of the ovens. vessel for 1 min after the overflow stream starts to discharge
drop by drop. Replace the cork, remove the cage containing the
7. Sampling at Delivery
coke from the water, and permit it to drain for 1 min. Remove
the wet coke from the cage and determine the mass to the
7.1 If the porosity test is desired on coke for furnace or
cupola use, the sample shall be representative of the material in nearest 0.05 kg [0.1 lb].
question and collected at the place of delivery.
8.4 Determine the mass of the displaced water, which has
7.1.1 By-Product—The sample is best collected as the coke
been caught in the bucket, to the nearest 0.05 kg [0.1 lb].
is delivered from the railroad cars into the bins. This can be
accomplished by securing a representative sample of 5 kg to 9. Calculation
7 kg [10 lb to 15 lb] capacity in the coke stream at regular
9.1 Calculate the apparent specific gravity, SG , as fol-
app
intervals during the period of unloading. The sample collected
lows:
shall be large enough to give about 20 kg [50 lb] of coke
SG 5 W⁄@W 1 ~W 2 W!# (1)
app 1 2
pieces, none of which would in any position pass through a
25 mm [1.0 in.] square-mesh sieve so that the pieces will
where:
remain in the 13 mm [0.5 in.] cage when it is removed from the
W = mass of dry coke,
water.
W = mass of water displaced by wet coke, and
7.1.2 Since it is very difficult to collect a representative
W = mass of wet coke.
sample from coke exposed in bins and cars, care shall be taken
TRUE SPECIFIC GRAVITY
to take pieces representing the entire exposed area, if sampling
must be done in this manner. It is best accomplished by
10. Apparatus
dividing the exposed surface to be sampled into approximately
equal areas, and selecting an equal number of pieces from each 10.1 Hogarth’s Specific Gravity Bottle, with side tubulure,
area. A 20 kg [50 lb] sample of representative pieces shall be having a capacity of about 100 mL.
collected, none of which shall in any position pass through a
10.2 Balance, sensitive to 0.01 g.
25 mm [1.0 in.] square-mesh sieve.
11. Sample Preparation
8. Procedure
11.1 Select about 5 kg [10 lb] of coke from the sample (see
8.1 Select about 11 kg [25 lb] of coke from the sample so
Section 6) so that it is representative of the material under
that it is representati
...

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: D167/D167M − 21 D167/D167M − 21a
Standard Test Method for
Apparent and True Specific Gravity and Porosity of Lump
Coke
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D167/D167M; 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 test method covers the determination of apparent specific gravity (Sections 5 to 9) and true specific gravity (Sections 10
to 14) of lump coke larger than 25 mm [1 in.] size and calculating porosity (Section 15) from the specific gravity data.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or non-SI 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.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D121.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Apparent and true specific gravity, as determined by this test method, are influenced by the type of coals carbonized and the
operating and preparational conditions of that carbonization, that is, charge bulk density, heating rate, and pulverization level. In
turn, these properties directly influence the performance in processes using coke.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.15 on Metallurgical Properties
of Coal and Coke.
Current edition approved April 1, 2021May 1, 2021. Published April 2021May 2021. Originally approved in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 20202021 as
D167/D167M – 20.D167/D167M – 21. DOI: 10.1520/D0167_D0167M-21.10.1520/D0167_D0167M-21A.
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
D167/D167M − 21a
APPARENT SPECIFIC GRAVITY
5. Apparatus
5.1 The apparatus for the determination of the apparent specific gravity of coke shall consist of the following:
5.1.1 An Elliptical or Rectangular Cross-Sectioned Container, approximately 560 mm [22 in.] in length, 280 mm [11 in.] in width,
and a minimum of 330 mm [13 in.] in height, provided with a spout consisting of a short 13 mm [[0.5 in.] ⁄2 in.] nipple extending
horizontally from the container about 270 mm267 mm [10.5 in.] above the bottom.
5.1.2 Wire Cage or Basket, of about 13 mm [[0.5 in.] ⁄2 in.] square-mesh screen wire cloth provided with a cover and two long
handles, suitable for holding the entire sample of coke and so made as to fit inside the container below the spout.
5.1.3 Bucket or Other Vessel, 11 L [3 gal],[3.0 gal], suitable for receiving the displaced water.
5.1.4 Pan, about 380 mm [15 in.] square and 76 mm [3 in.][3.0 in.] in height or the equivalent for containing the coke during the
determination of its mass.
5.1.5 Balance, sensitive to 0.05 kg [0.1 lb].
6. Sampling at Source
6.1 When the porosity test is desired on run-of-oven coke, the sample shall be collected from the coke wharf.
6.1.1 By-Product Coke—About 23 kg20 kg [50 lb] of representative pieces of coke shall be selected from the coke wharf for each
test. This is best accomplished by dividing the coke on the wharf into approximately equal areas and selecting an equal number
of pieces from each area. Each piece of coke selected shall be approximately equal in length to one half of the width of the coke
ovens, and shall show a “cauliflower” end produced at the walls of the ovens, and an “inner” end produced at the center of the
ovens.
7. Sampling at Delivery
7.1 If the porosity test is desired on coke for furnace or cupola use, the sample shall be representative of the material in question
and collected at the place of delivery.
7.1.1 By-Product—The sample is best collected as the coke is delivered from the railroad cars into the bins. This can be
accomplished by securing a representative sample of 5 kg to 7 kg [10 lb to 15 lb] capacity in the coke stream at regular intervals
during the period of unloading. The sample collected shall be large enough to give about 23 kg20 kg [50 lb] of coke pieces, none
of which would in any position pass through a 25 mm [1 in.][1.0 in.] square-mesh sieve so that the pieces will remain in the 13
mm [[0.5 in.] ⁄2 in.] cage when it is removed from the water.
7.1.2 Since it is very difficult to collect a representative sample from coke exposed in bins and cars, care shall be taken to take
pieces representing the entire exposed area, if sampling must be done in this manner. It is best accomplished by dividing the
exposed surface to be sampled into approximately equal areas, and selecting an equal number of pieces from each area. A
23 kg20 kg [50 lb] sample of representative pieces shall be collected, none of which shall in any position pass through a 25 mm
[1 in.][1.0 in.] square-mesh sieve.
8. Procedure
8.1 Select about 11 kg [25 lb] of coke from the sample so that it is representative of the material under consideration with regard
to size, shape, and general appearance. Dry the coke to constant mass, until the mass loss of the total sample becomes no more
than 0.1 %/h, at a temperature of 105 °C to 200 °C. Cool to room temperature, remove adhering dust by shaking or brushing, and
determine the mass to the nearest 0.05 kg [0.1 lb].
8.2 Place a cork in the spout of the container, which has been placed on a level and rigid base or floor. After the empty cage has
been placed into the container, pour water at room temperature into the container until the water level is above the spout. After
the water has come to rest, remove the cork from the spout and permit the excess water to drain out for 1 min after the overflow
D167/D167M − 21a
stream starts to discharge drop by drop. Then replace the cork and remove the cage from the water, care being taken to shake all
adhering water back into the container. Then place the weighed dried coke sample into the cage and after fastening the
...