Designation: D 2234/D 2234M – 09

Standard Practice for

Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2234/D 2234M; 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 coal samples are used in establishing price, controlling mine and cleaning plant
operations, allocating production costs, and determining plant or component efficiency. The task of
obtaining a sample of reasonable weight to represent an entire lot presents a number of problems and
emphasizes the necessity for using standard sampling procedures.
Coal is one of the most difficult of materials to sample, varying in composition from noncombus-
tible particles to those which can be burned completely, with all gradations in between. The task is
further complicated by the use of the analytical results, the sampling equipment available, the quantity
to be represented by the sample, and the degree of precision required.
This practice gives the overall requirements for the collection of coal samples. The wide varieties
of coal-handling facilities preclude the publication of detailed procedures for every sampling situation.
The proper collection of the sample involves an understanding and consideration of the physical
character of the coal, the number and weight of increments, and the overall precision required.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This practice covers procedures for the collection of a 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
sample under various conditions of sampling. The sample is to D 2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
be crushed and further prepared for analysis in accordance with D 7430 Practice for Mechanical Sampling of Coal
Practice D 2013. However, the procedures for dividing large
samples before any crushing are given in this practice. For the 3. Terminology
sampling of coal using mechanical sampling systems see 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D 7430 Practice for the Mechanical Sampling of Coal. 3.1.1 accuracy:
1.2 This practice describes general and special purpose 3.1.1.1 generally—a term used to indicate the reliability of
sampling procedures for coals (1) by size and condition of a sample, a measurement, or an observation.
preparation (for example, mechanically cleaned coal or raw 3.1.1.2 specifically—a measure of closeness of agreement
coal) and (2) by sampling characteristics. between an experimental result and the true value. Example:
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units the observed and true sulfur content of a coal consignment.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in This measure is affected by chance errors as well as by bias.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 3.1.2 gross sample—a sample representing one lot of coal
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining and composed of a number of increments on which neither
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance reduction nor division has been performed.
with the standard. 3.1.3 increment—a small portion of the lot collected by one
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the operation of a sampling device and normally combined with
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the other increments from the lot to make a gross sample.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.4 probability sample—a sample collected using a sam-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- pling process such that at each stage of the process, a specified
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. non-zero probability of being selected for the sample can be

1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Coke and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.23 on Sampling. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved May 15, 2009. Published June 2009. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D 2234 – 07. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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attached to every sampling unit in the lot to be sampled. Given 5.2 After further processing (Practice D 2013), the sample
adequate information about the sample results obtained using may be analyzed for a number of different parameters. These
probability sampling, the probability distribution of sampling parameters may affect the lot’s value, its ability to meet
errors can be estimated. specifications, its environmental impact, as well as other
3.1.5 sample—a quantity of material taken from a larger properties.
quantity for the purpose of estimating properties or composi-
tion of the larger quantity. 6. Increment Collection Classification
3.1.6 size consist—the particle size distribution of a coal.
6.1 The type of selection, the conditions under which
individual increments are collected, and the method of spacing
4. Summary of Practice
of increments from the coal consignment or lot are classified
4.1 The general-purpose sampling procedures are intended according to the following descriptions and Table 1. These
to provide, in 19 of 20 cases, dry ash results that are within an designations are to be used for sampling specifications and for
interval of 61⁄10 of the average dry ash results that would be descriptions of sampling programs and sampling equipment.
obtained in hypothetical repeated sampling. 6.2 Types of Increments—The types of selection of incre-
4.2 Special-purpose sampling procedures apply to the sam- ments are based on whether or not there is human discretion in
pling of coal when other precision limits are required, or when the selection of the pieces of coal or portions of the coal
other constituents are used to specify precision, or for perfor- stream.
mance tests.
6.2.1 Type I, in which specific pieces or portions are not
4.3 For coals of known size and condition of preparation,
subject to selection on a discretionary basis. This includes that
tables are given for the determination of the number and weight
in which the increment is collected in precise accord with
of increments required for a gross sample for both general and
previously assigned rules on timing or location that are free of
special-purpose sampling.
any bias. Type I selection increments generally yield more
4.4 The procedures appear in the following order:
accurate results.
Test Method Section
6.2.2 Type II, in which some measure of human discretion is
Sampling of Coals Based on Size and Condition of Preparation 8.1 exercised in the selection of specific pieces of coal or of
General-Purpose Sampling Procedure 8.1.1
Number and Weight of Increments 8.1.1.2
specific portions of the stream, pile, or shipment.
Number of Gross Samples 8.1.1.4 6.3 Conditions of Increment Collection—The conditions
Special-Purpose Sampling 8.1.2 under which individual increments are collected are the con-
Number and Weight of Increments 8.1.2.2
Number of Gross Samples 8.1.2.3 ditions of the main body of coal relative to the portion
Division of the Gross Samples Before Crushing 8.2 withdrawn. Four conditions are recognized:
Sampling of Coal for Total Moisture Determination 8.3
Types of Moisture Samples 8.3.1
6.3.1 Condition A (Stopped-Belt Cut), in which a loaded
Entire Gross Samples 8.3.1.1 conveyor belt is stopped and a full cross-section cut with
Special Moisture Subsamples 8.3.1.2 parallel sides is removed from the coal stream. The distance
Other Subsamples for Moisture Testing 8.3.1.3
Special Precautions 8.3.2
between the parallel faces shall not be less than three times the
Weight of Increments 8.3.3 normal top size of the coal.
Number of Increments 8.3.4
Moisture Sampling Based Only on Size 8.3.4.1
6.3.2 Condition B (Full-Stream Cut), in which a full cross-
section cut is removed from a moving stream of coal.
5. Significance and Use 6.3.3 Condition C (Part-Stream Cut), in which a portion,
5.1 It is intended that this practice be used to provide a not a full cross section, is removed from a moving stream of
sample representative of the coal from which it is collected. coal.
Because of the variability of coal and the wide variety of 6.3.4 Condition D (Stationary Coal Sampling), in which a
sampling equipment, caution should be used in all stages of portion of coal is collected from a pile, a rail car, a barge, or a
sampling from system specifications and equipment procure- shiphold.
ment to equipment acceptance testing and actually taking the 6.4 Spacing of Increments—The spacing of increments
final sample. pertains to the kind of intervals between increments. Two

TABLE 1 Increment Types, Conditions, and Spacing

Types of Increment
Type I Type II
Condition of Increment Collection No Human Discretion Is Used Human Discretion Is Used
from the Main Body of Coal
Spacing of Increments Spacing of Increments
1. Systematic 2. Random 1. Systematic 2. Random
Condition A, stopped belt cut I-A-1 I-A-2 II-A-1 II-A-2
Condition B, full-stream cut I-B-1 I-B-2 II-B-1 II-B-2
Condition C, part-stream cut I-C-1 I-C-2 II-C-1 II-C-2
Condition D, stationary sampling I-D-1 I-D-2 II-D-1 II-D-2

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spacing methods are recognized: systematic and random. “Type II,” details of sampling procedure shall be agreed upon
Systematic spacing is usually preferable. in advance by all parties concerned.
6.4.1 Systematic Spacing 1, in which the movements of 7.3 Distribution of Increments—It is essential that the
individual increment collection are spaced evenly in time or in increments be distributed throughout the lot to be sampled.
position over the lot. This distribution is related to the entire volume of the lot, not
6.4.2 Random Spacing 2, in which the increments are merely its surface or any linear direction through it or over it.
spaced at random in time or in position over the lot. If circumstances prevent the sampler from applying this
principle, the lot is sampled only in part, and the gross sample
7. Organization and Planning of Sampling Operations is representative only of this part. The spacing of the incre-
ments shall be varied if the possibility exists that increment
7.1 This practice provides definitive procedures for the
collection may get “in phase” with the sequence of coal
collection of a gross sample. Parties claiming to use this
variability. Example: routine sampling of commercial coal
practice must adhere to the procedures as set out in this
from a continuous stream (conveyor belt) in which increment
standard. If the sampling is not done in accordance with the
collection is automatic and its sequence coincides with the
procedures set out in this practice then that sample may not be
“highs” or “lows” in the content of fines.
suitable for comparison with a sample collected by the proce-
7.4 Dimensions of Sampling Device—The opening of the
dures described in this practice. Since it may be impracticable
sampling device shall be no less than 2.5 times the nominal top
or impossible to take another sample of a given lot of coal it is
size of the coal and no less than 30 mm [1.25 in.]. The
essential that parties agree on sampling procedures prior to
sampling device shall be of sufficient capacity to completely
undertaking sampling.
retain or entirely pass the increment without spillage at the
7.2 Selection of Appropriate Sampling Procedure— maximum rate of coal flow.
Variations in coal-handling facilities make it impossible to 7.5 Characteristics and Movement of Sampling Device—In
publish rigid rules covering every sampling situation in com- sampling from moving streams of coal, the sampling device
plete and exact details. Proper sampling involves an under- shall be designed to collect each increment with no selective
standing and proper consideration of the minimum number and rejection of material by size and with no contamination by
weight of increments, the size consist of the coal, the condition nonsample material.
of preparation of the coal, the variability of the constituent 7.6 Relative Location of Sampling and Weighing—It is
sought, and the degree of precision required. preferable that coal be weighed and sampled at the same time.
7.2.1 Number and Weight of Increments—The number and If there is a lapse in time between these two events, consider-
weight of increments required for a given degree of precision ation should be given by both the purchaser and the seller to
depends upon the variability of the coal. This variability changes in moisture during this interval and the consequent
increases with an increase in free impurity. A coal high in shift in relationship of moisture to the true quality of the coal
inherent impurity and with comparatively little free impurity at the instant when ownership of the coal transfers from one to
may exhibit much less variability than a coal with a low the other.
inherent impurity and a relatively high proportion of free
impurity. For most practical purposes, an increase in the ash 8. Procedures
content of a given coal usually indicates an increase in
8.1 Sampling of Coals Based on Size and Condition of
variability. It is imperative that not less than the minimum
Preparation:
specified number of increments of not less than the minimum
8.1.1 General-Purpose Sampling:
specified weight be collected from the lot. For Condition D, the
8.1.1.1 Where probability sampling is employed, the
increments shall be of equal weight.
general-purpose sampling procedures are intended to provide,
7.2.2 Increment Collection Method to Be Used—To obtain
in 19 of 20 cases, dry ash results that are within the interval of
complete representation of all sizes, it is most desirable that the
61⁄10 of the average dry ash results that would be obtained in
sample increments be withdrawn from the full cross section of
hypothetical repeated sampling.
the stream. The best possible increment is a full cross-section
cut removed from a stopped belt, Classification I-A-1 in Table NOTE 1—Neither samples collected using part-stream increment col-
1. The best possible increment from a flowing stream of coal is lection nor samples collected from stationary coal are probability samples
one obtained by moving a cutter device entirely across the because in each case there are portions of the lot that have no chance of
being selected for the sample.
stream at a uniform speed, the same for each increment, into
one side of the stream and out of the other, without allowing 8.1.1.2 Number and Weight of Increments—Obtain the
the receptacle to overflow (Classification I-B-1 in Table 1). For number and weight of increments as specified in Table 2 except
the sampling of coal under Classification I-B-I see D 7430 as provided in 8.1.1.5 (b). Determine the minimum number of
Practice for the Mechanical Sampling of Coal. Classification increments from the condition of preparation, and determine
methods given in Table 1 are listed in order of decreasing the minimum weight of each increment from the top size of the
reliability. The highest possible classification method, wher- coal. Classify the coals to be sampled according to the general
ever feasible, should be used. Details of sampling procedures purpose procedure into three groups by top size. Further
should be agreed upon in advance by all parties concerned. classify each of these groups into two subgroups in accordance
Whenever circumstances dictate utilization of increment col- with the condition of preparation. These classifications are
lection classifications “Condition C” or “Condition D” or shown in Table 2.

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TABLE 2 Number and Weight of Increments for General Purpose Sampling ProcedureA
Top Size ⁄ in. [16 mm]
58 2 in. [50 mm] 6 in. [150 mm]B
C
Mechanically Cleaned Coal
Minimum number of increments 15 15 15
Minimum weight of increments, lbs 2 6 15
Minimum weight of increments, kg 1 3 7
Raw (Uncleaned Coal)C
Minimum number of increments 35 35 35
Minimum weight of increments, lbs 2 6 15
Minimum weight of increments, kg 1 3 7
A
Under Conditions C and D, see 7.2.1 and 7.2.2.
B
For coals above 6-in. [150-mm] top size, the sampling procedure should be mutually agreed upon in advance by all parties concerned.
C
If there is any doubt as to the condition of preparation of the coal (for example, mechanically cleaned coal or raw coal), the number of increments for raw coal shall
apply. Similarly, although a coal has been mechanically cleaned, it may still show great variation because of being a blend of two different portions of one seam or a blend
of two different seams. In such cases, the number of increments should be as specified for raw (uncleaned) coal.

8.1.1.3 Variations in construction of the sampling device (c) When a given quantity of coal that might be represented
and flow, structure, or size consist of the coal may make it by a single lot is divided into multiple sub-lots, the imprecision
impracticable to collect increments as small as the minimum of the reported quality for that given quantity is reduced. For a
weight specified in Table 2. In such cases, collect an increment given quantity, the component of imprecision due to sample
of greater weight. However, do not reduce the minimum preparation and analysis is reduced by 1/=m where m is the
number of increments, regardless of large excesses of indi- number of sub-lots.
vidual increment weights. Table 2 lists the absolute minimum 8.1.2 Special-Purpose Sampling:
number of increments for general-purpose sampling which 8.1.2.1 This special-purpose sampling procedure shall apply
may not be reduced except as specified in 8.1.1.5 (b). Other to the sampling of coal when increased precision is required,
considerations may make it advisable or necessary to increase and the only knowledge of the coal is its top size and
this number of increments. conditions of preparation.
8.1.1.4 Number of Gross Samples—Under the general- 8.1.2.2 Number and Weight of Increments—Take the same
purpose sampling procedure, for quantities up to approxi- number and weight of increments per gross sample as specified
mately 1000 Mg [1000 tons] it is recommended that one gross in Table 2, or as specified in 8.1.1.5(b).
sample represent the lot. Take this gross sample in accordance 8.1.2.3 Number of Gross Samples—To obtain increased
with the requirements prescribed in Table 2. precision for the final result for a given consignment, increase
8.1.1.5 For quantities over 1000 Mg [1000 tons], use any of the number of gross samples collected from that consignment
the following alternatives: and analyze each gross sample separately, reporting the aver-
(a) Take one gross sample for the lot and analyze it to age of results. To reduce errors to one half, that is, to “double”
represent the quality of the lot. Collect the number of incre- the precision, take four times as many gross samples. Similarly,
ments N calculated from Eq 1 below: to reduce errors to one third, to “triple” the precision, take nine

N5K ΠL
1000 (1)
times as many gross samples.
8.2 Division of the Gross Sample Before Crushing:
8.2.1 In the case of very large and unwieldy gross samples,
where: it is permissible to divide the gross sample to reduce its weight,
provided the following conditions are fulfilled:
L = the number of Mg [tons], and 8.2.1.1 If the entire gross sample is mixed in a suitable
K = 15 for mechanically cleaned coal or 35 for raw coal blender (double-cone or twin-shell tumbler) it is permissible to
(see Table 2). divide the sample using the schedule of Table 2. Test the
(b) Divide the lot into sub-lots and take a separate gross divided sample for bias.
sample from each sub-lot. Use Eq 1 to determine the minimum 8.2.1.2 If each very large increment is divided in quantity by
number of increments for each sub-lot, with L being the sub-lot secondary sampling, take at least six secondary increments
quantity. Weight-average the analyses of the sub-lot samples to from each primary increment. The method of collection of
represent the quality of the original lot. secondary increments must be proved to be free from bias. In
8.1.1.6 The maximum lot size shall be chosen by mutual no case shall the weight of a secondary increment be less than
agreement between the seller and the buyer of the coal, with shown in the schedule of Table 2.
each party taking into account the risks associated with the 8.3 Sampling of Coal for Total Moisture Determinations:
choice. Potential consequences include: 8.3.1 Types of Moisture Samples—Moisture determinations
(a) Large samples requiring excessive off-line preparation as specified in the method to be used are to be made on the
steps can result in sampling moisture losses. following kinds of samples.
(b) No quality information is obtained on within lot vari- 8.3.1.1 Entire Gross Sample—For referee tests, air dry the
ability. Lot sizes generally should not exceed quantities for entire gross sample and measure the weight loss from the entire
which critical quality levels apply in use of the coal. gross sample during this drying. This procedure can be carried

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out on the entire gross sample as a single batch or on groups of moisture tends to be distributed uniformly across the surface,
primary increments or as separate operations on the individual moisture bias is present when the size consist of the sample is
primary increments; obtain, by one of these means, the total not the same as the size consist of the lot sampled. In addition,
weight loss from the entire gross sample. After this air drying, when there is no knowledge of the sampling characteristics for
the sample can be crushed or divided, or both, as required by moisture, each increment shall not weigh less than the values in
the referee test for moisture. Table 2.
8.3.1.2 Special Moisture Subsample—For moisture testing, 8.3.4 Number of Increments—The number of increments
a special subsample can be taken from a gross sample before required for a given degree of precision depends on the weight
any operations of air drying or crushing. Take this subsample of the increments, the distribution of the moisture, and the total
from the gross sample in accordance with the requirements of amount of moisture. The distribution of moisture, however, is
8.2. not easily evaluated independent of total moisture; conse-
8.3.1.3 Other Subsamples for Moisture Testing—For mois- quently, the combined effects can be measured by determining
ture testing, a subsample can be used that is collected after the the sampling characteristics for moisture.
initial crushing and dividing of a gross sample. The procedures
8.3.4.1 Moisture Sampling Based Only on Size—When
for the crushing and dividing, and for this subsequent subsam-
there is no knowledge of the sampling characteristics for
pling for moisture, are given in Practice D 2013.
moisture, collect at least the number of increments from the lot
8.3.2 Special Precautions—Collect samples and sub-
of coal as those given in Table 2. When a special moisture
samples for moisture in such a manner that there is no
subsample is taken from the gross sample before any drying or
unmeasured loss of moisture of significant amount. Make
crushing operations, collect the number of increments for the
adequate weighings before and after drying or other operations
subsample as specified in 8.2.
to measure all significant weight losses.
8.3.3 Weight of Increments—The minimum weight of each
9. Precision and Bias
increment must be that which is sufficient as to be free of bias.
This depends on the top size of the coal in the stream being 9.1 The precision of the general-purpose sampling proce-
sampled, the dimensions of the collection device, and other dure, based on size and condition of preparation, is stated in
factors of the withdrawal of the increment. Since much of the 8.1.1.1. If a different precision is required, see 8.1.2.

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