Designation: D 388 99

Standard Classification of

Coals by Rank1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 388; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

the Reflectance of Vitrinite in a Polished Specimen of

Coal2
D 3172 Practice for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke2
D 3173 Test Method for Moisture in the Analysis Sample of
Coal and Coke2
D 3174 Test Method for Ash in the Analysis Sample of Coal
and Coke from Coal2
D 3175 Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis
Sample of Coal and Coke2
D 3177 Test Methods for Total Sulfur in the Analysis
Sample of Coal and Coke2
D 3180 Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses
from As-Determined to Different Bases2
D 3302 Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal2
D 4596 Practice for Collection of Channel Samples of Coal
in the Mine2
D 5192 Practice for the Collection of Coal Samples from
Core2
D 5865 Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and
Coke2

1. Scope
1.1 This standard covers the classification of coals by rank,
that is, according to their degree of metamorphism, or progressive alteration, in the natural series from lignite to anthracite.
1.2 This classification is applicable to coals that are composed mainly of vitrinite.
NOTE 1Coals rich in inertinite or liptinite (exinite), or both, cannot be
properly classified because, in those macerals, the properties that determine rank (calorific value, volatile matter, and agglomerating character)
differ greatly from those of vitrinite in the same coal. Often such coals can
be recognized by megascopic examination. In North America, these coals
are mostly nonbanded varieties that contain only a small proportion of
vitrain and consist mainly of attrital materials. The degree of metamorphism of nonbanded and other vitrinite-poor coals can be estimated by
determining the classification properties of isolated or concentrated
vitrinite fractions, or by determining the reflectance of the vitrinite (see
Test Method D 2798 and Appendix X1 of this classification). However, in
the use of these vitrinite-poor coals, some properties normally associated
with rank, such as rheology, combustibility, hardness, and grindability (as
well as the rank determining properties) may differ substantially from
those of vitrinite-rich coals of the same degree of metamorphism.

The precision of the classification of impure coal may be

impaired by the effect of large amounts of mineral matter on
the determination of volatile matter and calorific value, and on
their calculation to the mineral-matter-free basis.
1.3 The values stated in British thermal units per pound are
to be regarded as the standard. The SI equivalents of British
thermal units per pound are approximate. All other values in SI
units are to be regarded as standard.

3. Terminology
3.1 DefinitionsFor additional definitions of terms used in
this classification, refer to Terminology D 121.
3.1.1 agglomerating, adjas applied to coal, the property
of softening when it is heated to above about 400C in a
nonoxidizing atmosphere, and then appearing as a coherent
mass after cooling to room temperature.
3.1.2 apparent rank, nof coal, the rank designation obtained on samples other than channel samples or core samples
with 100 % recovery, but otherwise conforming to procedures
of Classification D 388.
3.1.3 coal seam, nthe stratum, layer, or bed of coal that
lies between two other rock layers whose compositions differ
significantly from that of coal.
3.2 AbbreviationsWhere it is desired to abbreviate the
designation of the ranks of coal, the following abbreviations
shall be used:

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 121 Terminology of Coal and Coke2
D 720 Test Method for Free-Swelling Index of Coal2
D 1412 Test Method for Equilibrium Moisture of Coal at 96
to 97 Percent Relative Humidity and 30C2
D 1757 Test Method for Sulfur in Ash from Coal and Coke2
D 2013 Method of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis2
D 2234 Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal2
D 2798 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of

mameta-anthracite
ananthracite
sasemianthracite
lvblow volatile bituminous
mvbmedium volatile bituminous
hvAbhigh volatile A bituminous
hvBbhigh volatile B bituminous
hvCbhigh volatile C bituminous
subAsubbituminous A

1
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-5 on Coal
and Coke and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.18 on Classification
of Coals.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1999. Published January 2000. Originally
published as D 388 34 T. Last previous edition D 388 98a.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.06.

Copyright ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

D 388
Classify coals having gross calorific values less than 14 000
Btu/lb on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis according to
gross calorific value on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis,
provided the fixed carbon on the dry, mineral-matter-free basis
is less than 69 %.
6.2 Agglomerating CharacterClassify coals having 86 %
or more fixed carbon on the dry, mineral-matter-free basis, if
agglomerating, in the low volatile group of the bituminous
class. Classify coals having gross calorific values in the range
from 10 500 to 11 500 Btu/lb on the moist, mineral-matter-free
basis according to their agglomerating character (Table 1).
6.3 Supplemental InformationA correlation of the ranking
property, volatile matter (100fixed carbon), with the meanmaximum reflectance of the vitrinite group macerals in coals
tested in one laboratory over a period of several years is shown
in Appendix X1.

subBsubbituminous B
subCsubbituminous C
ligAlignite A
ligBlignite B

4. Significance and Use

4.1 This classification establishes categories of coal based
on gradational properties that depend principally on the degree
of metamorphism to which the coal was subjected while
buried. These categories indicate ranges of physical and
chemical characteristics that are useful in making broad
estimates of the behavior of coal in mining, preparation, and
use.
5. Basis of Classification
5.1 Classification is according to fixed carbon and gross
calorific value (expressed in British thermal units per pound)
calculated to the mineral-matter-free basis. The higher-rank
coals are classified according to fixed carbon on the dry basis;
the lower-rank coals are classified according to gross calorific
value on the moist basis. Agglomerating character is used to
differentiate between certain adjacent groups.

7. Sampling
7.1 SamplesClassify a coal seam, or part of a coal seam,
in any locality based on the average analysis and gross calorific
value (and agglomerating character where required) of not less
than three and preferably five or more face channel samples or
core samples taken in different and uniformly distributed
localities, either within the same mine or closely adjacent
mines representing a continuous and compact area not greater
than approximately four square miles in regions of geological
uniformity. In regions in which conditions indicate that the coal
probably varies rapidly in short distances, the spacing of
sampling points and grouping of analyses to provide average

6. Classification by Rank
6.1 Fixed Carbon and Gross Calorific ValueCoals shall
be classified by rank in accordance with Table 1. Classify coals
having gross calorific values of 14 000 Btu/lb or more on the
moist, mineral-matter-free basis, and coals having fixed carbon
of 69 % or more on the dry, mineral-matter-free basis, according to fixed carbon on the dry, mineral-matter-free basis.

TABLE 1 Classification of Coals by RankA

Gross Calorific Value Limits
(Moist,B Mineral-Matter-Free Basis)

Fixed Carbon Limits

Volatile Matter Limits
(Dry, Mineral-Matter-Free (Dry, Mineral-Matter-Free
Basis), %
Basis), %

Anthracitic:
Meta-anthracite
Anthracite
SemianthraciteD
Bituminous:
Low volatile bituminous coal
Medium volatile bituminous coal
High volatile A bituminous coal
High volatile B bituminous coal
High volatile C bituminous coal

Subbituminous:
Subbituminous A coal
Subbituminous B coal
Subbituminous C coal
Lignitic:
Lignite A
Lignite B

Equal or
Greater
Than

Less
Than

Greater
Than

98
92
86

...
98
92

78
69
...
...
...

86
78
69
...
...

...
...
...

...
...

...
...
...

...
...

Equal or
Less Than

Equal or
Greater
Than

...
2
8

2
8
14

14
22
31
...
...

22
31
...
...
...

...
...
...

...
...

...
...
...

...
...

Mj/kgC

Btu/lb

Class/Group

Agglomerating
Character

Less Than

Equal or
Greater
Than

Less Than

...
...
...

...
...
...

...
...
...

...
...
...

...
...
14 000E
13 000E
11 500
10 500

...
...
...
14 000
13 000
11 500

...
...
32.6
30.2
26.7
24.4

...
...
...
32.6
30.2
26.7

commonly
agglomeratingF

10 500
9 500
8 300

11 500
10 500
9 500

24.4
22.1
19.3

26.7
24.4
22.1

nonagglomerating

6 300G
...

8 300
6 300

14.7
...

19.3
14.7

nonagglomerating

agglomerating

This classification does not apply to certain coals, as discussed in Section 1.

Moist refers to coal containing its natural inherent moisture but not including visible water on the surface of the coal.
Megajoules per kilogram. To convert British thermal units per pound to megajoules per kilogram, multiply by 0.002 326.
D
If agglomerating, classify in low volatile group of the bituminous class.
E
Coals having 69 % or more fixed carbon on the dry, mineral-matter-free basis shall be classified according to fixed carbon, regardless of gross calorific value.
F
It is recognized that there may be nonagglomerating varieties in these groups of the bituminous class, and that there are notable exceptions in the high volatileC
bituminous group.
G
Editorially corrected.
B

D 388
values shall not be such that coals of obviously different rank
will be used in calculating average values.
7.1.1 Take channel samples by excluding mineral partings
more than 1 cm (38 in.) and lenses or concretions (such as
sulfur balls) more than 1.25 cm (12 in.) thick and 5 cm (2 in.)
wide, as specified in Practice D 4596.
7.1.2 A drill core sample may be used provided it was
collected as specified in Practice D 5192 and meets the
following provisions: core recovery is 100 % of the seam, the
major mineral partings and concretions are excluded as specified in 7.1.1, and drilling mud is removed from the core (see
also 7.1.6).
7.1.3 Place all samples in metal or plastic cans with airtight
lids, or heavy vapor impervious bags, properly sealed to
preserve inherent moisture.
7.1.4 Analyses of samples from outcrops or from weathered
or oxidized coal shall not be used for classification by rank.
7.1.5 In case the coal is likely to be classified on the moist
basis, that is, inclusive of its natural complement of inherent
moisture, take samples in a manner most likely to preserve
inherent moisture for purposes of analysis. Because some of
the moisture in a freshly collected sample condenses on the
inside of the sample container, weigh both the container and
the coal before and after air drying, and report the total loss in
weight as air-drying loss.
7.1.6 If the sample is a core or if it is impossible to sample
the coal without including visible surface moisture, or if there
may be other reasons to question the accuracy of inherent
moisture content determinable from the sample, and the coal is
likely to be classified on the moist basis, the sampler shall
include the following statement in the description: Moisture
questionable. Samples so marked shall not be used for classification on a moist basis unless brought to a standard condition
of moisture equilibrium at 30C in a vacuum desiccator
containing a saturated solution of potassium sulfate (97 %
humidity) as specified in Test Method D 1412. Analyses of
such samples that have been treated in this manner shall be
designated as samples equilibrated at 30C and 97 % humidity.
7.2 Other Types of SamplesA standard rank determination
cannot be made unless samples have been obtained in accordance with 7.1. However, the relation to standard determinations may be usefully given for other types of samples taken
under unspecified conditions, providing the same standards of
analysis and computation are followed. Designate these comparative indications as apparent rank, which indicates the
correct relative position for the sample analyzed but does not
imply any standards of sampling. Whenever apparent rank is
stated, give additional information as to the nature of the
sample.
7.2.1 The apparent rank of the coal product from a mine
shall be based on representative samples taken in accordance
with the Organization and Planning of Sampling Operations
section (Section 7) of Practice D 2234.
7.2.2 In case the coal is likely to be classed on the moist
basis, take samples at the tipple or preparation plant and seal
the sample to prevent loss of moisture.

accordance with Method D 2013 and analyze it in accordance

with Test Methods D 3173, D 3174, D 3175, D 3177, D 3302,
and Practice D 3172. Determine its gross calorific value in
accordance with Test Method D 5865. Determine the sulfur
trioxide (SO3) retained in the ash in accordance with Test
Method D 1757 and express the result on a dry basis. Inherent
moisture is reported as as-received moisture if the sample was
collected according to 7.1.1 or as equilibrium moisture if 7.1.6
(Test Method D 1412) applies.
8.2 Adjust the ash value determined in accordance with Test
Method D 3174 to be free of sulfate as follows:

SO3
A 5 Ad 12 100

DS

M
12 100

(1)

where:
A
5 adjusted ash value on the inherent moist basis,
Ad 5 ash yield, dry basis, determined in accordance with
Test Method D 3174,
SO3 5 in the ash determined in accordance with Test
Method D 1757, and
M
5 inherent moisture.
Add to the value of fixed carbon that is determined in
accordance with Practice D 3172 the value of the SO3 determined in the ash to obtain the value FC to be used in Eq 2.
8.3 Agglomerating CharacterThe test carried out by the
examination of the residue in the platinum crucible incident to
the volatile matter determination shall be used.3 Coals which,
in the volatile matter determination, produce either an agglomerate button that will support a 500-g weight without pulverizing, or a button showing swelling or cell structure, shall be
considered agglomerating from the standpoint of classification.
In addition, a result of 1.0 or more on the Free Swelling Index
test (Test Method D 720) may also be used to indicate the coal
is agglomerating; a result of 0.5 or 0 indicates the coal is
nonagglomerating.
9. Calculation to Mineral-Matter-Free Basis
9.1 Calculation of Fixed Carbon and Calorific ValueFor
classification of coal according to rank, calculate fixed carbon
and gross calorific value to the mineral-matter-free (Mm-free)
basis in accordance with the Parr formulas,4 Eq 2-4. Background infromation concerning the development of the Parr
formulas as well as other ranking considerations and examples
of the calculations (Table 1) are provided in Appendix X2.
9.2 Calculate to Mm-free basis as follows:
9.2.1 Parr Formulas:
Dry, Mm2free FC 5100~FC20.15S!/~100 2 ~M 1 1.08A 1 0.55S!!
(2)
Dry, Mm2free VM51002Dry, Mm2free FC

(3)

Moist, Mm2free Btu 5 100~Btu 2 50S!/~100 2 ~1.08A 1 0.55S!!

(4)

3
Gilmore, R. E., Connell, G. P., and Nicholls, J. H. H., Agglomerating and
Agglutinating Tests for Classifying Weakly Caking Coals, Transactions, American
Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Coal Division, Vol 108, 1934, p.
255.
4
Parr, S. W., The Classification of Coal, Bulletin No. 180, Engineering
Experiment Station, University of Illinois, 1928.

8. Methods of Analysis and Testing

8.1 Laboratory Sampling and AnalysisPrepare coal in
3

D 388
where:
Btu 5
FC 5
VM 5
M 5
A
5
S
5

In Eq 2 and Eq 4, the quantities are all on the inherent

moisture basis. Fixed carbon (FC) and ash (A) are both
adjusted to the SO3free basis in accordance with 8.2.

gross calorific value, Btu/lb,

fixed carbon, %,
volatile matter, %,
moisture, %,
ash, %, and
sulfur, %.

10. Keywords
10.1 anthracite; bituminous; coal; lignite; rank

APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. CORRELATION OF VOLATILE MATTER WITH MEAN-MAXIMUM REFLECTANCE OF VITRINITE

X1.1 The reflectance of vitrinite in a sample of coal, as

determined by Test Method D 2798, provides a useful guide to
the rank of the coal. The correlation of the mean-maximum
reflectance of all varieties of vitrinite with volatile matter,
expressed on a dry and mineral-matter-free basis, is given in
Fig. X1.1. Data are plotted for 807 coal samples that contained
less than 8 % ash from many different coal fields in North

America. All data were determined by a single laboratory, with

several different analysts over a period of several years. The
plot shows a range of reflectances for three important rank
groups:
Reflectance Range in Oil,
Mean-Max, %

Distribution Midpoints

Rank

<1.15
1.021.55
1.352.0(?)

<1.1
1.101.45
1.452.0(?)

hvb
mvb
lvb

NOTE X1.1Coals with the same vitrinite reflectance and similar

maceral compositions may have different rheological and fluorescence
properties and even burn and carbonize differently. These differences may
be due to such diverse factors as their geologic age, environment, and/or
mode of accumulation (time, temperature, and pressure), and even
differences in the plants that contributed to their formation. Thus, the use
of vitrinite reflectance for selecting coals for use may need additional
qualifications to predict their utilization potential. This is particularly
important in selecting coals for coke production since vitrinites with the
same reflectance but different fluorescence properties are known to
produce different carbon forms that have different physical (strength) and
chemical (reactivity) properties.

X1.2 The midpoints given above are the midpoints of the

distribution for the lower and upper boundary points on the
reflectance scale for the indicated rank. Of the 807 coals, those
that contain greater than 25 volume % inertinites tend to plot
on the lower side of the distribution range than do the others
that contain more vitrinites and liptinites.

FIG. X1.1 Relation Between the Rank of U.S. Coals and Vitrinite
Reflectance

X2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PARR EQUATIONS AND OTHER RANKING CONSIDERATIONS

X2.1 IntroductionCoals are ranked according to Classification D 388 on a mineral matter-free basis, dry or moist,
depending on the parameter that applies. The rank
parameterseither volatile matter (or fixed carbon) or gross
calorific valuesare commonly reported by laboratories on the
as-received, dry-and-ash-free basis. These reported values
must be converted to the mineral-matter-free basis for ranking
purposes. Thus converted, the properties of the maceral (carbonaceous) material are used as ranking criteria, and the effects
of variable mineral matter contents, which are unrelated to
rank, are eliminated. In essence, only the pure coal fraction
of a given sample is being ranked. The Parr formula is used to

estimate the original mineral matter in the coal by using the ash
yield and total sulfur content determined on that coal as
follows:
Mm51.08A 1 0.55S

where:
A 5 ash yield (ASTM Test Method D 3174) and
S 5 total sulfur content (ASTM Test Methods D 3177).
This formula assumes that clay minerals, with an average
water of hydration content of 8 %, and pyrite, which contains
essentially all the sulfur, are the only mineral groups present.
Furthermore, the following reactions are assumed to occur

D 388
TABLE X2.1 Example Calculations of Coal Rank According to Classification D 388A
Sample A

Sample B

Sample C

Sample D

Sample E

Sample F

34.79
5.65
30.32
29.24
0.71
7676

32.45
11.93
28.07
27.55
1.15
7093

14.94
7.57
33.89
43.60
0.66
10 178

9.85
6.00
32.81
51.34
3.07
10 178

9.20
7.54
31.69
51.57
1.14
12 077

1.88
11.86
25.27
60.99
0.33
13 045

8.66
46.50
44.84
1.09
11 771

17.66
41.55
40.78
1.70
10 500

8.90
39.84
51.26
0.78
11 966

6.66
36.39
56.95
3.41
11 290

8.30
34.90
56.80
1.26
13 301

12.09
25.75
62.16
0.34
13 295

0
11.00
0.62
5.03
5.82
29.86

0
10.57
1.26
10.67
12.16
28.81

0
9.75
0.74
6.83
7.74
44.34

2
2.17
0.13
5.87
8.03
51.47

4
2.18
0.16
7.38
8.59
51.73

2.5
2.27
0.27
11.59
12.70
61.26

8113
49.90
50.10
non.
lig A

8009
48.30
51.70
non.
lig A

10 996
42.78
57.22
non.
sub A

10 899
37.89
62.11
aggl.
hvCb

13 150
37.28
62.72
aggl.
hvBb

14 924
28.34
71.66
aggl.
mvb

As-Received (AR) Basis

Moisture % (inherent moisture)
Ash %
Volatile matter %
Fixed carbon %
Sulfur %
Gross calorific value, Btu/lb
Dry Basis
Ash %
Volatile matter %
Fixed carbon %
Sulfur %
Gross calorific value, Btu/lb
Other Results
Free swelling index (FSI)
SO3% of ash
SO3 in ash, % of coal (AR basis)
SO3-free ash (SFA)% (AR basis)C
Mineral matter, Paar % (SFA, AR basis)
FC (SFA, AR basis)B
Rank Determining ValuesD
Gross calorific value, Btu/lb (moist mmf)
Volatile matter % (dry mmf)
Fixed carbon % (dry mmf)
Agglomerating character
Rank (Classification D 388)
A6

.
The as-received basis is equivalent to the inherent-moisture-containing basis only for samples collected and preserved as described in Section 7. For samples not
meeting those criteria, data should be adjusted from the as-received basis to the inherent-moisture-containing basis.
C
Values corrected to sulfate-free ash basis per Classification D 388, Section 8.2. These adjusted parameters are used to calculate rank-determining values.
D
Parameters used for ranking each sample using Classification D 388 Table 1 are shown in bold type. The other values are shown for informational and comparison
purposes only.
B

Sd 5 sulfur content, dry basis.

Quoting Parr4 (except for the subscript
around the fractions, added for clarity):

during ashing: (1) the hydroxyl groups from the clay minerals
are lost to the atmosphere; (2) the sulfur converts to sulfur
dioxide, which also is lost; and (3) pyrite decomposes to iron
oxide and iron is retained in the ash. The Parr formula attempts
to correct the measured ash and sulfur for these reactions by
adjusting their mass back to that of the original minerals in the
coal. By using this formula, the varying amounts of mineral
matter can be factored out of the ranking of coals. For example,
Samples A and B in Table X2.1 are both ranked as Lignite A
because they have similar gross calorific values when calculated to a moist, mineral-matter-free basis (gross calorific
valuem,mmf), in contrast to their gross calorific values which are
quite different on an as-received basis. In this example,
differing mineral contents are thus factored out for the purposes
of ranking.
Section X2.3 provides useful equations that enable the
ranking parameters to be calculated from laboratory results on
the dry basis for volatile matter, ash, and sulfur.

and parentheses

(5/8)Sd restores the Fe2O3 as weighed in the ash to FeS2, as weighed in the
coal, 3 oxygens or 48 in the ash having been originally 4 sulfurs or 128 in the
coal;
(10/8)Sd represents the equivalent of Fe2O3 as weighed in the ash, that is,
the Fe2O3 molecule, 160, is 10/8 of the sulfur present in the coal;
(Ad (10/8)Sd) is the ash as weighed minus the Fe2O3;
0.08 is a constant applied to the iron free ash to restore the water of hydration to the earthy matter less iron pyrites, thus representing the true amount of
earthy constituent as weighed in the original coal.

The above reduces to: Mm 5 1.08Ad + 0.525Sd

and simplifies to: Mm 5 1.08Ad + 0.55Sd
where the coefficient of sulfur is arbitrarily adjusted up by
the value 0.025 (to give results that do not statistically differ
from those of other proposed formulas5).
X2.2.2 Moist, Mineral-Matter-Free BasisThe basis to
which calorific value is calculated for determining coal rank for
samples of coal of ranks high volatile A bituminous and lower.5
This is the mineral-matter-free, inherent-moisture-containing
basis, which is equivalent to the as-received basis for samples
collected and preserved as described in 7. In Eq 4, the calorific
value is corrected for the estimated heat of combustion of
pyrite (50S), and then calculated to the moist, mineral-matterfree basis by the factor (100 - Mm), equivalent to (100 (1.08A

X2.2 Explanation of Analytical Bases for Ranking Properties:

X2.2.1 Dry, Mineral-Matter-Free BasisThe basis to
which chemical properties are to be calculated for samples of
coal of ranks medium volatile bituminous and higher. Mineral
matter (Mm, noncoal) in North American coals is best approximated by the Parr formula4
Mm5Ad1~5/8!Sd10.08~Ad2~10/8!Sd!

(X2.1)
5
Fieldner, A. C., Selvig, W. A., and Gibson, F. H., Application of Ash
Corrections to Analyses of Various Coals, Transactions, American Institute of
Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Coal Division, Vol 101, 1932, pp. 223246.

where:
Ad 5 ash content, dry basis (possibly sulfate-bearing) and
5

D 388
trast to their gross calorific values, which are quite different on
an as-received basis. In this example, differing mineral contents are thus factored out for the purposes of ranking.
Samples C and D have essentially the same gross calorific
valuem,mmf, but are not ranked the same because of their
differing agglomerating properties. An important, but sometimes unclear consideration with higher rank coals is their
agglomerating character. Since 1934, the agglomerating character of the sample has been used to distinguish subbituminous
A from high volatile C bituminous coals. It was recognized that
the calorific value of the two ranks overlapped. In earlier
versions of the standard, examination of the residue in the
platinum crucibles incident to the volatile matter determination... was the required procedure to determine agglomerating
character. These versions go on to read Coals which, the
volatile matter determination, produce either an agglomerate
button that will support a 500g weight without pulverizing, or
a button showing swelling or cell structure, shall be considered
agglomerating... . However, for over 25 years, the standard
test for the Free-Swelling Index (Test Method D 720) has
included the provision to test the pulverizing nature of the
button under a 500g weight. It has been the practice for many
years to use the results of the Free-Swelling test to determine
the agglomerating character of a coal as outlined in 8.3 of this
standard.
Sample F demonstrates the need to use fixed carbon and
volatile matter contents (on a dry, mineral-matter-free basis)
since the fixed carbon exceeds 69 % irrespective of the gross
calorific valuem,mmf. In Samples E and F, gross calorific values
on a dry basis are very similar, but because Sample F contains
greater than 69 % fixed carbon on a dry, mmf basis, these two
samples are not given the same rank. Sample E is a high
volatile B bituminous coal and Sample F is ranked as a medium
volatile bituminous coal

+ 0.55S)). All data are on the inherent-moisture-containing

basis.
X2.3 Useful EquationsThe ranking equation (Eq 3 of
9.2.1) can be simplified for cases when data are available on
the dry basis: dry ash (Ad), volatile matter (VMd), sulfur (Sd),
and the sulfate (SO3.d) content of the ash.6 In such cases, Eq 3
of 9.2.1 can be expressed so as to yield the ranking parameter
directly, the volatile matter on the dry, mineral-matter-free
basis (VMdmmf):
VMdmmf

SO3.d
VMd 2 0.08Ad 1 2 100 2 0.4Sd
5
SO3.d
1 2 0.0108Ad 1 2 100 2 0.0055Sd

For a coal of rankhigh volatile A bituminous or lower and

for which the inherent moisture (Mi, or equivalent as-received
moisture) and dry values for gross calorific value in Btu/lb
(Btud), and the ash and sulfur contents are given, the ranking
equation (Eq 4, 9.2.1)gross calorific value on the moist,
mineral-matter-free basis (Btum,mmf) is equivalent to:
100~Btud 2 50Sd!
100
SO3.d
100 100 2 M 2 1.08Ad 1 2 100 2 0.55Sd
i
Table X2.1 provides helpful example calculations for samples with widely
different ranks to demonstrate some of the important considerations for
classifying coals. These examples also demonstrate the effects of the
correction factor for sulfur retained in the ash during the ashing process
per 8.2 and its importance to rank determination.
Btum,mmf 5

Samples A and B are both ranked as Lignite A because they

have similar gross calorific values when calculated to a moist,
mineral-matter-free basis (gross calorific valuem,mmf), in con6
Hoeft, A. P., Harvey, R. D., and Luppens, J. A., Notes on the Determination of
ASTM Coal Rank, Journal of Coal Quality, Vol 12, No. 1, 1993, pp. 813.

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