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: D5373 − 16 D5373 − 21

Standard Test Methods for

Determination of Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen in
Analysis Samples of Coal and Carbon in Analysis Samples
of Coal and Coke1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5373; 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 Test Method A covers the determination of carbon in the range of 54.9 % to 84.7 %, hydrogen in the range of 3.25 %3.26 %
to 5.10 %,5.08 %, and nitrogen in the range of 0.57 % to 1.80 %1.76 % in the analysis samples (8.1) of coal and of carbon in
analysis samples of coke in the range of 86.6 % to 97.9 %.

iTeh Standards
1.1.1 Test Method B covers the determination of carbon in analysis samples of coal in the range of 58.0 % to 84.2 %, 57.7 % to
84.0 %, and carbon in analysis samples of coke in the range of 86.3 % to 95.2 %.95.4 %.

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
NOTE 1—The coals included in the interlaboratory studystudies employed to derive the precision statementstatements for this standard cover ASTM rank
lignite A to low volatile bituminous. Additional information concerning the composition of these coals appears in Annex A4 and Annex A5. The cokes
used in the interlaboratory study employed to derive the precision statement for coke for Method A included five each metallurgical (met) cokes and seven
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each petroleum (pet) cokes, and Method B included an equal number (five each) of met cokes and pet cokes.

1.2 All percentages are percent mass fractions unless otherwise noted.
ASTM D5373-21
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1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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:2

D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
D346/D346M Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis

1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.21 on Methods of
Analysis.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016April 1, 2021. Published September 2016April 2021. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20142016 as
D5373 – 14D5373 – 16.ɛ2. DOI: 10.1520/D5373-16.10.1520/D5373-21.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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

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D3173 Test Method for Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke
D3176 Practice for Ultimate Analysis of Coal and Coke
D3180 Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
D5865 Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and Coke
D7582 Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis
2.2 ISO Standard:3
ISO 5725-6 Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Measurement Methods and Results Part 6: Use in Practice of Accuracy Values
3. Terminology

3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D121.
4. Summary of Test Methods

4.1 In Method A, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal or carbon in coke are determined in a single instrumental procedure using
a furnace operating at temperatures in the range of 900 °C to 1050 °C for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal or 950 °C to
1150 °C for carbon in coke. The quantitative conversion of the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen into their corresponding gases (CO2,
H2O, and NOx) occurs during combustion of the sample at an elevated temperature in an atmosphere of oxygen. Combustion
products which can interfere with the subsequent gas analysis are removed. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are reduced to N2 before
detection. The carbon dioxide, water vapor and elemental nitrogen in the gas stream are determined by appropriate instrumental
detection procedures.

4.2 In Method B, carbon in coal and coke is determined by combusting the sample in a 1350 °C furnace. The H2O in the
combustion gases is removed and CO2 is determined by infrared absorption.
5. Significance and Use iTeh Standards
5.1 Carbon and hydrogen values(https://standards.iteh.ai)
can be used to determine the amount of oxygen (air) required in combustion processes and for
calculation of the efficiency of combustion processes.
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5.2 Carbon and hydrogen determinations can be used in calculations including material balance, reactivity and yields of products
relevant to coal conversion processes such as gasification and liquefaction.
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5.3 Carbon and nitrogen values can be used in material balance calculations employed for emission accounting purposes.

NOTE 2—The bulk composition of coal changes at a rate that varies from coal to coal during storage. As a result, using coal for calibration can yield
incorrect estimates of carbon, and hydrogen content in particular.

6. Apparatus

6.1 Analytical Instrument for CHN Analysis in Coal or Carbon in Coke (Method A)—An instrument capable of analyzing a test
portion of 6 mg or greater. For coal, it includes a furnace capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 900 °C to 1050 °C
to ensure quantitative recovery of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen as their corresponding gases (CO2, H2O, and NOx). For coke,
it includes a furnace capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 950 °C to 1150 °C. The use of combustion promoters,
including tin foil or capsule, shall be utilized as required by the apparatus manufacturer for quantitative recovery of carbon in coke
as its corresponding gas (CO2). The combustion gases or a representative aliquot shall be treated to remove, separate out, or convert
any components that can interfere with the measurement of carbon dioxide, water vapor, or nitrogen. The detection system shall

TABLE 1 Calibration Materials and Their Theoretical Contents of

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen (Method A)
Name Formula C% H% N%
EDTA C10H16N2O8 41.1 5.5 9.6
Phenylalanine C9H11NO2 65.4 6.7 8.5
Acetanilide C8H9NO 71.1 6.7 10.4
BBOT C26H26N2O2S 72.5 6.1 6.5
Graphite C 100.0

3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

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include provisions for evaluating the response in a manner that correlates accurately with the carbon dioxide, water vapor, and
nitrogen present in the treated combustion gases.

6.2 Analytical Instrumentation for Carbon in Coal and Coke Analysis (Method B)—An instrument with a furnace capable of
maintaining a temperature of at least 1350 °C at all times during the analysis. The high temperature helps ensure the quantitative
recovery of carbon from cokes. The infrared absorption detection system shall include provisions for evaluating the response in
a manner that correlates accurately with the carbon dioxide present in the dry combustion gases. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations for sample mass (typically 50 mg to 300 mg).

6.3 Balance—A stand-alone balance or a balance integrated with the instrument, with a resolution of at least 0.1 % relative of the
test portion mass.

7. Reagents

7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available.4 Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.

7.2 Carrier Gas, as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.

7.3 Oxygen, as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.

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7.4 Additional Reagents, of types and qualities as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.

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7.5 Calibration Materials—Calibration materials shall be accompanied by a certificate of analysis stating the purity of the
material. If the certificate of analysis does not provide assigned values for carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen, use the purity as stated

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on the certificate to establish carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen from the theoretical values. Store these pure substances in a desiccator
under conditions that maintain the compounds in a dry state.

7.6 Reference Materials—Certified reference materialASTM (CRM) D5373-21

coal(s) prepared by a recognized authority to monitor changes in
instrument response that can be affected by constituents not present in the calibration materials (Note 3) and to verify the
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acceptability of nitrogen results. Coal(s) and coke(s) traceable to a certified reference material (CRM) coal(s) and coke(s) can also
be used. Follow instructions on the reference material certificate with respect to storage of the reference material and use of
assigned values. Use only those carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen values that have an assigned uncertainty or are traceable to a value
with an assigned uncertainty.

NOTE 3—Coal contains mineral constituents as well as acid gas forming constituents that can affect the performance of chemicals used to ensure the
consistent and uniform conversion and recovery of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

NOTE 4—The amount of nitrogen in the majority of coal employed for power production purposes is in the range of 0.5 % to 1.8 %. None of the calibrants
yields percent nitrogen values within the ranges expected for coal. For this reason, reference material (RM) coal is used to check the acceptability of
nitrogen results.

7.7 Tungsten Oxide (WO3 )—), as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.

7.8 Tin (Sn)—(Sn), as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.

8. Preparation of Analysis Sample

8.1 The sample shall be the analysis sample prepared to a top size of less than 250 µm (No. 60). Coal samples shall be prepared
in accordance with Practice D2013. Coke samples shall be prepared in accordance with Practice D346/D346M.

4
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications , American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National
Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.

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9. Instrument Preparation

9.1 Instrument Set-Up—Verify all instrument operating parameters meet the specifications in the instrument operating manual.
Verify the condition and quantities of all chemicals currently in use are satisfactory for the number of samples to be analyzed. Prior
to any analysis, check for and, if necessary, correct any leaks in the combustion system,system and the carrier gas system.

9.2 Blank Analyses—Perform blank analyses to establish carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen levels in the combustion and carrier gases
as required by the specific method. The level of carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen in these gases shall not exceed 1 % relative of the
instrument response for the lowest mass of calibration material (9.4) for each analyte. Re-determine blank analyses whenever the
carrier gas or oxygen supplies are changed or any chemicals are renewed.

9.3 Conditioning—Select a conditioning sample in the range of 75 % (or more) carbon dry basis. It is recommended that the
moisture content be less than 3 %. Carry out four determinations on the conditioning sample. Discard the first determination. If
the range of the three retained determinations for either carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen values exceed 1.21.2 r, where r is the
repeatability of this standard, instrument stability is suspect. In this case, take corrective action before proceeding with calibration.

9.4 Calibration—If the instrument has been previously calibrated in accordance with Annex A1, determinations can proceed
provided the calibration is verified in accordance with Annex A2. Otherwise calibrate the instrument as described in Annex A1.

9.4.1 Calibration for Carbon in Coal and Coke at 1350°C1350 °C (Method B)—Use pure graphite to calibrate instruments
operating at 1350°C1350 °C that are used for determining carbon in coal and coke analysis samples.

10. Procedure

10.1 Determination: iTeh Standards

10.1.1 Carry out a determination(https://standards.iteh.ai)
of the moisture content of each analysis sample or each reference material, or both, in accordance
with Test Method D3173 or Test Methods D7582 within 48 h of the determination of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen on each
analysis sample.
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10.1.2 Carry out the determination by weighing out a test portion of each analysis sample within a mass range recommended by
the manufacturer. Conduct determinations on consecutive
ASTM test D5373-21
portions of an analysis sample as needed to meet quality control
requirements.
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10.1.3 Verify the calibration upon completion of all test determinations and as needed to meet quality control requirements
according to Annex A2.

10.1.4 Prior to conducting any test determinations, upon completion of all test determinations, and as needed to meet quality
control requirements, conduct determinations on consecutive test portions of a reference material (RM) (7.6). Verify the
acceptability of results for the RM in accordance with Annex A3.

NOTE 5—Appendix X2 provides guidance on the selection of the mass of a test portion that will yield for a mass of carbon similar to the mid range mass
of the calibration material.

11. Calculation

11.1 Record the total carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen as analyzed as a percentage by mass. Report the results on dry basis to the
nearest 0.1 % for carbon, 0.01 % for hydrogen, and to the nearest 0.01 % for nitrogen.

11.2 Use the following equations for the calculation to dry basis:

11.2.1 For the carbon content:

100
C d 5 C ad 3 (1)
100 2 M ad

11.2.2 For the nitrogen content:

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TABLE 2 Mass Fractions Range and Limits for Repeatability and
Reproducibility for Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen in Coal and
Carbon in Coke (Method A)
Mass Fraction Repeatability Reproducibility
Element
Range, % Limit Limit
Carbon in 54.9 to 84.7 0.45 1.00
Coal
Hydrogen 3.25 to 5.10 0.10 0.25
in Coal
Hydrogen 3.26 to 5.08 0.10 0.25
in Coal
Nitrogen in 0.57 to 1.80 0.05 0.15
Coal
Nitrogen in 0.57 to 1.76 0.05 0.15
Coal
Carbon in 86.6 to 97.9 0.85 2.20
Coke

100
N d 5 N ad 3 (2)
100 2 M ad

11.2.3 For the hydrogen content:

100
H d 5 ~H ad 2 0.1119 3M ad! 3 (3)
100 2 M ad

where:
d
ad =
= dry basis,
as determined (as analyzed) basis,
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C
N
=
=
content of carbon, %,
content of nitrogen, %, (https://standards.iteh.ai)
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H = content of hydrogen, %, and
Mad = moisture content of the sample as analyzed, %.

12. Precision and Bias5

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The precision data for Test Method A for the determination of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal and carbon in coke are
shown in Table 2. The precision data for Test Method B for the determination of carbon in coal and coke are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Concentration Mass Fractions Range and Limits for

Repeatability and Reproducibility for Carbon in Coal and Coke
Determined Using 1350 °C Combustion (Method B)
Element Concentration Repeatability Reproducibility
Range, % Limit, r Limit, R
Element Mass Fraction Repeatability Reproducibility
Range, % Limit, r Limit, R
Carbon in Coke 86.3 to 95.4 0.87 1.68
Carbon in Coal 57.7 to 84.0 0.55 2.31

12.1.1 Repeatability Limit (r)—The value below which the absolute difference between two test results calculated to a dry basis
(Practices D3180 and D3176) of separate and consecutive test determinations, carried out on the same sample, in the same
laboratory, by the same operator, using the same apparatus on samples taken at random from a single quantity of homogeneous
material, may be expected to occur with a probability of approximately 95 %.

12.1.2 Reproducibility Limit (R)—The value below which the absolute difference between two test results calculated to a dry basis
(Practices D3180 and D3176), carried out in different laboratories, using samples taken at random from a single quantity of
material that is as homogeneous as possible, may be expected to occur with a probability of approximately 95 %.

5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may be obtained by requesting Research ReportReports RR:D05-1034, RR:D05-1046, and
RR:D05-1048. Contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org.

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NOTE 6—Information concerning precision statistics for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal appears in Annex A4Table A4.1, Table A4.2, and Table
A4.3, and the composition of the coals employed in the interlaboratory study (RR:D05–1034) appears in Annex A5. Information collected during the
determination of carbon in coal and coke at 1350 °C interlaboratory study (RR:D05–1046) appears in AnnexTable A4.4 Annex A6and Table A4.5.
Information collected during the determination of carbon in coke at 950 °C to 1150 °C 950 °C to 1150 °C interlaboratory study (RR: D05–1048) appears
in A4.3Table A4.6.

12.2 Bias—Two materials, EDTA and phenylalanine, distributed from a common source were included in the carbon, hydrogen,
and nitrogen interlaboratory study (Method A) as reference pure substances. Each participating laboratory calibrated their
instrument using one or more of the pure substances (7.5) obtained from a different source. The reference pure substances were
analyzed in two phases of the study conducted one year apart. A comparison of the certificate of analysis values and those obtained
in the interlaboratory study for the reference pure substances are shown in Table 4.

12.2.1 During the interlaboratory study for the determination of carbon in coke (Method B)B), the ruggedness testing showed the
analyses at 1350 °C are biased high when compared to analyses at either 1150 °C or 950 °C. The average values of these biases
are shown in Table 5 and both biases are significant at the 95 % confidence level. The ruggedness testing was done with a carbon
analyzer using ceramic boats in an open combustion tube. No accelerants or combustion aids, such as those used in some analyzers,
were used. The carbon values from this study are shown in Annex A6.

NOTE 7—Guidelines for reporting test sample results that do not meet the repeatability requirements of this standard when all calibration verification and
reference material check sample acceptance requirements are met are provided in Appendix X3.

13. Calculation to Other Bases

13.1 Report results from the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen determinations on any of the several common bases that differ solely

iTeh Standards
with respect to moisture. Procedures for converting the as-determined concentrations to the other bases are specified in Practices
D3176 and D3180.
14. Keywords
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14.1 analysis sample; carbon; carbon dioxide; coal; coke; hydrogen; moisture; nitrogen

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TABLE 4 Comparison of Reference EDTA and Reference Phenylalanine Certificate of Analysis Values with Interlaboratory Values for
Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen
Reference Number of Certificate of Interlaboratory Significant
Phase Parameter Bias
Pure Substance Results Analysis Value Study Value (95 % Confidence)
EDTA 1B Carbon 34 41.09 41.10 0.01 no
EDTA 1C Carbon 24 41.09 40.99 -0.10 no
Phenylalanine 1B Carbon 32 65.43 65.49 0.06 no
Phenylalanine 1C Carbon 22 65.43 65.37 -0.06 no
EDTA 1B Hydrogen 33 5.52 5.52 0.00 no
EDTA 1C Hydrogen 24 5.52 5.54 0.02 no
Phenylalanine 1B Hydrogen 32 6.71 6.72 0.01 no
Phenylalanine 1C Hydrogen 24 6.71 6.71 0.00 no
EDTA 1B Nitrogen 32 9.59 9.55 -0.04 yes
EDTA 1C Nitrogen 21 9.59 9.54 -0.05 no
Phenylalanine 1B Nitrogen 32 8.48 8.46 -0.02 no
Phenylalanine 1C Nitrogen 21 8.48 8.45 -0.03 no

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TABLE 5 Relative Biases for Carbon in Coke Determined for 10 Coke Samples at Different Combustion Temperatures
Parameter Test Condition 1 Test Condition 2 Average Bias Significant
Combustion Temperature Combustion Temperature % (Absolute) (95 % Confidence)
Carbon in Coke 1350 °C 1150 °C 0.44 yes
Carbon in Coke 1350 °C 950 °C 0.96 yes

NOTE 1—Test Condition 2 is biased lower.

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. NUMBER OF CALIBRATION POINTS FOR METHODS A AND B

A1.1 To meet the precision requirements of this method, six calibration points are required for a linear fit and eight calibration
points are required for a non-linear fit. These requirements are summarized for various fits in Table A1.1. A calibration point
consists of a determination on a single test portion of calibration material.

iTeh Standards
NOTE A1.1—The interlaboratory study employed to validate the precision of this test method required laboratories to employ six calibration points for
a linear fit and eight for a non-linear fit. Additional calibration points can be used.

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A1.2 Guidance on the selection of masses of pure substance for calibration is given in Appendix X1.

A1.3 Verify the calibration according to Annex A2. ASTM D5373-21

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A2. CALIBRATION VERIFICATION FOR CARBON, HYDROGEN, AND NITROGEN (METHOD A)

A2.1 Some instruments allow for calibration drift correction. Verify the acceptability of a drift correction immediately after
conducting the drift correction.

A2.2 Verify the acceptability of the calibration by determining the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in % of a calibration material
(7.5) not used for calibration. Appendix X1 provides guidance on selection of the mass of verification material.

TABLE A1.1 Minimum Number of Calibration Points for

Common Regressions
Number of
Regression
Calibration Points Required
Linear 6
Quadratic 8
Power 8