Problems on the Analysis and Testing of Coal

Abstract

This paper reviews on the problems or difficulties of analysis or testing methods of coal. The main ietms discussed in the neview are as follows;
1) Gemerally speaking, most of the characteristics of coal are the function testing conditions, such as apparatus or prcedures, because no “true value” exists substantially in coal analysis or testing, excluding ultimate analysis. For example, therefore, the testing conditions of “proximate analysis ”should be specified more strictly compared to that of “ultimate analysis, ” because, volatile matter or ash contents can be variable according to the change of specification of analytical method. On the other hand, there are some degrees of freedom on the specification of testing conditions of ultimate analysis, because, the calibrating system using standard substances can be employed in these kinds of analysis method.
2) TIS M8810-8815, M8801 (Analysis and testing of Coal and Coke) are superior standards compare to that of most of the foreign countries, nevertheless, they are not always “reference methods”, but still industrial standards. The specified procedure of them, therefore, should be followed strictly for the commercial use, however, it does not necessarily when the more accurate and precise results are required in such a case of studies of coal.
3) The difference of “caking property” and “coking property” should be noted strictly on the dis cussion of characteristics related to the coking industry, because some confusion has been observed in the former papers. In addition, the use of Signal-Noise ratio as a statistical criterion is recommended for evaluating the sensitivity of the above testing methods.
4) The relationships between many kinds of “caking properties” are discussed and nlotled in the atlached figures.