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D4749 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Applicability
ASTM D4749/D4749M-87 (Reapproved 2019) provides a standardized method for sieve analysis of coal and designating coal size based on test data. It applies to raw and prepared coals, including crushed, cleaned, or screened samples, covering size fractions from coarse down to 38 µm (No. 400 U.S.A. Standard Series). This method excludes pulverized coal; for such materials, refer to Test Method D197. The standard stipulates that SI and inch-pound units must be used independently and not interchanged.
💡 Tip: For pulverized coal samples, always use Test Method D197 as specified in Note 1 of D4749.
⚙️ Sieve Analysis Procedure
The procedure involves utilizing test sieves that meet Specification E11 for woven wire cloth or E323 for perforated plates. Sample preparation should follow Practice D2013, and gross sample collection should adhere to Practice D2234/D2234M. The analysis determines particle size distribution, which is critical for designating coal size. For coals with noncontinuous size ranges, a thorough sieve analysis is required to accurately represent the size distribution.
| 📏 Standard | 📐 Title |
|---|---|
| D197 | Test Method for Sampling and Fineness Test of Pulverized Coal |
| D346 | Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis |
| D388 | Classification of Coals by Rank |
| D2013 | Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis |
| D2234/D2234M | Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal |
| D3302 | Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal |
| D4371 | Test Method for Determining the Washability Characteristics of Coal |
| E11 | Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves |
| E323 | Specification for Perforated-Plate Sieves for Testing Purposes |
📊 Designating Coal Size from Data
Coal size designation is derived from sieve analysis results to reflect the coal as sold. The standard specifies that for special mixtures or noncontinuous size ranges, the sieve analysis must be comprehensive to capture all fractions. Designation helps in consistent communication regarding coal size in commercial settings.
⚠️ Warning: Ensure that SI and inch-pound units are not combined. Use each system independently to stay compliant with the standard.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the scope of ASTM D4749?
This test method covers sieve analysis of coal and designating coal size for raw and prepared coals, excluding pulverized coal.
💡 How is coal size designated from sieve analysis?
Coal size is designated based on sieve analysis data to represent the condition of the coal as sold, following the standard’s guidelines.
⚡ What sieve sizes are included in the analysis?
The analysis includes size fractions down to 38 µm (No. 400 U.S.A. Standard Series), using sieves per E11 or E323 specifications.
📌 What standards are referenced for sample preparation?
Key standards include D2013 for sample preparation and D2234/D2234M for sample collection, among others listed in the standard.