ASTM D2961/D2961M-19 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Single-Stage Total Moisture Less than 15% in Coal Reduced to 2.36 mm [No. 8 Sieve] Topsize — designation ASTM D2961/D2961M-19. This practice specifies a single‑stage procedure for determination of total moisture (under 15%) in coal samples prepared to a 2.36 mm (No. 8) topsize. It is intended for determination of total moisture only and notes limitations related to oxidation effects and referee testing.

Abstract

ASTM D2961/D2961M-19 (published January 3, 2019) provides a short, single‑stage oven‑drying procedure to determine total moisture less than 15% in coal reduced to 2.36 mm topsize. The practice is intended for routine moisture determination where a quicker method than referee procedures is acceptable. The standard highlights applicability limits, potential oxidation issues for some coals, and references interlaboratory precision data comparing results with the referee method (D3302). It is maintained by ASTM Committee D05 (Coal and Coke).

General information

• Status: Current (approved, in force).
• Publication date: January 3, 2019.
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee D05 — Coal and Coke).
• ICS / categories: 75.160.10 (Solid fuels).
• Edition / version: D2961/D2961M-19 (2019 edition).
• Number of pages: 3.

Scope

This practice covers a single‑stage procedure for determination of total moisture less than 15% in coal reduced to a 2.36 mm (No. 8 sieve) topsize. It applies only to total‑moisture determination (not to other coal test parameters) and is not intended as the referee method for moisture; for referee purposes, Test Method D3302 (total moisture — referee) is referenced. The practice warns that the single‑stage conditions can increase oxidation potential for some coals and that use in such cases should be by prior agreement of the parties.

Key topics and requirements

• Sample preparation — reduction to 2.36 mm (No. 8) topsize and representative subsampling procedures.
• Single‑stage oven‑drying procedure for determination of total moisture less than 15% (as specified in the practice).
• Scope limitation and oxidation risk — potential for increased oxidation of some coal ranks under single‑stage conditions; use only with agreement when oxidation is a concern.
• Applicability range — intended for moisture values below 15%; interlaboratory data indicate comparability with D3302 over a defined range.
• Precision and interlaboratory background — supporting research reports provide precision information and evaluation of sample masses (e.g., studies comparing 125 g vs 500 g masses).
• Relation to referee and other moisture methods — cross‑references to Test Method D3302 (referee) and Test Method D3173 are provided for context and arbitration purposes.

Typical use and users

Used by coal testing laboratories, mine site QC labs, utilities, coal merchants, shippers and receivers, and parties engaged in commercial or contractual moisture determinations. Typical applications include routine quality control, commercial specification compliance, shipment verification, and quicker moisture screening where the referee method is not required.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and documents include ASTM Test Method D3302/D3302M (total moisture — referee method), ASTM Test Method D3173 (moisture in coal by drying), and other D05 (Coal and Coke) series standards and supporting interlaboratory research reports that document precision and method comparisons.

Keywords

coal, total moisture, single‑stage drying, topsize, No. 8 sieve, 2.36 mm, moisture determination, oven drying, D2961, D2961M, D05, quality control, air‑drying loss.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2961/D2961M-19 is a Standard Practice that specifies a single‑stage procedure to determine total moisture less than 15% in coal reduced to 2.36 mm (No. 8) topsize.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation to 2.36 mm topsize, a single‑stage oven‑drying procedure for total moisture under 15%, limitations regarding oxidation for some coal ranks, and references for precision and referee methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coal testing and quality control laboratories, mining companies, utilities, coal brokers, shippers/receivers, and parties needing routine moisture determinations for commercial or operational purposes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D2961/D2961M-19 (published January 3, 2019) is the current published edition. Note that ASTM committee activity to revise or review standards is periodic; users should confirm the latest status with ASTM if they require the absolute current revision or are aware of recent work items.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the ASTM D05 suite of standards for Coal and Coke and is related to other moisture standards such as Test Method D3302 (referee total moisture) and Test Method D3173 (moisture by drying).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Coal, total moisture, single‑stage, oven drying, 2.36 mm, No. 8 sieve, moisture determination, D2961, D2961M.