ASTM D6609/D6609M-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6609/D6609M-24 — Standard Guide for Part-Stream Sampling of Coal. This guide provides recommended principles and practices for obtaining a gross sample by taking increments from a portion (part-stream) of a flowing coal stream when sampling the entire stream is not practical.

Abstract

Provides guidance on procedures, limitations, and considerations for part‑stream sampling of coal, including factors that affect representativeness (top size, size consistency, variability), logistical considerations (flow rate and accessibility), and references to sample preparation practices (for example, Practice D2013). The guide emphasizes that part‑stream sampling should be used only when probability (whole‑stream) sampling is not possible and notes unit‑system considerations (SI versus non‑SI) and user responsibility for safety.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 1 November 2024 (edition: 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 73.040 (Coals) — coal sampling and analysis practices.
• Edition / version: D6609/D6609M-24 (2024).
• Number of pages: 3 pages.

Scope

This guide covers general principles for obtaining a gross sample of coal by taking increments from part of the stream rather than from the entire stream to be sampled. It is intended for use when probability (whole‑stream) sampling methods are not possible, and its usefulness depends on coal top size, size consistency, inherent variability, flow rate, and physical accessibility of the sampling station. Sample preparation involving crushing is handled in Practice D2013; unit systems (SI and non‑SI) are treated separately.

Key topics and requirements

• When to use part‑stream sampling (only when probability sampling of the entire stream is infeasible).
• Factors affecting sample representativeness: top size, size consistency, and variability of the coal.
• Logistical considerations: required flow rate, accessibility of the sampling point, and practical increment collection.
• Reference to sample preparation and crushing procedures (see Practice D2013).
• Units and reporting: SI and non‑SI units are to be treated as separate standards (do not mix).
• User responsibility: safety, health, and environmental practices must be established by the user prior to sampling.

Typical use and users

Used by coal producers, fuel handling and processing facilities, power plants, port and rail coal handling operators, laboratory personnel, quality control/assurance staff, and consultants involved in coal sampling and materials characterization where whole‑stream sampling is impractical. Regulators and purchasers may refer to the guide when evaluating sampling protocols and data quality.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and complementary documents include: Practice D2013 (Standard Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis) for sample reduction and crushing, Practice D2234/D2234M (gross sample collection procedures) and other ASTM coal sampling and testing practices contained in Book of Standards Volume 05.06. Users should consult the relevant ASTM sample‑preparation and sampling practices for a complete sampling program.

Keywords

coal sampling, part‑stream sampling, gross sample, sample increment, sample preparation, D2013, coal quality, coal handling, sampling station, representativeness.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6609/D6609M-24 is a guide that provides principles and recommended practices for collecting a gross sample of coal by taking increments from part of a flowing coal stream (part‑stream sampling) when whole‑stream probability sampling is not feasible.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the rationale, limitations, and practical considerations for part‑stream sampling (including factors that affect representativeness such as top size and variability), and points users to sample preparation methods (e.g., Practice D2013) and unit‑system guidance. It does not replace whole‑stream probability sampling where that is available.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coal industry technical staff, sampling technicians, laboratory analysts, procurement and quality control teams, consultants, and regulators involved in coal handling and testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D6609/D6609M-24 edition (2024) is listed as the current active guide (publication date 1 November 2024). Users should confirm the edition when procuring the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM coal sampling and testing collection (Book of Standards Volume 05.06) and is used alongside other sampling and preparation practices such as D2234/D2234M and D2013 to form a complete sampling workflow.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Coal sampling, part‑stream, gross sample, increments, sample preparation, D2013, representativeness, sampling station.