Designation: D3180 − 15

Standard Practice for

Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to
Different Bases1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3180; 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 preparation to No. 60 (250-µm) sieve in accordance with

1.1 This practice lists formulas that allow analytical data to Practice D2013 and Test Method D3302. As-determined data
be expressed in various bases in common use. Such bases are: represents the numerical values obtained at the particular
as received, dry, equilibrium moisture, dry ash free, and others. moisture level in the sample at the time of analysis. These
values are normally converted, according to formulae con-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as tained herein, to conventional reporting bases.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. 3.1.2 as-received basis—analytical data calculated to the
moisture condition of the sample as it arrived at the laboratory
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the and before any processing or conditioning. If the sample has
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the been maintained in a sealed state so that there has been no gain
responsibility of the user this standard to establish appropriate or loss, the as-received basis is equivalent to the moisture basis
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of as sampled.
regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 dry basis—data calculated to a theoretical base of no
2. Referenced Documents moisture associated with the sample. The numerical value as
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 established by Test Methods D3173 or D7582 is used for
D388 Classification of Coals by Rank converting the as-determined data to a dry basis.
D1412 Test Method for Equilibrium Moisture of Coal at 96 3.1.4 dry, ash-free basis—data calculated to a theoretical
to 97 Percent Relative Humidity and 30°C base of no moisture or ash associated with the sample.
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis Numerical values as established by Test Methods D3173,
D3173 Test Method for Moisture in the Analysis Sample of D3174, or, D7582 are used for converting the as-determined
Coal and Coke data to a moisture- and ash-free basis.
D3174 Test Method for Ash in the Analysis Sample of Coal 3.1.5 equilibrium moisture base—data calculated to the
and Coke from Coal moisture level established as the equilibrium moisture. Nu-
D3302 Test Method for Total Moisture in Coal merical values as established by Test Method D1412 are used
D7582 Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of Coal and for the calculation.
Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to 4. Significance and Use
Determine Conformance with Specifications
4.1 The calculations of analytical data for the coal and coke
3. Terminology test parameters listed in Section 6, assume the analysis sample
has been prepared according to Practice D2013 and Test
3.1 Definitions:
Method D3302.
3.1.1 as-determined basis—analytical data obtained from
the analysis sample of coal or coke after conditioning and 4.2 This practice provides formulas, to enable calculations
of data from the as-determined analysis sample to various
1
moisture bases, in common use by the coal and coke industry.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and
Coke and is the direct responsibility of D05.21 on Methods of Analysis. 4.3 This practice provides guidance to enable calculations
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published January 2015. Originally of weight-average data from various lots or sublots, which,
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D3180 – 12. DOI:
10.1520/D3180-15. initially, are provided at different moisture bases.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.4 The principles given in this practice are applicable to the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on calculation of cumulative data (e.g., for trade purposes or for
the ASTM website. sieve analyses or washability analyses).

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D3180 − 15
5. Applicable Parameters and Symbols Used contain a limited number of decimal places may provide a different result
than calculations based upon values that are not rounded and contain a
5.1 The calculation procedures defined in 6.3.3 and 6.4.2 are much larger number of decimal places (e.g., up to 14 or more). Therefore,
applicable to the following analysis parameters when ex- comparable, exact values will not always be calculated by the two
pressed as weight percent, µg/g (trace elements) or Btu/lb methods. The reported value developed using un-rounded results is more
(gross calorific value): precise than the value calculated off-line, e.g., in a spreadsheet program,
using rounded data with a limited number of decimal places.
Ash
Carbon 6.2.1 Where a composite analysis of sublots is required,
Carbon dioxide whenever possible, rather than use the individual, rounded
Chlorine
Calorific value (gross)
values on the individual reports to calculate a composite value,
Fixed carbon the composite analysis should be based upon the un-rounded
Major, minor and trace elements data.
Nitrogen
Sulfur 6.3 Converting from the analysis sample basis to the as-
Sulfur forms (namely, pyritic, sulfate, organic)
Volatile matter
received basis (Note 2):
6.3.1 Moisture:
5.2 The symbols used in this practice:
A = ash; weight % M ar 5 F M ad 3
100 2 ADL
100 G1ADL (1)
M = moisture, weight %
ADL 5 100 3 @ 1 2 ~ 100 2 M ar! / ~ 100 2 M ad! # (2)
P = any analysis parameter listed in 5.1, weight % (ex-
cept gross calorific value is Btu/lb) 6.3.2 Hydrogen and Oxygen—Inasmuch as hydrogen and
ADL = air-dry loss, weight % of as-received sample. See oxygen values may be reported on the basis of containing or
Test Method D3302 not containing the hydrogen and oxygen in water (moisture)
H = hydrogen, weight % associated with the sample, alternative conversion procedures
Ox = oxygen, weight % are defined as follows:
5.3 Subscripts used in this practice: 6.3.2.1 H and Ox reported include H and Ox in water:

ad
ar
=
=
as-determined
as-received
H ar 5 F~ H ad 2 0.1119M ad! 3
100 2 M ar
100 2 M adG10.1119M ar (3)

d
daf
=
=
dry
dry, ash-free (equivalent to moisture and ash free, maf) Oxar 5 F~Oxad 2 0.8881M ad! 3
100 2 M ar
100 2 M adG10.8881M ar (4)

6. Methods for Calculating Data 6.3.2.2 H and Ox reported do not include H and Ox in water:
6.1 Whenever calculating a test result from observed values, 100 2 M ar
H ar 5 ~ H ad 2 0.1119M ad! 3 (5)
avoid rounding of intermediate quantities. As far as is practi- 100 2 M ad
cable with the calculating device, carry out calculations with 100 2 M ar
the observed values exactly, and round only the final result (see Oxar 5 ~ Oxad 2 0.8881M ad! 3 (6)
100 2 M ad
E29).
6.3.3 Other Parameters—The equation below is applicable
6.2 Avoid calculating with reported test results (rounded to all parameters, P, listed in 5.1:
and reported) and comparing these calculated values to other
reported values, with the exception of obtaining the exact same 100 2 M ar
P ar 5 P ad 3 (7)
calculated value. 100 2 M ad
NOTE 2—The equations in 6.3.2 and 6.3.3 may be applied to convert
NOTE 1—Calculations based on values that have been rounded and analysis values from the analysis sample moisture-containing basis to any

TABLE 1 Conversion Formula Chart

Wanted
Given
As-Determined (ad) As-Received (ar) Dry (d) Dry Ash-free (daf)
As-Determined (ad)
100 2 M ar 100 100
100 2 M ad 100 2 M ad 100 2 M ad 2 A ad

As-Received (ar)
100 2 M ad 100 100
100 2 M ar 100 2 M ar 100 2 M ar 2 A ar

Dry (d)
100 2 M ad 100 2 M ar 100
100 100 100 2 A d

Dry Ash-free (daf)

100 2 M ad 2 A ad 100 2 M ar 2 A ar 100 2 A d
100 100 100

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 D3180 − 15
TABLE 2 Proximate Analysis 9.2 It is recommended that if hydrogen or oxygen data are
Sample Coal As Dry As reported on the as-received basis (or any other moist basis) a
Analysis Determined Basis Received footnote or some other means be employed in the report to
Basis Basis
indicate whether the values reported do or do not include the
Moisture, % 8.23 ... 23.24
Ash, % 4.46 4.86 3.73 hydrogen and oxygen in the moisture associated with the
Volatile, % 40.05 43.64 33.50 sample.
Fixed carbon, % 47.26 51.50 39.53
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00
10. Weight Average Calculations
(Air-Dry Loss in accordance with Test Method D3302 = 16.36 %) 10.1 It is not unusual for data from one (sub)sample to be
weight-averaged with data from another (or more) (sub)
sample(s) to calculate the result that would represent the
other moisture-containing basis (such as equilibrium capacity moisture
combined mass of the material represented by the individual
basis) by substituting the desired moisture value for Mar in the equations. (sub)samples. Example: individual sublot sample analyses are
weight-averaged to obtain a mathematical composite analysis,
6.4 Converting from the analysis sample basis to the dry
representing the entire consignment.
basis (Note 3):
Because the mathematical composite test results do not
6.4.1 Hydrogen and Oxygen:
include any additional sample division variance that would be
100 found in the production of the physical composite test sample
H d 5 ~ H ad 2 0.1119M ad! 3 (8)
100 2 M ad prepared from the various (sub)samples, the weight-averaged
100 result (mathematical composite) of multiple samples is often a
Oxd 5 ~ Oxad 2 0.8881M ad! 3 (9) more reliable value.
100 2 M ad
Note that Practice D2013, section 10, “Preparation of
6.4.2 Other Parameters—The equation below is applicable Composite Samples to Represent Lot-Size (or Consignment-
to all parameters, P, listed in 5.1: Size) Quantities of Coal,” discusses additive and non-additive
100 parameters or analytes. It is possible to use weight-average
P d 5 P ad 3 (10)
100 2 M ad calculations to calculate a mathematical composite for additive
NOTE 3—The equations in 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 may be applied to convert analytes; however, non-additive analytes must be tested as a
analysis values from any moisture-containing basis to the dry basis by physical composite. Non-additive analytes include Hardgrove
substituting the appropriate moisture value for Mad in the equations. If H
and Ox values reported on the moisture-containing basis do not include H grindability and ash fusibility results.
and Ox in the moisture (as illustrated in the last column of Table 3), the Whenever performing weight-average calculations, both the
equation in 6.4.2 is applicable. mass represented by the (sub)sample and the analyte deter-
6.5 For converting data from the as-determined basis to the mined on the (sub)sample must be on the same moisture-
dry or moist, mineral matter-free basis, see procedures in content basis for the calculation to be correct.
Classification D388. 10.2 Samples Representing Sublots in a Trade
Transaction—Most trade transactions are based upon as-
7. Conversion Formula Chart received moisture basis. The moisture basis on which weight-
7.1 To convert any of the analysis values for the parameters averaging takes place most normally would be the as-received
listed in 5.1 from one basis to another, multiply the given value moisture basis. Convert the as-determined analytical data to the
by the value shown in the appropriate wanted column in Table as-received moisture basis and perform the weight averaging.
1. Weight-averaged results are then reported on the as-received,
wet tons basis. Once the as-received weight-averaged test
7.2 The chart is applicable to conversion of hydrogen and
results are calculated, the calculation of the weight-averaged
oxygen values only when the given values do not include the
values to other moisture-content bases may be accomplished in
hydrogen and oxygen in the associated moisture. If the given
the normal fashion utilizing these as-received results.
hydrogen and oxygen values include the hydrogen and oxygen
in associated water, refer to 6.3.2.1 or 6.4.1. 10.3 Sieve Analysis or Washability Analysis Samples—Sieve
and washability testing are typically conducted on the air-dried
8. Sample Calculations samples; mass data and analysis data are usually obtained on an
8.1 An example of a proximate analysis reported on three air-dried basis (i.e., usually on an as-determined basis). Use the
different bases is shown in Table 2. as-determined mass and the as-determined analytical data to
perform the weight averaging. Weight-averaged results are
8.2 An example of ultimate analysis data tabulated for a then reported on the as-determined tons basis, which can then
hypothetical coal on various bases is shown in Table 3. be converted to dry basis analytical data and dry basis mass
data. Once the dry weight-averaged test results are calculated,
9. Report the calculation of the weight-averaged values to other
9.1 To avoid ambiguity and to provide a means for conver- moisture-content bases may be accomplished in the normal
sion of data to other than the reported basis, it is essential that, fashion.
except for data reported on a dry basis, an appropriate moisture 10.3.1 Alternatively, convert the air dried (as-determined)
content be given in the data report. analytical data and the air dried (as-determined) mass data to

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 D3180 − 15
TABLE 3 Ultimate Analysis Data
As-Determined As-Received Basis
Hydrogen and
Hydrogen and Hydrogen and
Test Parameter Dry Basis oxygen do not
oxygen include H oxygen include H
include H and Ox
and Ox in sample and Ox in sample
in sample
moisture (Mad) moisture (Mar)
moisture (Mar)
Carbon, weight % 60.08 66.02 46.86 46.86
Hydrogen, weight % 5.44 4.87 6.70 3.46
Nitrogen, weight % 0.88 0.97 0.69 0.69
Sulfur, weight % 0.73 0.80 0.57 0.57
Ash, weight % 7.86 8.64 6.13 6.13
Oxygen, weight % (by difference) 25.01 18.70 39.05 13.27
Total % 100.00 100.00 100.00 70.98
Total moisture, weight % (as-received) ... ... (29.02) 29.02
Moisture weight % (sample as-determined) 9.00 ... ... Total % 100.00

(Air-Dry Loss in accordance with Test Method D3302 = 22.00 %)

the dry basis and perform the weight averaging. Weight- 10.4.1 Scenario 1: Trade Transaction; Mass and Total Mois-
averaged results are then reported on the dry tons basis. Once ture are on the As-Received Basis and Ash Values (and
the dry weight-averaged test results are calculated, the calcu- As-Determined Moisture) are on the As-Determined Basis.
lation of the weight-averaged values to other moisture-content
bases may be accomplished in the normal fashion.
10.4 Example Calculations—The below are several ex-
amples that compare the results of proper weight averaging and
the results of improper weight averaging.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Sublot AR Tons AR Moisture, % AD Moisture, % AD Ash, % D Ash, % AR Ash, %
1 950 5.15 1.52 5.37 5.45 5.17
2 1020 4.92 1.38 4.95 5.02 4.77
3 1060 5.21 1.46 5.64 5.72 5.43
4 980 5.06 1.47 5.27 5.35 5.08
5 990 4.87 1.51 5.13 5.21 4.95
Composite 5000 5.04 5.08

Step 6 Incorrect; Step 6A Incorrect; Step 6B

AR Tons and AR Ash AR Tons and AD Ash AR Tons and D Ash
AR Tons * AR
AR Tons AR Ash, % AR Ash, % AR Tons * AD Ash, % AR Ash, % AR Tons * D Ash, % AR Ash, %
Ash, %
950 5.17 4913.46 5101.50 5180.24
1020 4.77 4867.76 5049.00 5119.65
1060 5.43 5750.89 5978.40 6066.98
980 5.08 4976.42 5164.60 5241.65
990 4.95 4905.44 5078.70 5156.56
5000 5.08 25413.97 5.08 26 372.20 5.27 26 765.09 5.35

10.4.1.1 Step 1—Record the wet tons represented by each NOTE 6—It is not necessary to convert to dry basis data as an
sublot sample (the as-received tons). intermediary process; one may calculate directly from as-determined data
to as-received data. However, it is often advantageous to compare
10.4.1.2 Step 2—Record the total moisture as as-received lab-to-lab analyses on a dry basis (to minimize the effect of moisture on
data. At this point, the as-received total moisture weight- data comparisons); thus, having the dry data available may be helpful in
averaged (mathematical composite) value may be calculated. the long run.
10.4.1.3 Step 3—Record analysis data. 10.4.1.5 Step 5—Calculate dry basis analytical data to
as-received data.
NOTE 4—It is not possible to calculate the mathematical composite/
weight-averaged air-dried/as-determined moisture or ash because the 10.4.1.6 Step 6—Calculate the weight averaged as-received
as-determined/air-dried mass has not been calculated for each tonnage ash value (mathematical composite), using as-received tons
fraction. and as-received ash values.
NOTE 5—It is not possible to calculate the mathematical composite/ 10.4.1.7 Incorrect, Step 6A—The results of erroneously
weight-averaged dry-basis ash because the dry-basis mass has not been using as-received tons and as-determined ash values.
calculated for each tonnage fraction.
10.4.1.8 Incorrect, Step 6B—The results of erroneously
10.4.1.4 Step 4—Calculate dry basis analytical data as a using as-received tons and dry ash values.
precursor to converting as-determined data to dry data and then 10.4.2 Scenario 2: Sieve Analysis; Mass, Ash, and Moisture
to as-received data. are all on the air-dried or as-determined basis.

4
 D3180 − 15

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Sieve Fraction AD kg AD Moisture, % AD Ash, % AD Ash, % D kg
+50 mm 1.1 0.65 7.37 7.42 1.1
50 mm × 25 mm 35.4 1.38 5.95 6.03 34.9
25 mm × 10 mm 52.7 1.46 4.64 4.71 51.9
10 mm × 5 mm 49.2 3.47 7.27 7.53 47.5
-5 mm 23.7 5.51 9.13 9.66 22.4
Composite 162.1 2.64 6.40 6.57 157.8

Step 5 Incorrect; Step 5A Incorrect; Step 5B

D kg and D Ash AD kg and D Ash D kg and D Ash
D kg * D As, % D Ash, % AD kg * D Ash, % D Ash, % D kg * AD Ash, % D Ash, %
8.11 8.16 8.05
210.63 213.58 207.72
244.53 248.15 240.96
357.68 370.54 345.27
216.38 229.00 204.46
1037.33 6.57 1069.43 6.60 1006.47 6.38

10.4.2.1 Step 1—The sample to be sieved is air-dried and 10.4.2.5 Step 5—Calculate the weight-averaged (math-
then sieved; record the air-dried kg in each sieve fraction (the ematical composite) dry ash value, using dry kg and dry ash
as-determined kg). values.
NOTE 7—After air-drying, the total mass of the sample prior to sieving NOTE 8—Since determining the mass per sieve fraction wet and
is normally recorded. If there is an unacceptably high loss of material, a determining the ash on each wet sieve fraction was not practicable, one
root cause investigation may be undertaken. If agreed with the client and cannot calculate the weight-averaged as-received ash content. Note that, if
noted during the work order review, any material loss during sieving may a separate chemical test sample had been collected simultaneously with
be attributed as being "dust loss" and assigned to the finest sieve fraction. the sieve analysis sample, the total moisture and the as-received ash
Note, however, that, if the material loss is, in part, moisture loss, or, in contents of that chemical test sample could be stipulated as being the same
part, material loss, or both, from the other sieve fractions, this assignment as the sieve analysis sample.
of loss to the finest sieve fraction could result in error.
10.4.2.6 Step 5A—The results of erroneously using dry ash
10.4.2.2 Step 2—Record the analysis data from each sieve and air-dried/as-determined masses.
fraction as as-determined data; while only as-determined ash is 10.4.2.7 Step 5B—The results of erroneously using dry kg
given in this example, “sulphur”, “calorific value,” “volatile and as-determined ash values.
matter,” etc. are equally valid. 10.4.3 Scenario 3: Washability Testing of 10 mm x 25 mm
10.4.2.3 Step 3—Calculate the dry basis ash. sieve fraction; Mass, Ash, and Moisture are all on the air-dried
10.4.2.4 Step 4—Calculate the dry basis mass, kg. or as-determined basis.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

SG Fraction AD kg AD Moisture, % AD Ash, % AD Ash, % D kg
+1.65 SG 1.1 0.65 7.37 7.42 1.1
1.50 SG × 1.65 SG 35.4 1.38 5.95 6.03 34.9
1.40 SG × 1.50 SG 52.7 1.46 4.64 4.71 51.9
1.30 SG × 1.40 SG 49.2 3.47 7.27 7.53 47.5
-1.30 SG 23.7 5.51 9.13 9.66 22.4
Composite 162.1 2.64 6.40 6.57 157.8

Step 5 Incorrect; Step 5A Incorrect; Step 5B

D kg and D Ash AD Tons and D Ash D kg and D Ash
D kg * D As, % D Ash, % AD kg * D Ash, % D Ash, % D kg * AD Ash, % D Ash, %
8.11 8.16 8.05
210.63 213.58 207.72
244.53 248.15 240.96
357.68 370.54 345.27
216.38 229.00 204.46
1037.33 6.57 1069.43 6.60 1006.47 6.38

10.4.3.1 Step 1—The sample to be washability tested is noted during the work order review, any material loss during washing may
air-dried and then subjected to washability testing; record the be attributed as being moisture loss.
air-dried kg in each SG sieve fraction (the as-determined kg). 10.4.3.2 Step 2—Record the analysis data from each SG
NOTE 9—After air-drying, the total mass of the sample prior to washing fraction as as-determined data; while only as-determined ash is
is normally recorded. If there is an unacceptably high loss of material, a given in this example, “sulphur,” “calorific value,” “volatile
root cause investigation may be undertaken. If agreed with the client and matter,” etc. are equally valid.

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 D3180 − 15
10.4.3.3 Step 3—Calculate the dry basis ash. contents of that chemical test sample could be stipulated as being the same
10.4.3.4 Step 4—Calculate the dry basis mass, kg. as the washability analysis sample.
10.4.3.5 Step 5—Calculate the weight-averaged (math- 10.4.3.6 Step 5A—The results of erroneously using dry ash
ematical composite) dry ash value, using dry kg and dry ash and air-dried/as-determined masses.
values. 10.4.3.7 Step 5B—The results of erroneously using dry kg
NOTE 10—Since determining the mass per SG fraction wet and and as-determined ash values.
determining the ash on each wet sieve fraction was not practicable, one
cannot calculate the weight-averaged as-received ash content. Note that, if 11. Keywords
a separate chemical test sample had been collected simultaneously with
the washability analysis sample, the total moisture and the as-received ash 11.1 as-determined; coal; coke

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