ASTM D4239-08

Results of the sulfur analysis are used to serve a number of interests: evaluation of coal preparation, evaluation of potential sulfur emissions from coal combustion or conversion processes, and evaluation of the coal quality in relation to contract specifications, as well as other scientific purposes.

The instrumental analysis provides a reliable, rapid method for determining the concentration of sulfur in a lot of coal or coke and are especially applicable when results must be obtained rapidly for the successful completion of industrial, beneficiation, trade, or other evaluations.

1.1 These test methods cover two alternative procedures using high-temperature tube furnace combustion methods for the rapid determination of sulfur in samples of coal and coke.

1.2 These test methods appear in the following order:

Note 1—High Temperature Combustion Method with Iodimetric Detection procedures, formally Method B in the 2000 version of this standard is still a viable method that may be used.

1.2.1 When automated equipment is used to perform any of the two methods of this test method, the procedures can be classified as instrumental methods. There are several manufacturers that offer to the coal industry equipment with instrumental analysis capabilities for the determination of the sulfur content of coal and coke samples.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 7.7 and 11.2.