Coal will continue to provide a major portion of energy requirements in the United States for at least the next several decades. It is imperative that accurate information describing the amount, location, and quality of the coal resources and reserves be available to fulfill energy needs. It is also important that the United States extract its coal resources efficiently, safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner. A renewed focus on federal support for coal-related research, coordinated across agencies and with the active participation of the states and industrial sector, is a critical element for each of these requirements. Coal focuses on the research and development needs and priorities in the areas of coal resource and reserve assessments, coal mining and processing, transportation of coal and coal products, and coal utilization.

All the guidance needed to test coal and analyze the results With the skyrocketing costs of most fuel sources, government, industry, and consumers are taking a greater interest in coal, an abundant and inexpensive alternative, which has been made more environmentally friendly through new technology. Published in response to this renewed interest, Handbook of Coal Analysis provides readers with everything they need to know about testing and analyzing coal. Moreover, it explains the meaning of test results and how these results can predict coal behavior and its corresponding environmental impact during use. The thorough coverage of coal analysis includes: * Detailed presentation of necessary standard tests and procedures * Explanation of coal behavior relative to its usage alongside the corresponding environmental issues * Coverage of nomenclature, terminology, sampling, and accuracy and precision of analysis * Step-by-step test method protocols for proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, mineral matter, physical and electrical properties, thermal properties, mechanical properties, spectroscopic properties, and solvent properties * Emphasis on relevant American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and test methods, including corresponding International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and British Standards Institution (BSI) test method numbers To assist readers in understanding the material, a glossary of terms is provided. Each term is defined in straightforward language that enables readers to better grasp complex concepts and theory. References at the end of each chapter lead readers to more in-depth discussions of specialized topics. This is an essential reference for analytical chemists, process chemists, and engineers in the coal industry as well as other professionals and researchers who are looking to coal as a means to decrease dependence on foreign oil sources and devise more efficient, cleaner methods of energy production.