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.

Analytical Methods for Coal and Coal Products, Volume I presents the analytical problems and methods for coal and its numerous products. This book discusses the technological importance of the measurement of the physical properties of coal. Organized into four parts encompassing 19 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the petrographic analysis of coal wherein it involves two distinctive methods, namely, the reflected light and the transmitted light techniques. This text then discusses the means and methods of reflectance determination and proceeds to outline some of the results obtained and conclusions derived from them about the nature of coal. Other chapters explain the mechanical properties of coal, which are measured in order to predict its behavior in coal mines, coal winning, coal storage, coal comminution, coal handling, briquetting and agglomeration, and several other situations. The final chapter deals with the characterization of the liquid products of coal conversion. This book is a valuable resource for engineers, scientists, chemists, and researchers.

This manual presents a collection of detailed procedures used in geochemical laboratories of the U.S. Geological Survey for the chemical characterization of coal.