ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Free-Swelling Index of Coal
 N D720/D720M

Annotation

This test method2 is a small-scale test for obtaining information regarding the free-swelling properties of a coal. The results may be used as an indication of the caking characteristic of the coal when burned as a fuel. This test is not recommended as a method for the determination of expansion of coals in coke ovens.

Warning—Breathing of asbestos dust is hazardous. Asbestos and asbestos products present demonstrated health risks for users and for those with whom they come into contact. In addition to other precautions, when working with asbestoscement products, minimize the dust that results. For information on the safe use of chrysoltile asbestos, refer to, Safe Use of Chrysotile Asbestos: A Manual on Preventive and Control Measures.3

The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

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.

2 This test method is an adaptation of the Crucible Swelling Test for Coal of the British Standards Institution. For information concerning the experimental work on which this adaptation is based, see paper by Ostborg, H. N., Limbacker, H. R., and Sherman, R. A., "An Experimental Investigation of the British Standard Method for the Crucible Swelling Test for Coal," Proceedings, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., Vol 42, 1042, p. 851. See also a paper by Selvig, W. A., and Ode, W. H., "An Investigation of a Laboratory Test for Determination of the Free-Swelling Index of Coal," U.S. Bureau of Mines Report of Investigation 4238, Revision of R. I. 3989, 1948.