General rules of sample preparation of Coal

Sample.
Any errors resulted from the sample preparation practice will remain in the
final sample. Therefore, the standard procedure to be used for sample
preparation should be carefully selected. Whenever possible, mechanical
methods are preferable to manual methods to minimize human error.
Sample preparation operations should be carried out by trained and
experienced personnel. Before preparing the sample, the number and nature
of the analysis and tests should be considered. A reserve sample is desirable in
case a check analysis or test is required.
The following precautions should be taken during sample preparation

• in collecting, handling and preparing the sample, all operations should be

done rapidly and in as few operations as possible to minimize possible coal
oxidation and changes in coal moisture content;
• the sample should be protected from moisture change due to exposure
to rain/snow, wind, sun, extreme temperatures, and from
contamination on contact with other material;
• Most coals oxidize on exposure to air and hence, the air-drying procedure
should not be prolonged past the time necessary for air-drying (follow the
procedure specified by the Standards). When the sample is air dried at
above ambient temperatures, the sample should be allowed to attain
ambient temperature before weighing and further reduction and division;
• Whenever the sample is stored or transported, the sample bag/container
should be weighed. The sample should be allowed to attain equilibrium to
the new atmosphere by air-drying and the weight Loss or gain should be
used in the calculation of moisture content;
• The sample bag/container should be strong and large enough for the largest
sample expected. After a Sample is stored; the sample bag/container should
be sealed properly;
• Loss of material during sample preparation should be avoided.

Prepared By: Ahmed Ismail