ASTM D4239-18e1 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Sulfur in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke Using High‑Temperature Tube Furnace Combustion — a standardized procedure describing two high‑temperature tube‑furnace combustion procedures for determining total sulfur in coal and coke analysis samples.

Abstract

This test method specifies high‑temperature tube furnace combustion techniques for converting sulfur in coal and coke samples to gaseous sulfur dioxide and measuring the resulting SO2 to determine total sulfur content. The document describes two alternative analysis procedures and notes applicable sample‑preparation and laboratory competence practices used in routine and instrumental analyses.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 31 August 2018 (current edition D4239‑18e1, approved Sept 1, 2018; published October 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 75.160.10 (Solid fuels).
• Edition / version: D4239‑18e1 (designation D4239, edition 2018, editorial correction indicated by e1).
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

This test method covers determination of sulfur in coal and coke analysis samples by high‑temperature tube furnace combustion. Two analysis procedures are described; when automated equipment is used they may be classified as instrumental methods. The standard uses SI units and reports sulfur as mass‑fraction percentages. It references established sample preparation and laboratory competence practices.

Key topics and requirements

• High‑temperature tube furnace combustion to decompose sulfur compounds and convert sulfur to SO2 for measurement.
• Two alternative analysis procedures: Method A (conventional high‑temperature combustion with chemical (acid/base or iodimetric) titration detection variants and calibration options) and Method B (high‑temperature combustion with infrared absorption detection of SO2).
• Typical combustion temperature(s) and operating guidance (Method A example: combustion at or above 1350 °C is specified in the high‑temperature combustion procedure).
• Gas‑cleaning, moisture/particulate removal and SO2 measurement using infrared absorption cells where applicable.
• Calibration options including use of coal/coke reference materials or pure compounds (e.g., BBOT) for analyzer calibration and performance verification.
• References to related sample‑preparation and laboratory competence practices (e.g., practices for sample preparation, moisture determination, and laboratory competence).

Typical use and users

Routine analytical laboratories, coal and coke producers, quality control and contract testing labs, power plants, fuel testing facilities and environmental or regulatory testing laboratories use this standard to determine total sulfur for fuel characterization, emissions estimation, and contract specification compliance. Laboratory accreditation and competency are typically established by referenced practices cited in the method.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related ASTM documents include D3173/D3173M (moisture in analysis sample of coal and coke), D3176 (ultimate analysis practice), D3180 (calculating analyses between bases), D7448 (establishing laboratory competence for coal and coke methods), and other practices for sample preparation and precision studies.

Keywords

sulfur; coal; coke; tube furnace; combustion; SO2; infrared absorption; titration; BBOT; high‑temperature analysis; ASTM D4239.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4239‑18e1 is a test method that specifies high‑temperature tube‑furnace combustion procedures for determining total sulfur in coal and coke analysis samples.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two alternative combustion‑based procedures (instrumental or manual) that convert sulfur to SO2 and measure the SO2—either by chemical titration/chemical detection variants (Method A) or by infrared absorption detection (Method B)—and includes calibration and sample‑handling guidance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and quality control laboratories, coal and coke producers, power generation and fuel testing facilities, and regulatory or environmental testing bodies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D4239‑18e1 edition (2018, editorial e1) is the current published edition; it is listed as active in the ASTM catalog. Users should check ASTM for any later revisions or amendments before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained by ASTM Committee D05 (Coal and Coke), Subcommittee D05.21 (Methods of Analysis), and is commonly used together with companion practices and test methods for coal and coke analysis (for example, D3173, D3176, D3180, and D7448).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sulfur, coal, coke, tube furnace combustion, SO2 measurement, infrared absorption, titration, BBOT calibration, ASTM D4239.