1.1 This practice covers the reduction and division of gross or divided samples, and the preparation of composite samples, up to and including the individual portions for laboratory analysis.

1.2 Reduction and division procedures are prescribed for coals of the following groups:

1.2.1 Group A includes coals that have been cleaned in all sizes.

1.2.2 Group B includes all other coals. Unknown coals are to be considered under Group B.

1.2.3 Group A allows smaller weight laboratory samples to be retained than Group B. These lower weights may be used for particular coals if they have been shown, by using the procedures of Annex A1.2, to give a sample preparation and analysis variance which is no more than 20 % of the total analysis variance.

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.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.

1.4 This method covers procedures for checking precision of sample preparation and analysis of the various stages. The data obtained from tests using consistent sample preparation and analysis method are used to estimate the random errors in the various stages of sample division and analysis.

1.5 Coals used in each series of tests should be of similar ash content.

1.6 Legitimate estimates of the variance of division and analysis, Sda², can only be made using data obtained from tests that were run using consistent division and analysis methods. Coals used in these variance tests should be of similar ash content. Any gross change in the division and analysis methods or in the ash characteristics of the test coal will nullify the test results.