Coals
We suggest two coal samples representing typical end-members in coal rank, a lignite and a low-volatile bituminous coal. Anthracites were not included because of their low reactivity and relative scarcity.
1. Lignite coal
As an indicator of coal rank, the lignite (Beulah-Zap) has a low reflectance (0.25). No inertinite values are available for the lignin standard. PCS Characteristics: Mass % C, H, O values on moisture and ash free basis, S and ash are on the dry basis.
C 73 / H 4.8 / O 20 / S 0.8 / ash 10.
2. Bituminous coal
The bituminous coal (Pocahontas) has a higher reflectance (1.68). The bituminous coal contains about 10% of inertinite, suspected to represent (at least partly) fossil charcoal. PCS Characteristics: Mass % C, H, O values on moisture and ash free basis, S and ash are on the dry basis. C: 91 / H 4.4 / O 2 / S 0.7 /ash 5.
Ordering information
Subsamples can be purchased from the Argonne National Laboratory USA (Assistant Controller, OCF/201, Argonne National Laboratory, 97000 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA, web: http://www.anl.gov/PCS/
Cost: USD 16 per 5 g (-100 mesh) sample (price as on 15 April 2011).