Coal Classification by ASTM D388 (1997)
Gross Calorific Value
Fixed Carbon Limits, % Volatile Matter Limits, %
Limits, Cal/g
(Dry, Mineral-Matter- (Dry, Mineral-Matter- b
(Moist , Mineral-Matter-
Class Group Free Basis) Free Basis) Agglomeration Character
Free Basis)
Equal or Less Greater Equal of Equal or Less
Greater than than than Less than Greater than than
1. Meta-anthracite 98 … … 2 … …
1. Anthracite 2. Anthracite 92 98 2 8 … … nonagglomerating
c
3. Semianthracite 86 92 8 14 … …
1. Low volatile bituminous coal 78 86 14 22 … …
2. Medium volatile bituminous coal 69 78 22 31 … …
e
d commonly agglomerating
3. High volatile A bituminous coal … 69 31 … 7,777 …
2. Bituminous d
4. High volatile B bituminous coal … … … … 7,222 7,777
5. High volatile C bituminous coal … … … … 6,389 7,222
e agglomerating
5,833 6,389
1. Subbituminous A coal … … … … 5,833 6,389
3. Subbituminous 2. Subbituminous B coal … … … … 5,277 5,833
3. Subbituminous C coal … … … … 4,611 5,277 nonagglomerating
1. Lignite A … … … … 3,500 4,511
4. Lignite
2. Lignite B … … … … … 3,500
a
This classification does not apply to certain coals, as discussed in Note 1.
b
Moist refers to coal containing its natural inherent moisture but not including visible water on the surface of coal
c
If agglomerating, classify in low-volatile group of the bituminous class
d
Coals having 69% or more fixed carbon on the dry, mineral-matter-free basis shall be classified according to fixed carbon, regardless of gross calorific value
e
It is recognized that there may be nonagglomerating varieties in these groups of the bituminous class, and that there are notable exceptions in high volatile C bituminous group
