This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: D5373 − 14´2 D5373 − 16

Standard Test Methods for

Determination of Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen in
Analysis Samples of Coal and Carbon in Analysis Samples
of Coal and Coke1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5373; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Updated research report footnote in Section 11 editorially in March 2015.

ε2 NOTE—Corrected table headings in Tables 2 and 3 editorially in May 2016.

1. Scope
1.1 Test Method A covers the determination of carbon in the range of 54.9 % to 84.7 %, hydrogen in the range of 3.25 % to
5.10 %, and nitrogen in the range of 0.57 % to 1.80 % in the analysis samples (7.18.1) of coal.coal and of carbon in analysis
samples of coke in the range of 86.6 % to 97.9 %.
1.1.1 Test Method B covers the determination of carbon in analysis samples of coal in the range of 58.0 % to 84.2 %, and carbon
in analysis samples of coke in the range of 86.3 % to 95.2 %.
NOTE 1—The coals included in the interlaboratory study employed to derive the precision statement for this standard cover ASTM rank lignite A to
low volatile bituminous. Additional information concerning the composition of these coals appears in Annex A5. The cokes used in the interlaboratory
study employed to derive the precision statement for coke included for Method A included five each metallurgical (met) cokes and seven each petroleum

iTeh Standards
(pet) cokes, and Method B included an equal number (five each) of met cokes and pet cokes.
1.2 All percentages are percent mass fractions unless otherwise noted.

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility

Document Preview
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 ASTM D5373-16
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/e2879021-9f93-4e2d-b1b0-2ed64f2e180e/astm-d5373-16
D121 Terminology of Coal and Coke
D346/D346M Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
D3173 Test Method for Moisture in the Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke
D3176 Practice for Ultimate Analysis of Coal and Coke
D3180 Practice for Calculating Coal and Coke Analyses from As-Determined to Different Bases
D5865 Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and Coke
D7582 Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 5725-6 Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Measurement Methods and Results Part 6: Use in Practice of Accuracy
Values3
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D121.

1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D05.21 on Methods of
Analysis.
Current edition approved March 1, 2014Sept. 1, 2016. Published March 2014September 2016. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20132014
as D5373 – 13.D5373 – 14ɛ2. DOI: 10.1520/D5373-14e2.10.1520/D5373-16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D5373 − 16
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 In Method A, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal or carbon in coke are determined concurrently in a single instrumental
procedure using a furnace operating at temperatures in the range of 900 °C to 1050°C. 900 °C to 1050 °C for carbon, hydrogen
and nitrogen in coal or 950 °C to 1150 °C for carbon in coke. The quantitative conversion of the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen
into their corresponding gases (CO2, H2O, and NOx) occurs during combustion of the sample at an elevated temperature in an
atmosphere of oxygen. Combustion products which can interfere with the subsequent gas analysis are removed. Oxides of nitrogen
(NOx) are reduced to N2 before detection. The carbon dioxide, water vapor and elemental nitrogen in the gas stream are determined
by appropriate instrumental detection procedures.
4.2 In Method B, carbon in coal and coke is determined by combusting the sample in a 1350°C1350 °C furnace. The H2O in
the combustion gases is removed and CO2 is determined by infrared absorption.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 Carbon and hydrogen values can be used to determine the amount of oxygen (air) required in combustion processes and for
calculation of the efficiency of combustion processes.
5.2 Carbon and hydrogen determinations can be used in calculations including material balance, reactivity and yields of
products relevant to coal conversion processes such as gasification and liquefaction.
5.3 Carbon and nitrogen values can be used in material balance calculations employed for emission accounting purposes.
NOTE 2—The bulk composition of coal changes at a rate that varies from coal to coal during storage. As a result using coal for calibration can yield
incorrect estimates of carbon, and hydrogen content in particular.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Analytical Instrument for CHN Analysis in Coal or Carbon in Coke (Method A)—An instrument capable of analyzing a test
portion of 6 mg or greater. It For coal, it includes a furnace capable of maintaining a temperature (900°C to 1050°C) in the range

iTeh Standards
to of 900 °C to 1050 °C to ensure quantitative recovery of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal as their corresponding gases
(CO2, H2O, and NOx). For coke, it includes a furnace capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 950 °C to 1150 °C.
The use of combustion promoters, including tin foil or capsule, shall be utilized as required by the apparatus manufacturer for
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
quantitative recovery of carbon in coke as its corresponding gas (CO2). The combustion gases or a representative aliquot shall be
treated to remove, separate out or convert any components that can interfere with the measurement of carbon dioxide, water
Document Preview
vapourvapor or nitrogen. The detection system shall include provisions for evaluating the response in a manner that correlates
accurately with the carbon dioxide, water vapourvapor and nitrogen present in the treated combustion gases.
6.2 Analytical Instrumentation for Carbon in Coal and Coke Analysis (Method B)—An instrument with a furnace capable of
maintaining a temperature of at least 1350°C1350 °CASTM D5373-16
at all times during the analysis. The high temperature helps ensure the
quantitative recovery of carbon from cokes. The infrared absorption detection system shall include provisions for evaluating the
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/e2879021-9f93-4e2d-b1b0-2ed64f2e180e/astm-d5373-16
response in a manner that correlates accurately with the carbon dioxide present in the dry combustion gases. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations for sample mass (typically 50 mg to 300 mg).
6.3 Balance—A stand-alone balance or a balance integrated with the instrument, with a resolution of at least 0.1 % relative of
the test portion mass.

7. Reagents
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available.4 Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.

4
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications , American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National
Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.

TABLE 1 Calibration Materials and Their Theoretical Contents of

Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen (Method A)
Name Formula C% H% N%
EDTA C10H16N2O8 41.1 5.5 9.6
Phenylalanine C9H11NO2 65.4 6.7 8.5
Acetanilide C8H9NO 71.1 6.7 10.4
BBOT C26H26N2O2S 72.5 6.1 6.5
Graphite C 100.0

2
 D5373 − 16
7.2 Carrier Gas, as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.
7.3 Oxygen, as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.
7.4 Additional Reagents, of types and qualities as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.
7.5 Calibration Materials—Calibration materials shall be accompanied by a certificate of analysis stating the purity of the
material. If the certificate of analysis does not provide assigned values for carbon, hydrogen or nitrogen use the purity as stated
on the certificate to establish carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen from the theoretical values. Store these pure substances in a desiccator
under conditions that maintain the compounds in a dry state.
7.6 Reference Materials—Certified reference material (CRM) coal(s) prepared by a recognized authority to monitor changes in
instrument response that can be affected by constituents not present in the calibration materials (Note 3) and to verify the
acceptability of nitrogen results. Coal(s) and coke(s) traceable to a certified reference material (CRM) coal(s) and coke(s) can also
be used. Follow instructions on the reference material certificate with respect to storage of the reference material and use of
assigned values. Use only those carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen values that have an assigned uncertainty or are traceable to a value
with an assigned uncertainty.
NOTE 3—Coal contains mineral constituents as well as acid gas forming constituents that can affect the performance of chemicals used to ensure the
consistent and uniform conversion and recovery of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen.
NOTE 4—The amount of nitrogen in the majority of coal employed for power production purposes is in the range of 0.5 % to 1.8 %. None of the
calibrants yields percent nitrogen values within the ranges expected for coal. For this reason reference material (RM) coal is used to check the
acceptability of nitrogen results.
NOTE 3—Coal contains mineral constituents as well as acid gas forming constituents that can affect the performance of chemicals used to ensure the
consistent and uniform conversion and recovery of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen.
7.7 Tungsten Oxide (WO3 )—as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.
NOTE 4—The amount of nitrogen in the majority of coal employed for power production purposes is in the range of 0.5 % to 1.8 % . None of the
calibrants yields percent nitrogen values within the ranges expected for coal. For this reason reference material (RM) coal is used to check the
acceptability of nitrogen results.

iTeh Standards
7.8 Tin (Sn)—as specified for the instrument by the manufacturer.

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
8. Preparation of Analysis Sample
8.1 The sample shall be the analysis sample prepared to a top size of less than 250 µm (60 mesh).(No. 60). Coal samples shall

Document Preview
be prepared in accordance with Practice D2013. Coke samples shall be prepared in accordance with Practice D346/D346M.
9. Instrument Preparation
9.1 Instrument Set-Up—Verify all instrument operating parameters meet the specifications in the instrument operating manual.
ASTM
Verify the condition and quantities of all chemicals currently D5373-16
in use are satisfactory for the number of samples to be analyzed. Prior
to any analysis, check for and, if necessary correct any leaks in the combustion system, and the carrier gas system.
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/e2879021-9f93-4e2d-b1b0-2ed64f2e180e/astm-d5373-16
9.2 Blank Analyses—Perform blank analyses to establish carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen levels in the combustion and carrier
gases as required by the specific method. The level of carbon, hydrogen or nitrogen in these gases shall not exceed 1 % relative
of the instrument response for the lowest mass of calibration material (8.49.4) for each analyte. Re-determine blank analyses
whenever the carrier gas or oxygen supplies are changed or any chemicals are renewed.
9.3 Conditioning—Select a conditioning sample in the range of 75 % (or more) carbon dry basis. It is recommended that the
moisture content be less than 3 %. Carry out four determinations on the conditioning sample. Discard the first determination. If
the range of the three retained determinations for either carbon, hydrogen or nitrogen values exceed 1.2r where r is the repeatability
of this standard, instrument stability is suspect. In this case take corrective action before proceeding with calibration.
9.4 Calibration—If the instrument has been previously calibrated in accordance with Annex A1, determinations can proceed
provided the calibration is verified in accordance with Annex A2. Otherwise calibrate the instrument as described in Annex A1.
9.4.1 Calibration for Carbon in Coal and Coke at 1350°C (Method B)—Use pure graphite to calibrate instruments operating
at 1350°C that are used for determining carbon in coal and coke analysis samples.
10. Procedure
10.1 Determination:
10.1.1 Carry out a determination of the moisture content of each analysis sample or each reference material coal, material, or
both, in accordance with Test Method D3173 or Test Methods D7582 within 48 h of the determination of carbon, hydrogen and
nitrogen on each analysis sample.
10.1.2 Carry out the determination by weighing out a test portion of each analysis sample within a mass range recommended
by the manufacturer. Conduct determinations on consecutive test portions of an analysis sample as needed to meet quality control
requirements.
10.1.3 Verify the calibration upon completion of all test determinations and as needed to meet quality control requirements
according to Annex A2.

3
 D5373 − 16
10.1.4 Prior to conducting any test determinations, upon completion of all test determinations and as needed to meet quality
control requirements conduct determinations on consecutive test portions of a reference material (RM) coal (6.67.6). Verify the
acceptability of results for the RM coal in accordance with Annex A3.
NOTE 5—Appendix X2 provides guidance on the selection of the mass of a test portion that will yield for a mass of carbon similar to the mid range
mass of the calibration material.

11. Calculation
11.1 Record the total carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen as analyzed as a percentage by mass. Report the results on dry basis to the
nearest 0.1 % for carbon, 0.01 % for hydrogen and to the nearest 0.01 % for nitrogen.
11.2 Use the following equations for the calculation to dry basis:
11.2.1 For the carbon content:
100
C d 5 C ad 3 (1)
100 2 M ad

11.2.2 For the nitrogen content:

100
N d 5 N ad 3 (2)
100 2 M ad

11.2.3 For the hydrogen content:

100
H d 5 ~H ad 2 0.1119 3M ad! 3 (3)
100 2 M ad

where:
d = dry basis,

iTeh Standards
ad = as determined (as analyzed) basis,
C = content of carbon, %,
N = content of nitrogen, %,
H
Mad =
=
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
content of hydrogen, %, and
moisture content of the sample as analyzed, %.
12. Precision and Bias 5
Document Preview
12.1 The precision data for Test Method A for the determination of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal and carbon in coke
are shown in Table 2. The precision data for Test Method B for the determination of carbon in coal and coke are shown in Table
3. ASTM D5373-16
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/e2879021-9f93-4e2d-b1b0-2ed64f2e180e/astm-d5373-16
12.1.1 Repeatability Limit (r)—The value below which the absolute difference between two test results calculated to a dry basis
(Practices D3180 and D3176) of separate and consecutive test determinations, carried out on the same sample, in the same
laboratory, by the same operator, using the same apparatus on samples taken at random from a single quantity of homogeneous
material, may be expected to occur with a probability of approximately 95 %.
12.1.2 Reproducibility Limit (R)—The value below which the absolute difference between two test results calculated to a dry
basis (Practices D3180 and D3176), carried out in different laboratories, using samples taken at random from a single quantity of
material that is as homogeneous as possible, may be expected to occur with a probability of approximately 95 %.
NOTE 6—Additional information Information concerning precision statistics for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in coal appears in Annex A4 as well

5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D05-1034, RR:D05-1046and , and
RR:D05-1046RR:D05-1048.

TABLE 2 Concentrations Mass Fractions Range and Limits for

Repeatability and Reproducibility for Carbon, Hydrogen, and
Nitrogen in Coal and Carbon in Coke (Method A)
Concentration
Repeatability Reproducibility Limit,
Element Mass Fraction
Limit, Limit r Limit R
Range, %
Carbon in 54.9 to 84.7 0.45 1.00
Coal
Hydrogen 3.25 to 5.10 0.10 0.25
in Coal
Nitrogen in 0.57 to 1.80 0.05 0.15
Coal
Carbon in 86.6 to 97.9 0.85 2.20
Coke

4
 D5373 − 16
TABLE 4 Comparison of Reference EDTA and Reference Phenylalanine Certificate of Analysis Values with Interlaboratory Values for
Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen
Reference Number of Certificate of Interlaboratory Significant
Phase Parameter Bias
Pure Substance Results Analysis Value Study Value (95 % Confidence)
EDTA 1B Carbon 34 41.09 41.10 0.01 no
EDTA 1C Carbon 24 41.09 40.99 -0.10 no
Phenylalanine 1B Carbon 32 65.43 65.49 0.06 no
Phenylalanine 1C Carbon 22 65.43 65.37 -0.06 no
EDTA 1B Hydrogen 33 5.52 5.52 0.00 no
EDTA 1C Hydrogen 24 5.52 5.54 0.02 no
Phenylalanine 1B Hydrogen 32 6.71 6.72 0.01 no
Phenylalanine 1C Hydrogen 24 6.71 6.71 0.00 no
EDTA 1B Nitrogen 32 9.59 9.55 -0.04 yes
EDTA 1C Nitrogen 21 9.59 9.54 -0.05 no
Phenylalanine 1B Nitrogen 32 8.48 8.46 -0.02 no
Phenylalanine 1C Nitrogen 21 8.48 8.45 -0.03 no

TABLE 3 Concentration Range and Limits for Repeatability and

Reproducibility for Carbon in Coal and Coke Determined Using
1350°C1350 °C Combustion (Method B)
Element Concentration Repeatability Reproducibility
Range, % Limit, r Limit, R
Carbon in Coke 86.3 to 95.4 0.87 1.68
Carbon in Coal 57.7 to 84.0 0.55 2.31

as and the composition of the coals employed carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in the interlaboratory study (RR:D05–1034) that appears in Annex A5.
Additional information Information collected during the determination of carbon in coal and coke at 1350°C1350 °C interlaboratory study

iTeh Standards
(RR:D05–1046) appears in Annex Annex A6. Information collected during the determination of carbon in coke at 950 °C to 1150 °C interlaboratory study
(RR: D05–1048) appears in A4.3.
12.2 Bias—Two materials, EDTA and phenylalanine, distributed from a common source were included in the carbon, hydrogen
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
and nitrogen interlaboratory study (Method A) as reference pure substances. Each participating laboratory calibrated their
instrument using one or more of the pure substances (6.57.5) obtained from a different source. The reference pure substances were

Document Preview
analyzed in two phases of the study conducted one year apart. A comparison of the certificate of analysis values and those obtained
in the interlaboratory study for the reference pure substances are shown in Table 4.
12.2.1 During the interlaboratory study for the determination of carbon in coke (Method B) the ruggedness testing showed the
analyses at 1350°C1350 °C are biased high when compared to analyses at either 1150°C1150 °C or 950°C.950 °C. The average
values of these biases are shown in Table 5 and both ASTM
biases areD5373-16
significant at the 95 % confidence level. The ruggedness testing
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/e2879021-9f93-4e2d-b1b0-2ed64f2e180e/astm-d5373-16
was done with a carbon analyzer using ceramic boats in an open combustion tube. No accelerants or combustion aids, such as those
used in some analyzers, were used. The carbon values from this study are shown in Annex Annex A6.
NOTE 7—Guidelines for reporting test sample results that do not meet the repeatability requirements of this standard when all calibration verification
and reference material check sample acceptance requirements are met are provided in Appendix X3.

13. Calculation to Other Bases

13.1 Report results from the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen determinations on any of the several common bases that differ
solely with respect to moisture. Procedures for converting the as-determined concentrations to the other bases are specified in
Practices D3176 and D3180.

TABLE 5 Relative Biases for Carbon in Coke Determined for 10 Coke Samples at Different Combustion Temperatures
Parameter Test Condition 1 Test Condition 2 Average Bias Significant
Combustion Temperature Combustion Temperature % (Absolute) (95 % Confidence)
Carbon in Coke 1350°C 1150°C 0.44 yes
Carbon in Coke 1350 °C 1150 °C 0.44 yes
Carbon in Coke 1350°C 950°C 0.96 yes
Carbon in Coke 1350 °C 950 °C 0.96 yes

NOTE 1—Test Condition 2 is biased lower.

5
 D5373 − 16

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. NUMBER OF CALIBRATION POINTS FOR METHODS A AND B

A1.1 To meet the precision requirements of this method 6method, six calibration points are required for a linear fit and 8eight
calibration points are required for a non linear non-linear fit. These requirements are summarized for various fits in Table A1.1.
A calibration point consists of a determination on a single test portion of calibration material.

NOTE A1.1—The interlaboratory study employed to validate the precision of this test method required laboratories to employ 6six calibration points for
a linear fit and 8eight for a non linear non-linear fit. Additional calibration points can be used.

A1.2 Guidance on the selection of masses of pure substance for calibration is given in Appendix X1.

A1.3 Verify the calibration according to Annex A2.

A2. CALIBRATION VERIFICATION FOR CARBON, HYDROGEN, AND NITROGEN (METHOD A)

iTeh Standards
A2.1 Some instruments allow for calibration drift correction. Verify the acceptability of a drift correction immediately after

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
conducting the drift correction.

Document
(6.57.5) not used for calibration. Appendix X1 provides guidance onPreview
A2.2 Verify the acceptability of the calibration by determining the carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in % of a calibration material
selection of the mass of verification material.

ASTM determinations
A2.3 Table A2.1 lists the relative percentages the verification D5373-16 shall agree with the values of the carbon, hydrogen
and nitrogen from the certificate of analysis.
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/e2879021-9f93-4e2d-b1b0-2ed64f2e180e/astm-d5373-16
NOTE A2.1—These limits are from the calibration data supplied by the 14 laboratories that took part in the interlaboratory study (ILS) employed to validate
this standard. The calibration data includes results from the pure substances listed in 6.57.5 and five instrument configurations covering two phases of
the ILS conducted 1 year apart. These limits can serve as reasonable performance criteria for calibrations conducted in the same or different laboratories
over an extended period of time.

A2.4 If any verification determination does not agree within the limits specified in Table A2.2, conduct three additional verification
determinations. Use masses of verification calibrant that yield a mass of carbon within 5 mg of the calibration masses at the lower
extreme, mid-point and upper extreme of the calibration (see Appendix X1). If the additional verification determinations agree with
the values from the certificate of analysis within the limits specified in Table A2.2 then it is acceptable to continue with
determinations on the analysis samples. Otherwise reject the calibration as well as all determinations back to the last acceptable
verification. Check instrument set-up (8.19.1), conduct blank analyses (8.29.2) and condition the instrument (8.39.3). Calibrate the
instrument according to Annex A1 before proceeding with analysis.

TABLE A1.1 Minimum Number of Calibration Points for

Common Regressions
Number of
Regression
Calibration Points Required
Linear 6
Quadratic 8
Power 8