Coal Chemistry Technician Training
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Why This Course?
Coal testing isn’t just technical, it’s critical. Accuracy, consistency, and adherence to standards directly impact operational decisions, regulatory compliance, and business outcomes.
In just 1.5 days, this immersive training gives you the practical knowledge and confidence to apply globally recognized ASTM coal standards in real-world laboratory settings.
Whether you’re new to coal testing or looking to sharpen your expertise, this course equips you with skills you can use immediately.
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:- Understand coal composition and classification
- Prepare coal samples with confidence and precision
- Accurately calculate analytical values across different bases
- Apply key ASTM standards used in coal chemistry labs worldwide
- Strengthen your lab practices with industry-proven methods
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
- Laboratory technicians
- Chemists
- Professionals new to coal testing
- Anyone working in fossil fuel or materials testing labs
Recommended background: B.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Technician degree (or equivalent experience)
Course Experience
Day 1 (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Coal composition & classification
- ASTM standards for coal chemistry
- Sample preparation techniques
- Analytical value calculations
- Proximate & ultimate analysis
Day 2 (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Precision and bias
- Advanced and miscellaneous analyses
- Coal and coke ash composition
- Thermal swelling & plastic properties
Earn a Recognized Certificate
Take your expertise one step further.
At the end of the course, you’ll have the option to complete an exam. Score >b>80% or higher and earn your:
ASTM Coal Chemistry Technician Certificate
Why it matters:
- Demonstrates verified competency to employers
- Helps you stand out in a competitive field
- Supports career advancement
- Includes listing in the ASTM Directory of Certificate Holders
Fee Includes
Your registration gives you more than just a seat in the course:
- ASTM Book of Standards, Volume 05.06
- Routine Coal and Coke Analysis manual
- Comprehensive course notes
- Certificate of Completion (1.1 CEUs)
About the Instructor
Stephen R. Smith, MS is an engineering manager and consultant with more than 40 years experience in the sampling and analysis of coal and coke, with international recognition of expertise in coal handling, weighing, sampling, sample preparation, laboratory analysis, online coal analyzers, bias testing, and combustion. A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are the educational foundation for expertise in the coal industry, along with decades of experience in fossil fueled electric power plants for the US Tennessee Valley Authority. He was a project engineer on loan to Oak Ridge National Lab for magnetic desulfurization experiments, Paradise coal wash plant startup engineer, senior fuels engineer for 11 fossil plants, and senior analytical chemist at the TVA central lab. Since leaving TVA and forming Coalsmith Consultants, international work has included lab inspections, audits of sampling systems, bias tests, slagging and fouling investigations, carbon capture and sequestration, and providing analyses, statistics, and recommendations for executive decisions. He is a longtime member and current chairman of ASTM D5 committee on coal and coke, helping to create global standards for measuring coal quality. Coalsmith has gained respect and a reputation as a "go-to" resource for coal chemistry.
About ASTM and Sponsoring Committee
Organized in 1898, ASTM is one of the world's largest voluntary standards development organizations. ASTM standards have grown to be among the world's most widely used and accepted documents. Committee D05 on Coal and Coke developed the standards used in this course. For more information on Committee D05 go to our D05 technical committee page.