Maintenance of the coal sample bank and database. Quarterly progress report, April 1, 1996--June 30, 1996

This five year project is intended to ensure the availability of well-characterized, high-quality coal samples for public and private coal research. It continues support of the DOE Coal Sample Bank and Database at The Pennsylvania State University. Eleven coal samples will be collected, processed, packaged, and analyzed, and a resulting database will be maintained. These samples and data, as well as 45 samples collected under previous contracts, will be distributed to DOE contractors and others performing coal research. Samples will be chosen to maintain a sample bank of 56 coals representing the major U.S. coal fields and a variety of coal ranks and compositions. In addition to standard analyses, liquefaction tests and organic geochemical analyses will be performed. The samples will be stored to minimize deterioration, and 10 samples will be monitored annually by proximate, sulfur forms, and gaseous oxygen analysis to evaluate their condition. This report reflects the level of effort described in the revised work statement submitted to DOE on February 2, 1996, setting out a reduction in effort following a cut in the level of funding of the project