TS ISO 7404-1

TS ISO 7404-1 is a terminology standard for the petrographic analysis of bituminous coal and anthracite. It establishes the meanings of terms used with maceral and microlithotype analyses performed in white light, as well as with the determination of vitrinite reflectance, helping laboratories and reports use the same technical language consistently.

Why terminology matters in coal petrography

Coal petrography examines the microscopic constituents of coal and what those constituents reveal about structure and rank. Macerals are the principal organic components seen in coal; microlithotypes describe characteristic combinations of these components and their texture. Vitrinite reflectance is a widely used indicator based on how the vitrinite group reflects light, and it is commonly used to assess coalification. By defining the terminology used in these areas, the standard reduces ambiguity between analysts, laboratories, and published reports.

Technical scope covered by this part

• Terms associated with maceral analysis in white light
• Terms associated with microlithotype analysis in white light
• Terminology used with the determination of vitrinite reflectance
• Petrographic definitions relevant to bituminous coal and anthracite

This part is a vocabulary document rather than a procedural test method. Its purpose is to define how observations and results are named, not to prescribe detailed laboratory steps. In practice, that makes it a reference point for sample description, data recording, comparison of results, and communication among specialists working with coal petrography. As the first part of the TS ISO 7404 series, it provides the terminological base for the wider analytical framework.

Note: this listing represents a withdrawn edition and reflects the vocabulary framework published on the basis of ISO 7404-1:1994.