General Information
The first line reads "Premium Coal Sample Program".
The second line indicates the seam name for the coal, for example, "Upper Freeport seam."
The third line indicates the rank of the coal, for example, "Medium Volatile Bituminous"
The fourth line has two parts. The first part is the "COAL ID". This is a three digit number, such as 701. The 7 stands for the seventh coal in the series of Argonne Premium Coal Samples (Lewiston-Stockton seam from West Virginia). The 1 stands for the first processing of this coal. If additional ampoules are filled from carboys, then that filling would be the second processing and the labels for the new set of ampoules would have a COAL ID of 702. The last part of the fourth line is the serial number for the ampoule, for example, 00441. This is the 441st ampoule that was labeled. The serial numbers are not exactly the sequence in which the ampoules were sealed. In the processing, lots of about 150 ampoules were placed on trays and later transferred to boxes for labeling. The serial numbers are typically within 150 of the exact number of their sequence of sealing. A typical batch of -20 mesh ampoules is about 5,000 ampoules, whereas the batch of -100 mesh ampoules has about 10,000 ampoules.
The fifth line also has two parts. The first part indicates the contents as either 5 grams -100 mesh or 10 grams -20 mesh material. The second part indicates the date that the ampoule was sealed, as for example, 12/02/86.
SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR OPENING GLASS AMPOULES
There are two types of glass ampoules, (1) standard and (2) "easy-break". The standard type has a gradually sloping shoulder between the top and body. The "easy-break" type has an expansion and then a contraction in going from the top to the body. Also, the area of the contraction has been scored to permit easy breaking.
The suggested procedure for the standard ampoules involves two steps. First, score the ampoule with a glass tubing knife around the shoulder, about 3/4"-1" from the top. Do this so that the two ends of the scoring come together. Second, apply a white hot glass rod to the moistened scratch to form a break around the scoring. You should hear a small snapping sound as the crack propagates around the ampoule. The tip should be easily removed from the body of the ampoule. If not, then use a short piece of conduit (pipe) with a few layers of paper towel inside to slide over the tip. Wrap the body of the ampoule in protective toweling or use a leather glove, moisten the scratch and snap it like glass tubing while holding it away from you.
The glass-tubing knife is better than a file, since it has a tungsten carbide cutting edge. It is available with a wooden handle from laboratory supply houses.
For the "easy-break" ampoules, moisten the scoring, and cover the ampoule with protective toweling, or use leather gloves. Snap the ampoule like glass tubing while holding it away from you.
SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR MIXING SAMPLES IN AMPOULES
Since coal samples tend to segregate in containers over a period of time it is necessary to remix the sample before opening the ampoule. The recommended method is to turn the ampoule so that the coal alternately falls into the top and then the body of the ampoule. This should be done continuously for at least 10 times. The method of rolling the ampoule on its side is not effective in mixing and is to be discouraged.
COMMENTS ON RE-USE OF THE CONTENTS OF AMPOULES
Many precautions have been taken to protect the contents from atmospheric oxidation. After the ampoule has been opened, there is no assurance that it will be the same for a future experiment. It is strongly recommended that any surplus sample be discarded, and that fresh ampoules be used for future experiments.
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