EN ISO 18122 Solid Biofuels - Determination of Ash Content

EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of EN ISO 18122 standard. The International Standard EN ISO 18122 specifies a method for determining the ash content of all solid biofuels. Ash content is an important parameter for fuel deliveries, as ash is a byproduct of combustion and ends up as bottom ash or fly ash and must be removed.

Depending on the jurisdiction, ash can be deposited or used for the production of other products, and knowing how much ash comes with a fuel can have economic implications. In addition, the chemical composition of the ash contributes to the formation of slag and corrosion in combustion equipment, so it is important to know the amount of ash contained in the fuel. Other test standards are used to determine the chemical composition of the ash.

Ash content is determined by calculating the residual mass after the sample is heated in air to a controlled temperature of (550 ± 10)°C under strictly controlled time conditions, sample weight, and equipment characteristics.

Automated equipment (such as gravimetric analyzers) may be used when the method has been validated with biomass reference samples of an adequate biomass type. Automated equipment must fulfill all requirements regarding sample size, heating procedure, atmosphere, temperature and weighing accuracy.

If determined at a higher temperature of 550°C compared to 815°C, the difference in ash content is explained by the decomposition of carbonates forming CO2, losses of volatile inorganic compounds and further oxidation of inorganic materials.

The furnace will be able to provide a homogeneous heat zone at the required temperatures and reach these temperatures within the specified times. The ventilation rate through the furnace should be such that a lack of oxygen for combustion does not occur during the heating procedure. A desiccator with a suitable desiccant is required to prevent the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere by the test sample.

Ash from solid biofuel is very hygroscopic and there is a risk of moisture from the desiccant being absorbed into the sample. For this reason, the dryer should be checked frequently and dried if necessary. In addition, lids will be used to prevent the dishes from getting moisture while in the desiccator.

Among the services provided by our organization within the framework of material testing services, there are also EN ISO 18122 standard tests. Do not hesitate to contact our laboratory EUROLAB for your testing and certification requests.