Analytical Techniques - Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis and Torrefaction - page 440

The following ASTM standards are available for determination of the ulti-
mate analysis of biomass components:

Carbon, hydrogen: E-777 for refuse-derived fuels (RDF)
Nitrogen: E-778 for RDF
Sulfur: E-775 for RDF
Moisture: E-871 for wood fuels

Ash: D-1102 for wood fuels.

Although no standard for other biomass fuels is specified, we can use the
RDF standard with a reasonable degree of confidence. For determination of
the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen components of the ultimate analysis of
coal, we may use the ASTM standard D-5373-08. Table 13.1 lists standard
methods of ultimate analysis for biomass materials.

13.1.2 Proximate Analysis
Proximate analysis gives the gross composition of the biomass and hence it
is relatively easy to measure. One can do this without any elaborate set up or
expensive analytical equipment. For wood fuels, we can use standard E-870-
06. Separate ASTM standards are applicable for determination of the individ-
ual components of biomass:

Volatile matter: E-872 for wood fuels
Ash: D-1102 for wood fuels
Moisture: E-871 for wood fuels

Fixed carbon: determined by difference.

The moisture and ash determined in proximate analysis refer to the same
moisture and ash determined in ultimate analysis. However, the fixed carbon

TABLE 13.1

Standard Methods for Biomass Compositional Analysis

Biomass Constituent Standard Methods

Carbon ASTM E 777 for RDF

Hydrogen ASTM E 777 for RDF

Nitrogen ASTM E 778 for RDF

Oxygen By difference

Ash ASTM D 1102 for wood, E 1755 for biomass, D 3174 for coal

Moisture ASTM E 871 for wood, E 949 for RDF, D 3173 for coal