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CEN Standard for fuel specification, classes and quality assurance

Jouni Valtanen, Finnish Forest Industries Federation

Eija Alakangas, VTT

CEN/TC 335/WG 2 Fuel specification, classes and quality assurance

EU Bionet Workshop Wood Fuel Quality, Standards & Certification

Teagasc, Co Carlow, 2007-08-30

FFIF

CEN/TC 335 technical specifications for solid biofuels

28 CEN Technical Specifications (prestandards) have been written by five different Working Groups

WG 1: Terminology, definitions and description

WG 2: Fuel specifications, classes and quality assurance

Fuel specifications and classes (CEN/TS 14961)

Fuel quality assurance (CEN/TS 15234)

WG 3: Sampling and sample reduction

WG 4: Physical and mechanical test methods

WG 5: Chemical test methods

Upgrading Technical Specifications to EN standards ongoing (2007 2010)

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Specification and classes (CEN/TS 14961)

The classification is based on origin and source, major traded forms and property grades

Hierarchical classification system in table format:1. Woody biomass (from forest and wood processing

industry, used wood)

2. Herbaceous biomass

3. Fruit biomass

4. Biomass blends and mixtures

blends = intentional

mixtures = unintentional

For all user groups Special requirements for chemically treated biomass Chemical treatment defined as any treatment with

chemicals other than air or water (e.g. glue and paint)

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Origin and source1. Woody biomass

1.2.1.1 Wood without bark

1.2.1.2 Wood with bark *

1.2.1.3 Bark (from industry operations)*

1.2.1 Chemically untreated wood residues

1.2.1.4 Blends and mixtures

1.2.2.1 Wood without bark

1.2.2.2 Wood with bark *

1.2.2.3 Bark (from industry operations)*

1.2.2 Chemically treated wood residues

1.2.2.4 Blends and mixtures

1.2.3.1 Chemically untreated fibrous waste

1.2. Wood processing industry, by-products and residues

1.2.3 Fibrous waste from the pulp and paper industry 1.2.3.2 Chemically treated fibrous

waste

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* cork is under bark

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Specification for traded forms

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Grade tables for major traded forms

briquettespelletsexhausted olive cake wood chipshog fuelwood logssawdustbarkstraw balesGeneral master table for others

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Properties

The classification is flexible, and hence the producer or the consumer may select freely from each property class

This classification does not bind different characteristics to each other

A table for the traded forms including property classes Example M10, means that the moisture content has to be

10% on average

Some of the properties are normative (mandatory) Origin and source always have to be stated

Normative properties vary depending both on origin and traded form

Moisture content (M) and ash content (A) are normative for all fuels

Some properties are voluntary (informative), but they are recommended to be stated

Informative Annex for special high quality grades of solid biofuels (Examples for wood briquettes, pellets, chips and log wood) recommended for household usage

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How to use the classification

Boiler/burner manufacturers can select the property classes for their product

The product can be marked with the classification

For packages information should be marked on the packages (=Fuel quality declaration), see CEN/TS 15234

For bulk material the Fuel Quality Declaration should be used

7

Manufacturer Pelletburners Ltd

Output 15 kW

Fuel Wood pellets (1.2.1.1/1.2.1.4)

Classification D08/D06, M10, A0.7, DU97.5, F2.0

(CEN/TS14961)

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Fuel quality assurance (CEN/TS 15234)

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Raw

material

Identification

and

collection of

raw material

Production/

preparation of

solid biofuels

Trade and

delivery of

solid

biofuels

Reception of

solid biofuel

by end-user

End-user

Combustion

unit or other

conversion

unitSupply chain activities covered by CEN/TS 15234

traceability exists. requirements that influence the product quality is

controlled.

the end-user can have confidence in the product quality.

Documention of the origin and source Fuel Quality Declaration

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Fuel quality assurance (CEN/TS 15234)

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Based on the ISO 9000:2000 standards, of which only quality assurance and part of quality control has been utilised

Can be used without ISO 9000 standard Fuel supply chain has to be described as a

process and documentation is important.

Critical control points are points within or between processes at which relevant

properties can be most readily assessed,

also the points that offer the greatest potential for quality improvement

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Content of quality assurance

(CEN/TS 15234)

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Quality assurance measures production requirements

transportation, handling and storage

Fuel Quality Declaration and labelling

Quality control measures Specification of origin and source

Specification of traded forms

Determination of properties sampling and sample handling

determination of normative properties

determination of informative properties

accuracy

Several examples of documentation of production requirements e.g. pellet production

Examples of Fuel Quality Declarations Calculation of net calorific value for moist biofuels

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Methodology for quality assurance

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Step 1: Document the steps in the production chain (flow sheet) Step 2: Define specification(s) for the product(s) Step 3: Analyse factors influencing product quality and

company performance

This includes also transportation, handling and storage

Step 4: Identify and document Critical Control Points for compliance with the product specification.

Step 5: Select the appropriate measures that give confidence to customers that the specification(s) is/are being realised, by

identifying and documenting criteria and methods to ensure appropriate control of Critical Control Points,

monitoring and controlling the production process and making necessary adjustments for compliance with the quality requirements.

Step 6: Establish and document routines for separate handling of non-conforming materials and products.

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Production documentation

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Documents shall be dated and signed the person allocated and authorised by the producer

Documents shall be available on justified request throughout the entire supply chain.

Fuel supplier will make a Fuel Quality Declaration to end-user or retailer.

A template example for a Fuel Quality Declaration is given in informative Annex with some examples.

For package solid biofuels the quality information shall be labelled on the packages. Suitable storage conditions shall also be required on the packaging.

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Example of Fuel quality declaration of wood pellets

EAA BiofuelsP.O. Box 1603

FI-40101 Jyvskyltel. +358 20722 2550E-mail: info@eaabiofuels.com

Producers

Traded Form:

Country of origin

Origin: 1.2.1.1 Wood without bark (cutter shavings)

Pellets

Jyvskyl, Finland

Dimensions

Moisture

Ash

Mechanical durability

Amount of fines

Additives

(mm)Diameter (D) and Length (L)

(w-% as received)

(w-% of dry basis)

(w-% of pellets after testing)

(w-%, < 3.15 mm)after production at factory gatea

(w-% of pressing mass)

D08

M10 10 %

A0.7 0,7%

DU97.5 97,5 % (Quality class 1)

F1.0 1,0 % for small bagsa In last possible place in the production site

Normative (CEN/TS 14961:2005)

Starch < 1

Bulk density as received (kg/m loose)

Energy density, E

3 DB600 > 600 kg/m3

0,5 mm, and L 8 mm 4 x Diameter

Informative (CEN/TS 14961:2005)

E4.7 [kWh/kg]

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Quality control

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Properties may not be needed to measure, if they are known through information about the origin and handling/preparation e.g. by litterature (net calorific value of saw dust)

by experience

Visual inspection is very important in quality control Working instructions and training of staff is utmost

important.

If laboratory analysis is needed, use a) simplified methods

b) reference methods (CEN methods for sampling and physical/chemical analysis or methods referable to them)

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Target in the future

D 0.8

DU 97.5

TAKE A PACK

D 0.6

DU 97.5

BIOENERGY STATION

20kg 20kg

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