DIN EN ISO 16994:2015-07

This document describes methods for the determination of the total sulfur and total chlorine content in solid biofuels. The document specifies two methods for decomposition of the fuel and different analytical techniques for the quantification of the elements in the decomposition solutions. The use of automatic equipment is also included in this document, provided that a validation is carried out as specified and that the performance characteristics are similar to those of the method described in this document. Sulfur and chlorine are present in solid biofuels in varying concentrations. During the combustion process, they are usually converted to sulfur-oxides and chlorides. The presence of these elements and their reaction products can contribute significantly to corrosion and to environmentally harmful emissions. Combustion in an oxygen atmosphere in a closed combustion vessel is the preferred method to digest biomass samples for a determination of the total content of sulfur and chlorine. An advantage of the method is that the digestion can be carried out in connection with the determination of the calorific value according to ISO 18125. Decomposition in closed vessels is an appropriate alternative method. Other analytical techniques (for example high-temperature combustion in a tube furnace and Eschka method) may also be used. The determination of the resultant chlorine and sulfur compounds can be done by different techniques, for example ion chromatography, ICP, titrimetry. This document has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 238 "Solid biofuels" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 335 "Solid biofuels" the secretariat of which is held by SIS (Sweden). This document supersedes DIN EN 15289:2011-04. The responsible German body involved in its preparation is Working Committee NA 062-05-82 AA "Biogene Festbrennstoffe" ("Solid biofuels") at DIN Standards Committee Materials Testing (NMP).