ASTM E873-82(2019)

Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of Densified Particulate Biomass Fuels

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be used to determine the bulk density (or bulk specific weight) of any densified particulate biomass fuel meeting the requirements specified in this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for the determination of bulk density (or bulk specific weight) of densified particulate biomass fuels with a maximum particle volume of 16.39 cm3  (1 in. 3).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: E48 - Bioenergy and Industrial Chemicals from Biomass
• Drafting Committee: E48.05 - Biomass Conversion

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E873-82(2013) - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of Densified Particulate Biomass Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D6700-19 - Standard Guide for Use of Scrap Tires as Tire-Derived Fuel
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019

Overview

ASTM E873-82(2019): Standard Test Method for Bulk Density of Densified Particulate Biomass Fuels provides a recognized procedure for determining the bulk density, or bulk specific weight, of densified particulate biomass fuels. These fuels, commonly used in bioenergy applications, require careful measurement of their bulk physical properties to ensure consistency, optimize storage, and inform transportation planning. ASTM developed this standard in compliance with globally recognized principles for standardization set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

The test method applies to densified biomass fuels with a maximum particle volume of 16.39 cm³ (1 in.³). Results must be reported in SI units, which serve as the reference standard.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Applies to the assessment of bulk density for densified particulate biomass fuels.
  • Appropriate for fuels with particle volumes not exceeding 16.39 cm³.
  • Emphasizes SI units, while providing imperial equivalents for reference.
  • Each user's responsibility includes implementing safety, health, and environmental protocols during testing.

• Test Methodology

  • Utilizes a box of nominal 305 mm x 305 mm x 305 mm (12 in. x 12 in. x 12 in.) to contain the fuel samples.
  • Samples are typically collected while the fuel is being loaded, unloaded, or discharged from bins or conveyors.
  • Bulk density is calculated by weighing the box with and without the sample then dividing by the measured volume.

• Sampling Procedures

  • Representative samples must be collected systematically, with gross samples weighing no less than 45.45 kg (100 lb).
  • It's critical to avoid surface-only sampling, as exposure to environmental elements can impact results.

Applications

Densified biomass fuel producers, suppliers, laboratories, and logistics professionals benefit from using ASTM E873-82(2019) to determine the bulk density of materials such as biomass pellets, briquettes, and cubes. Accurate bulk density measurement offers practical value by:

• Optimizing Storage and Handling

  • Determining how much biomass can be stored in silos, bins, or containers.
  • Improving space utilization during warehousing and shipment.

• Improving Transportation Planning

  • Enabling accurate calculations for shipping weights and load capacities.
  • Informing selection of transportation methods for cost-efficiency.

• Ensuring Product Quality and Consistency

  • Establishing benchmarks for fuel consistency.
  • Supporting contractual agreements and performance standards.

• Supporting Regulatory Compliance

  • Meeting requirements for bioenergy sector reporting and sustainability certifications.
  • Aligning with international trade and inspection criteria.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality and safety management in biomass fuel and related sectors, consider these additional ASTM and international standards:

• ASTM E871 - Standard Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
• ASTM E872 - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in Wood, Peat, and Other Biomass Materials
• ISO 17828 - Solid Biofuels - Determination of Bulk Density
• EN 15103 - Solid Biofuels - Determination of Bulk Density

Utilizing ASTM E873-82(2019) in conjunction with related standards supports robust quality assurance, facilitates international trade in biomass fuels, and advances bioenergy industry best practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E873 −82 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Bulk Density of Densified Particulate Biomass Fuels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E873; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 Scales of such capacity as to weigh the box and sample
to within 100 g.
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for the determi-
nation of bulk density (or bulk specific weight) of densified
4. Sampling
particulate biomass fuels with a maximum particle volume of
3 3
4.1 PlaceofSampling—Sample fuel while it is being loaded
16.39 cm (1 in. ).
into or unloaded from means of transportation or when
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
discharged from storage bins or conveyors.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
NOTE 1—Samples collected from the surface of piles are, in general,
only.
unreliable because of the exposure to the environment. If necessary,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
collect nine increments from a foot or more below the surface at nine
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
points covering the pile.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Collection of Gross Sample:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.2.1 Collect increments regularly, systematically, and with
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
such frequency that the entire quantity of pellets sampled will
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
be represented proportionally in the gross sample.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.2.2 The quantity of the sample shall be large enough to be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
representative but not less than 45.45 kg (100 lb).
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Procedure
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 Weigh and record the empty box weight within 100 g
(0.22 lb). Fill the box by pouring from a height of 610 mm
2. Significance and Use
(2 ft) above the top edge of the container. Drop the box five
2.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be
times from a height of 150 mm (6 in.) on to a nonresilient
used to determine the bulk d
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