ASTM E871-82(2019)

Standard Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be used to determine the total weight basis moisture of any particulate wood fuel meeting the requirements specified in this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of total weight basis moisture in the analysis sample of particulate wood fuel. The particulate wood fuel may be sanderdust, sawdust, pellets, green tree chips, hogged fuel, or other type particulate wood fuel having a maximum particle volume of 16.39 cm3  (1 in.3). It is used for calculating other analytical results to a dry basis. Moisture, when determined as herein described, may be used to indicate yields on processes, to provide the basis for purchasing and selling, or to establish burning characteristics.  
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 E871-82(2013) - Standard Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D346-04(2010) - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2013-07 - Standard Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D2013-04 - Standard Practice of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM D346-04 - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D346-04e1 - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2013-03 - Standard Practice of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM D2013-01 - Standard Practice of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2001
• Refers: ASTM D346-90(1998) - Standard Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1998
• Referred By: ASTM E872-82(2019) - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E1756-08(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Solids in Biomass
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E1534-93(2019) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Ash Content of Particulate Wood Fuels
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E1358-97(2019) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Particulate Wood Fuels Using a Microwave Oven
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E1509-22 - Standard Specification for Room Heaters, Pellet Fuel-Burning Type
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E2779-10(2017) - Standard Test Method for Determining Particulate Matter Emissions from Pellet Heaters
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019

Overview

ASTM E871-82(2019), Standard Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard describes a precise method for determining the total weight basis moisture content in samples of particulate wood fuels, such as sawdust, pellets, green tree chips, hogged fuel, and sanderdust. The defined procedures are essential to ensure reliable, repeatable moisture analysis crucial for commercial transactions, bioenergy production, and process quality control.

The scope of ASTM E871-82(2019) covers particulate wood fuels with a maximum particle volume of 16.39 cm³ (1 in.³), using laboratory procedures involving controlled heating, weighing, and calculation to accurately measure moisture content. The results are critical for converting analysis to a dry basis, establishing the fuel’s burning characteristics, determining process yields, and serving as the basis for purchasing and selling particulate wood fuels.

Key Topics

• Moisture Determination: The method specifies drying the sample under controlled conditions, measuring the subsequent loss in weight, and calculating total moisture as a percentage of sample weight.
• Sampling Procedures: Guidance is given on representative sample collection-including sampling locations (such as conveyor discharge or storage bins), methods to avoid surface weathering effects, and sample reduction techniques (coning and dividing, or riffle splitting).
• Equipment Requirements: The standard outlines necessary equipment, which includes a drying oven regulated at 103 ± 1 °C, nonporous containers, and a desiccator.
• Calculation Method: Moisture content is calculated using the initial and final sample weights, with repeatability and reproducibility criteria established for laboratory consistency.
• Data Reliability: The standard includes guidelines to ensure data validity, such as acceptable tolerances for repeat analysis and inter-lab comparison.

Applications

Implementing ASTM E871-82(2019) provides practical value across several industries where accurate wood fuel moisture analysis is critical:

• Bioenergy Production: Fuel moisture affects combustion efficiency, emissions, and overall energy yield. Reliable moisture measurement helps optimize boiler operation and process control.
• Commercial Transactions: The standard provides a basis for purchasing and selling particulate wood fuels, ensuring buyers and sellers operate using uniform grading standards.
• Quality Control: Manufacturers and processors use the test method to maintain product consistency, validate process yields, and ensure compliance with contractual or regulatory requirements.
• Research and Development: Laboratories utilize the standard method to compare the characteristics of different biomass feedstocks, supporting product development and innovation in renewable energy sources.

Related Standards

Several other standards relate closely to ASTM E871-82(2019) and may be referenced during wood fuel moisture analysis:

• ASTM D346 – Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis
• ASTM D2013 – Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis

These referenced documents provide complementary guidance on sampling practices and laboratory sample preparation, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the moisture analysis process outlined in ASTM E871-82(2019).

By following ASTM E871-82(2019) and the related standards, organizations can ensure rigorous, consistent, and internationally accepted moisture analysis of particulate wood fuels, supporting both operational excellence and fair commercial practices within the bioenergy sector.

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: E871 − 82 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E871; 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. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Moisture is determined by establishing the loss in
1.1 This test method covers the determination of total
weight of the sample when heated under rigidly controlled
weight basis moisture in the analysis sample of particulate
conditions of temperature, time and atmosphere, sample
wood fuel. The particulate wood fuel may be sanderdust,
weight, and equipment specifications.
sawdust, pellets, green tree chips, hogged fuel, or other type
particulate wood fuel having a maximum particle volume of
3 3
4. Significance and Use
16.39 cm (1 in. ). It is used for calculating other analytical
results to a dry basis. Moisture, when determined as herein
4.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be
described, may be used to indicate yields on processes, to used to determine the total weight basis moisture of any
particulatewoodfuelmeetingtherequirementsspecifiedinthis
provide the basis for purchasing and selling, or to establish
test method.
burning characteristics.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
5. Apparatus
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
5.1 Drying Oven—For determining the moisture of wood,
only.
an ordinary drying oven with openings for natural air circula-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tion and capable of temperature regulation of 103 6 1 °C shall
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
be used.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.2 Open Containers, nonporous glass, metal, or ceramic
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and of a configuration so as to accommodate the test sample.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3 3
The minimum volume shall be 32.18 cm (2 in. ).
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.3 Desiccator, of sufficient size to contain the open con-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tainer.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6. Procedure
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 Sampling:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1.1 Place of Sampling—Take the sample where the wood
is being loaded into or unloaded from means of transportation
2. Referenced Documents
or when discharged from storage bins or conveyors.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—Samples collected from the surface of piles are, in general,
D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke
unreliable because of the exposure to the environment. If necessary,
Samples for Laboratory Analysis
collect nine increments from a foot or more below the surface at nine
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
points covering the pile.
6.1.2 Collection of Gross Sample:
6.1.2.1 Collect increments regularly, systematically, and
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E48 on
with such frequency that the entire quantity of wood sampled
Bioenergy and Industrial Chemicals from Biomass and is the direct responsibility of
will be represented proportionally in the gross sample.
Subcommittee E48.05 on Biomass Conversion.
6.1.2.2 The quantity of the sample shall be large enough to
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
be representative but not less than 10 kg (22 lb).
approvedin1982.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2013asE871 – 82(2013).DOI:
10.1520/E0871-82R19.
6.1.2.3 Place the samples in an airtight container immedi-
For referenced AST
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