ASTM E777-87(2004)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Carbon and Hydrogen in the Analysis Sample of Refuse-Derived Fuel
Standard Test Method for Carbon and Hydrogen in the Analysis Sample of Refuse-Derived Fuel
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The standard sample is available to producers and users of RDF as a method of determining the weight percent of carbon and hydrogen in the analysis sample.
Carbon and hydrogen are part of the ultimate analysis of a fuel and can be used for calculations of combustion parameters.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of total carbon and hydrogen in a sample of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Both carbon and hydrogen are determined in one operation. This test method yields the total percentages of carbon and hydrogen in RDF as analyzed and the results include not only the carbon and hydrogen in the organic matter, but also the carbon present in mineral carbonates and the hydrogen present in the free moisture accompanying the analysis sample as well as hydrogen present as water of hydration.
Note 1—It is recognized that certain technical applications of the data derived from this test procedure may justify additional corrections. These corrections could involve compensation for the carbon present as carbonates, the hydrogen of free moisture accompanying the analysis sample, and the calculated hydrogen present as water of hydration.
1.2 This test method may be applicable to any waste material from which a laboratory analysis sample can be prepared.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements see Section 8.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E777–87(Reapproved2004)
Standard Test Method for
Carbon and Hydrogen in the Analysis Sample of Refuse-
Derived Fuel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 777; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E 791 Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel
Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
1.1 This test method covers the determination of total
E 829 Practice for Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)
carbon and hydrogen in a sample of refuse-derived fuel (RDF).
Laboratory Samples for Analysis
Both carbon and hydrogen are determined in one operation.
This test method yields the total percentages of carbon and
3. Terminology
hydrogen in RDF as analyzed and the results include not only
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the carbon and hydrogen in the organic matter, but also the
3.1.1 refuse-derived fuels—solid forms of refuse-derived
carbon present in mineral carbonates and the hydrogen present
fuels from which appropriate analytical samples may be
in the free moisture accompanying the analysis sample as well
prepared are defined as follows in ASTM STP 832:
as hydrogen present as water of hydration.
RDF-1— Wastes used as a fuel in as-discarded form with
NOTE 1—It is recognized that certain technical applications of the data
only bulky wastes removed.
derived from this test procedure may justify additional corrections. These
RDF-2—Wastes processed to coarse particle size with or
corrections could involve compensation for the carbon present as carbon-
without ferrous metal separation.
ates, the hydrogen of free moisture accompanying the analysis sample,
RDF-3—Combustible waste fraction processed to particle
and the calculated hydrogen present as water of hydration.
sizes, 95 % passing 2-inch square screening.
1.2 This test method may be applicable to any waste
RDF-4—Combustible waste fraction processed into powder
material from which a laboratory analysis sample can be
form, 95 % passing 10-mesh screening.
prepared.
RDF-5—Combustible waste fraction densified (compressed)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
into the form of pellets, slugs, cubettes, or briquettes.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.1 The determination is made by burning the sample to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
convert all of the carbon to carbon dioxide and all of the
precautionary statements see Section 8.
hydrogen to water. The combustion is carried out by high
purity oxygen that has been passed through a purifying train.
2. Referenced Documents
The carbon dioxide and water are recovered in an absorption
2.1 ASTM Standards:
train. The combustion tube packing is used to remove any
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
interfering substances.This test method gives the total percent-
E 180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
agesofcarbonandhydrogenintheRDFasanalyzed,including
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial Chemicals
the carbon in carbonates and the hydrogen in any form of
E 790 Test Method for Residual Moisture in a Refuse-
water.
Derived Fuel Analysis Sample
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The standard sample is available to producers and users
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03.02 on
of RDF as a method of determining the weight percent of
Municipal Recovery and Reuse.
carbon and hydrogen in the analysis sample.
Current edition approved Aug. 28, 1987. Published October 1987. Originally
published as E 777 – 81. Last previous edition E 777 – 81.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Thesaurus on Resource Recovery Terminology, ASTM STP 832, ASTM, 1983,
the ASTM website. p. 72.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E777–87 (2004)
NOTE 2—Combustion tube temperature shall be measured by means of
5.2 Carbon and hydrogen are part of the ultimate analysis of
a thermocouple placed immediately adjacent to the tube near the center of
a fuel and can be used for calculations of combustion param-
the appropriate tube section.
eters.
6.3.2 Furnace Section 2—Furnace 2 shall be approximately
6. Apparatus
330mminlengthandusedtoheatthatportionofthetubefilled
6.1 Oxygen-Purifying Train—The high-purity oxygen is
with cupric oxide. The operating temperature shall be 850 6
passed through water and carbon dioxide absorbers prior to use
20°C (see Note 2).
for combustion. The oxygen-purifying train consists of the
6.3.3 Furnace Section 3—Furnace 3 shall be approximately
followingthreeunitsinorderofpassageofoxygen(seeFig.1):
230 mm long, and used to heat that portion of the tube filled
6.1.1 First WaterAbsorber—Acontainerconstructedsothat
with lead chromate or silver. The operating temperature shall
the oxygen must pass through a column of reagent. The
be 500 6 50°C.
container shall have a capacity for at least 45 cm of solid
6.3.4 Combustion Tube, made of fused quartz, or high-silica
reagent, and the minimum gas travel through the reagent shall
glass and having a nominal inside diameter which may vary
be at least 80 mm. A container of large volume and long path
within the limits of 19 to 22 mm and a minimum total length
of oxygen travel through the reagent will be found to be
of 970 mm. The exit end shall be tapered down to provide a
advantageous where many carbon and hydrogen determina-
tubulated section for connection to the absorption train. The
tions are made.
tubulated section shall have a length of 20 to 25 mm, an
6.1.2 Carbon Dioxide Absorber—If solid reagents are used
internal diameter of not less than 3 mm, and an external
for carbon dioxide absorption, the container shall be as
diameter of approximately 7 mm. The total length of the
described in 6.1.1. If a solution is used, the container shall be
reduced end shall not exceed 60 mm. If a translucent fused
a Vanier bulb. It shall provide a column of reagent adequate to
quartz tube is used, a transparent section 190 mm long, located
remove the carbon dioxide completely.
250 mm from the oxygen inlet end of the tube, will be found
6.1.3 Second Water Absorber—Same as specified in 6.1.1.
convenient (see Fig. 2).
6.2 Flowmeter, used to permit volumetric measurement of
6.3.5 Combustion Boat, made of glazed porcelain, fused
the rate of flow of oxygen during the determination. It shall be
silica, or platinum. Boats with internal dimensions of approxi-
suitable for measuring flow rates within the range from 50 to
mately 70 by 8 by 8 mm have been found convenient.
100 mL/min (standard temperature and pressure). The use of a
double-stage pressure-reducing regulator with gage and needle 6.4 Absorption Train, identical to the oxygen absorption
train indicated in 5.1 to obtain system equilibrium. Therefore,
valve is recommended to permit easy and accurate adjustment
to the rate of flow. the absorption train shall consist of the following units ar-
6.3 Combustion Unit, consisting of three electrically heated ranged as listed in the order of passage of oxygen (see Fig. 1):
furnace sections, individually controlled, which may be
6.4.1 First Water Absorber, as described in 5.1.1.
mounted on rails for easy movement. The upper part of each
6.4.2 Carbon Dioxide Absorber, as described in 6.1.2.
furnace may be hinged so that it can be opened for inspection
6.4.3 Second Water Absorber, as described in 6.1.3. The
of the combustion tube. The three furnace sections shall be as
second water absorber is also known as a guard tube.
follows (see Fig. 1):
6.3.1 Furnace Section 1—Furnace 1 is nearest the oxygen
7. Reagents
inlet end of the combustion tube, approximately 130 mm long
and used to heat the inlet end of the combustion tube and the 7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
sample. It shall be capable of rapidly attaining an operating used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
temperature of 875 6 25°C. all reagents shall conform to the specifications of theAmerican
A = flowmeter (6.2) E, F, G, H, I = combustion unit (6.3)
B, C, D = oxygen purifying train (6.1) E = furnace 1 (6.3.1)
B = first water absorber (6.1.1) F = furnace 2 (6.3.2)
C = carbon dioxide absorber (6.1.2) G = furnace 3 (6.3.3)
D = second water absorber (6.1.3) H = combustion tube (6.3.4)
I = combustion boat (6.3.5)
J, K, L = absorption train (6.4)
J = first water absorber (6.4.1)
K = carbon dioxide absorber (6.4.2)
L = guard tube (6.4.3)
NOTE 1—C and K can substitute a Vanier bulb if liquid absorbent is used.
FIG. 1 Set-Up of Apparatus
E777–87 (2004)
A =clear fused quartz section (optional when a translucent quartz tube is used)
B =cupric oxide filling
C =lead chromate or silver gauze filling
P ,P ,P =oxidized copper gauze plugs
1 2 3
NOTE 1—When furnace sections longer than those specified in 6.3 are to be used, changes in the above dimensions shall be in accordance with
provisions of Note 5.
FIG. 2 Arrangement of Tube Filling for Combustion Tube
Ascarite it may be necessary to add a few drops of water to this reagent
Chemical Society, where such specifications are available.
to assure complete absorption of carbon dioxide.
Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that
the reagent is of sufficiently high purity to permit its use
8. Precautions
without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
8.1 Due to the origins of RDF in municipal waste, common
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
sense dictates that some precautions should be observed when
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water, Type III,
conducting tests on the samples. Recommended hygienic
conforming to Specification D 1193.
practices include use of gloves when handling RDF; wearing
7.3 Oxygen, with minimum acceptable purity 99.5 %.
dust masks (NIOSH-approved type), especially while milling
NOTE 3—If the blank tests for flow (see 10.3.2) indicate interfering
RDF samples; conducting tests under a negative pressure hood
impurities in the oxygen supply by consistent weight-gain in the absorb-
when possible; and washing hands before eating or smoking.
ers,eliminatetheseimpuritiesbyusingapreheaterfurnaceandtube,filled
with cupric oxide. Operate this preheater at 850 6 20°C and insert in
9. Sampling
series between the supply tank of oxygen and the purification train.
9.1 RDF products are frequently nonhomogeneous. For this
7.4 Combustion Tube Reagents:
reason significant care should be exercised to obtain a repre-
7.4.1 Cupric Oxide (CuO), wire form, dust-free.
sentative laboratory sample from the RDF lot to be character-
7.4.2 Fused Lead Chromate (PbCrO ), approximately 2.38
ized.
to 0.84 mm in size.
9.2 Thesamplingmethodforthisprocedureshouldbebased
7.4.3 SilverGauze,99.9 %silverminimumpurity,0.84mm,
on agreement between the involved parties.
made from approximately No. 27 B&S gage wire.
9.3 The laboratory sample must be air-dried and particle
7.4.4 Copper Gauze, 99.0 % copper minimum purity, 0.84
size reduced to pass a 0.5-mm screen as described in Practice
mm, made from approximately No. 26 B&S gage wire.
E 829. This procedure must be performed carefully to preserve
7.5 Purification and Absorption Train Reagents:
the sample’s representative characteristics (other than particle
7.5.1 Water Absorbent—Anhydrous magnesium perchlorate
size) while preparing the analysis sample to be used in the
(Mg(ClO ) ) approximately 2.38 to 0.35 mm in size.
4 2
procedures.
7.5.2 Carbon DioxideAbsorbent—If a solid reagent is used,
it shall be sodium or potassium hydroxide (NaOH or KOH)
10. Preparation of Apparatus
impregnated in an inert carrier approximately 2.38 to 0.84 mm
10.1 Combustion Tube Packing—To ensure complete oxi-
in size. Use of soda lime in place of the above or in admixture
dation of combustion products and complete removal of
with them is permissible (Note 4). If a solution is used, it shall
interfering substances such as oxides of sulfur, the combustion
be 30 weight % potassium hydroxide (KOH).
tube shall be packed with cupric oxide and lead chromate or
NOTE 4—Acceptable carbon dioxide absorbing reagents using sodium silver gauze. The arrangement and lengths of the tube fillings
or potassium hydroxide are sold under the tradenames:Ascarite, Caroxite,
and separating plugs shall be as shown in Fig. 2 (see Note 5).
and Mikohbite. If soda lime is used in admixture with any of the
It is recommended that the tube be placed in a vertical position
foregoing, it should not exceed 30 weight % of the total reagent. In using
(constricted end downward) for packing. When filling the tube
with lead chromate, any residual reagent adhering to the walls
of the empty portion of the tube must be removed.When silver
“Reagent Chemicals,American Chemical Society Specifications,”Am. Chemi-
gauzeisusedasatubefilling,therequiredlengthoffillingmay
cal Soc., Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
be prepared conveniently from three or four strips 150 to 200
the American Chemical Society, see “Analar Standards for Laboratory U.K.
mm in length, by rolling each strip into a cylindrical plug and
Chemicals,” BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, and the “United States Pharmacopeia”.
Tradenames of this reagent are Anhydrone or Dehydrite. inserting the strips end-to-end in the tube.
E777–87 (2004)
NOTE 5—Longerfurnaceswithappropriatelengthsoftubepackingwill
11. Procedure
be satisfactory.
11.1 After the combustion tube and absorbers have been
conditioned as prescribed in Section 10, conduct the test as
10.2 Purification and Absorption Trains:
follows:
10.2.1 Water Absorbers—Fill a container, described in
11.2 Absorption Train—Bring the water and carbon dioxide
6.1.1, with a permissible solid desiccant, as described in 7.5.1,
absorbers to room temperature near the balance for 15 to 20
by adding the required amount in small portions and settling
min, vent momentarily to the atmosphere, wipe with a chamois
eachportionbygentlytappingbetweenadditions.Placeaglass
or lint-free cloth in
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