ASTM E778-15

Standard Test Methods for Nitrogen in Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The standard sample is available to producers and users of RDF as a method for determining the weight percent of nitrogen in the analysis samples.  
5.2 Nitrogen is part of the ultimate analysis and can be used for calculation of combustion parameters.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of total Kjeldahl nitrogen in prepared analysis samples of solid forms of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The procedures measure free ammonia or ammonia formed from the conversion of organic nitrogenous compounds such as amino acids and proteins. However, the procedures may not convert the nitrogenous compounds of some wastes to ammonia. Examples of such compounds that may not be measured are nitro compounds, hydrozones, oxines, nitrates, semicarbazones, pyridines, and some refractory tertiary amines.  
1.2 Two alternatives are described for the final determination of the ammonia, the Kjeldahl-Gunning Test Method and the Acid-Titration Test Method.  
1.3 The analytical data from these test methods are to be reported as part of the ultimate analysis where ultimate analysis is requested.  
1.4 These test methods may be applicable to any waste material from which a laboratory analysis sample can be prepared.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 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 8.4.1 and Section 9.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2015
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.03 - Treatment, Recovery and Reuse

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E778 − 15
Standard Test Methods for
1
Nitrogen in Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E778; 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 D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of total
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
Kjeldahl nitrogen in prepared analysis samples of solid forms
3
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The procedures measure free
E200 Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage
ammonia or ammonia formed from the conversion of organic
of Standard and Reagent Solutions for ChemicalAnalysis
nitrogenous compounds such as amino acids and proteins.
E790 Test Method for Residual Moisture in Refuse-Derived
However, the procedures may not convert the nitrogenous
Fuel Analysis Samples
compounds of some wastes to ammonia. Examples of such
E791 Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel
compounds that may not be measured are nitro compounds,
Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
hydrozones, oxines, nitrates, semicarbazones, pyridines, and
E829 Practice for Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)
some refractory tertiary amines.
Laboratory Samples for Analysis
1.2 Two alternatives are described for the final determina-
tion of the ammonia, the Kjeldahl-Gunning Test Method and
3. Terminology
the Acid-Titration Test Method.
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to
1.3 The analytical data from these test methods are to be
Terminology D5681.
reportedaspartoftheultimateanalysiswhereultimateanalysis
is requested.
4. Summary of Test Methods
1.4 These test methods may be applicable to any waste
4.1 The determination of nitrogen is made by either the
material from which a laboratory analysis sample can be
Kjeldahl-Gunning Test Method (Section 11) or the Acid-
prepared.
Titration Test Method (Section 12). In both these methods the
nitrogen in the sample is converted into ammonium salts by
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
destructive digestion of the sample with a hot, catalyzed
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium sulfate.
standard.
The salts are subsequently decomposed in a hot alkaline
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
solution from which the ammonia is recovered by distillation,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and finally determined by alkalimetric or acidimetric titration.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
5.1 The standard sample is available to producers and users
precautionary statements see 8.4.1 and Section 9.
of RDF as a method for determining the weight percent of
2. Referenced Documents
nitrogen in the analysis samples.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2 Nitrogen is part of the ultimate analysis and can be used
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
for calculation of combustion parameters.
1 6. Interferences and Limitations
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on
Waste Management and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on
6.1 Because of the nature of RDF, nitrogenous compounds
Treatment, Recovery and Reuse.
maybepresentwhichwillnotreadilybeconvertedtoammonia
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E778 – 08. DOI:
by this test method (see 1.1). Modifications to the digestion of
10.1520/E0778–15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E778 − 15
7.7 Connecting Tube—Glass tubing approximately 10 mm
in outside diameter by 200 mm in length.
7.8 Pure Gum Rubber Tubing.
8. Reagents
8.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
all reagents
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E778 − 08 E778 − 15
Standard Test Methods for
Nitrogen in the Analysis Sample of Refuse-Derived Fuel
1
Analysis Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E778; 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
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of total Kjeldahl nitrogen in prepared analysis samples of solid forms of
refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The procedures measure free ammonia or ammonia formed from the conversion of organic nitrogenous
compounds such as amino acids and proteins. However, the procedures may not convert the nitrogenous compounds of some
wastes to ammonia. Examples of such compounds that may not be measured are nitro compounds, hydrozones, oxines, nitrates,
semicarbazones, pyridines, and some refractory tertiary amines.
1.2 Two alternatives are described for the final determination of the ammonia, the Kjeldahl-Gunning Test Method and the
Acid-Titration Test Method.
1.3 The analytical data from these test methods are to be reported as part of the ultimate analysis where ultimate analysis is
requested.
1.4 These test methods may be applicable to any waste material from which a laboratory analysis sample can be prepared.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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 8.4.1 and Section 9.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
3
(Withdrawn 2009)
E200 Practice for Preparation, Standardization, and Storage of Standard and Reagent Solutions for Chemical Analysis
E790 Test Method for Residual Moisture in a Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Sample
E791 Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
3
E829 Practice for Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Laboratory Samples for Analysis (Withdrawn 2002)
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D5681.
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 The determination of nitrogen is made by either the Kjeldahl-Gunning Test Method (Section 11) or the Acid-Titration Test
Method (Section 12). In both these methods the nitrogen in the sample is converted into ammonium salts by destructive digestion
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment,
Recovery and Reuse.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008Sept. 1, 2015. Published October 2008September 2015. Originally approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 20042008
as E778 – 87E778 – 08.(2004). DOI: 10.1520/E0778-08.10.1520/E0778–15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E778 − 15
of the sample with a hot, catalyzed mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium sulfate. The salts are subsequently
decomposed in a hot alkaline solution from which the ammonia is recovered by distillation, and finally determined by alkalimetric
or acidimetric titration.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The standard sample is available to producers and users of RDF as a method for determining the weight percent of nitrogen
in the analysis sample.samples.
5.2 Nitrogen is part of the ultimate analysis and can be used for calculation of combustion parameters.
A = electric heater
B = Kjeldahl digestion flask
C = Kjeldahl connecting b
...