ASTM E1358-97(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Particulate Wood Fuels Using a Microwave Oven
Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Particulate Wood Fuels Using a Microwave Oven
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a rapid determination for moisture in particulate wood fuels in several minutes. The standard method, Test Method E871, requires a minimum of 18 h. This method is applicable to situations such as the spot-check of the moisture delivered by truck where a quick indication of the moisture of wood delivered is desirable.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides an alternative method to Test Method E871, for the determination of the moisture of particulate wood fuels. Particulate wood fuels are defined in Terminology E1126.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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
- Technical Committee
- E48 - Bioenergy and Industrial Chemicals from Biomass
- Drafting Committee
- E48.05 - Biomass Conversion
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1994
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1987
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
Overview
ASTM E1358-97(2019), titled Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Particulate Wood Fuels Using a Microwave Oven, provides a rapid and accessible method for assessing the moisture content in various particulate wood fuels, including wood chips and sawdust. Developed by ASTM International, this standard offers an effective alternative to the longer drying method described in ASTM E871 by utilizing commonly available microwave ovens to deliver results in minutes instead of hours. The test method is particularly valuable for real-time moisture screening, such as verifying the quality of fuel deliveries.
Key Topics
- Rapid Moisture Determination: This method allows users to determine the moisture content of particulate wood fuels quickly, making it ideal for time-sensitive applications.
- Ease of Implementation: The procedure requires minimal equipment-primarily a microwave oven and a balance-making it broadly accessible and easy to put into practice.
- Alternative to Oven-Drying Method: Compared to traditional methods like ASTM E871 that may require 18 hours or more for accurate results, this standard achieves comparable results within minutes.
- Applicability: The standard covers a range of particulate woody materials, including wood chips, sawdust, and hogged bark, with appropriate adjustments to heating times for sample types.
- Measurement Units: All values are specified in SI units, aligning with international practices.
- Safety Considerations: Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental protocols, as the standard does not address all potential hazards inherent in the method.
Applications
The ASTM E1358-97(2019) standard test method is widely applicable in the biomass fuel industry and energy production sectors. Key practical applications include:
- Quality Control at Reception: Facilities can rapidly assess moisture content of truck-delivered wood fuel to verify conformance to contract specifications and ensure efficient combustion performance.
- Process Optimization: Operators can use moisture readings to adjust fuel handling processes, storage protocols, and combustion conditions for improved efficiency in biomass boilers and power plants.
- Supplier Verification: Wood fuel suppliers can utilize the microwave method for on-site spot checks, enhancing transparency and supporting fair transactions.
- Research and Development: Laboratories and researchers benefit from the method’s speed and simplicity when analyzing multiple samples in short timeframes.
Related Standards
For comprehensive fuel quality management and test method selection, consider these related ASTM standards:
- ASTM E871 – Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels: The reference standard for oven-drying moisture measurement.
- ASTM E1126 – Terminology Relating to Biomass Fuels (Withdrawn): Provides definitions relevant to biomass fuel analysis.
- Other relevant international standards on biomass fuels and solid biofuels testing methods.
Summary
ASTM E1358-97(2019) empowers the wood fuel industry and bioenergy producers with a fast, reliable, and practical means of determining moisture content in particulate wood fuels using widely available microwave ovens. This rapid assessment capability supports operational efficiency, quality assurance, and compliance with fuel standards, contributing to reliable biomass energy production and fair commercial practices.
Keywords: ASTM E1358, particulate wood fuels, moisture content, microwave oven, biomass fuel analysis, rapid moisture test, wood chips, sawdust, quality control, fuel delivery testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1358-97(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Particulate Wood Fuels Using a Microwave Oven". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method provides a rapid determination for moisture in particulate wood fuels in several minutes. The standard method, Test Method E871, requires a minimum of 18 h. This method is applicable to situations such as the spot-check of the moisture delivered by truck where a quick indication of the moisture of wood delivered is desirable. SCOPE 1.1 This test method provides an alternative method to Test Method E871, for the determination of the moisture of particulate wood fuels. Particulate wood fuels are defined in Terminology E1126. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method provides a rapid determination for moisture in particulate wood fuels in several minutes. The standard method, Test Method E871, requires a minimum of 18 h. This method is applicable to situations such as the spot-check of the moisture delivered by truck where a quick indication of the moisture of wood delivered is desirable. SCOPE 1.1 This test method provides an alternative method to Test Method E871, for the determination of the moisture of particulate wood fuels. Particulate wood fuels are defined in Terminology E1126. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 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.
ASTM E1358-97(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1358-97(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1358-97(2013), ASTM E871-82(2019), ASTM E871-82(2013), ASTM E871-82(2006), ASTM E1126-94a, ASTM E871-82(1998), ASTM D7876-13(2018). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1358-97(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: E1358 − 97 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Moisture Content of Particulate Wood
Fuels Using a Microwave Oven
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1358; 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 mass
1.1 This test method provides an alternative method to Test
Method E871, for the determination of the moisture of particu- of the sample when heated under rigidly controlled conditions
of temperature, time, sample mass, and equipment specifica-
late wood fuels. Particulate wood fuels are defined in Termi-
nology E1126. tions.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Significance and Use
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1 This test method provides a rapid determination for
standard.
moisture in particulate wood fuels in several minutes. The
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
standard method, Test Method E871, requires a minimum of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
18 h. This method is applicable to situations such as the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
spot-check of the moisture delivered by truck where a quick
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
indication of the moisture of wood delivered is desirable.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Microwave Oven—Any standard commercial micro-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
wave oven having a power output of at least 600 W can be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
used.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Procedure
6.1 Obtain a 50 g sample of the wood to be tested using
2. Referenced Documents
techniques outlined in Test Method E871.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.2 Determine the weight of 3 sheets of standard paper
E871 Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate
towels placed on top of each other. Record this mass as M
T
Wood Fuels
(Mass of Towels).
E1126 Terminology Relating to Biomass Fuels (Withdrawn
6.3 Place the 50 g sample of the wood on top of the paper
2003)
towels and determine the mass of the initial sample. Record the
mass as M (Mass of Sample and Towels Initial).
STI
1 6.4 Place the sample in the microwave and heat on full
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E48 on
power using the schedule shown in Table 1 for the type of
Bioenergy and Industrial Chemicals from Biomass and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E48.05 on Biomass Conversion.
wood fuel being tested. Remove sample and towels from oven
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
after each heating interval, weigh, a
...




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