ASTM E872-82(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be used to determine the percentage of gaseous products, exclusive of moisture vapor, of any particulate wood fuel meeting the requirements specified in this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method determines the percentage of gaseous products, exclusive of moisture vapor, in the analysis sample of particulate wood fuel that is released under the specific conditions of the test. 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). Volatile matter, 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
- 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-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Sep-1998
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1987
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
Overview
ASTM E872-82(2019) specifies the standard test method for determining the percentage of volatile matter in particulate wood fuels. Developed by ASTM International, this test method outlines a process for analyzing gaseous products (excluding moisture vapor) released from samples such as sawdust, pellets, green tree chips, hogged fuel, and other particulate wood materials. Accurate assessment of volatile matter content is essential for bioenergy producers, fuel suppliers, and laboratories to determine combustion characteristics, predict process yields, and support transactional agreements.
Key Topics
- Scope: The standard applies to wood fuels with a maximum particle volume of 16.39 cm³ (1 in.³), offering guidance on the analysis and reporting of volatile matter excluding moisture vapor.
- Sample Preparation: Detailed instructions ensure representative sampling, including the collection, mixing, and reduction of gross samples to laboratory scale using methods like coning and quartering or riffle reduction.
- Apparatus and Conditions: The test uses a platinum or nickel-chromium crucible and a regulated electric tube furnace operating at 950 ± 20 °C, ensuring consistent, accurate results.
- Calculation Methods: Weight loss is determined by heating the sample and subtracting the portion attributable to moisture (measured using ASTM E871) from the overall loss to yield volatile matter percentage.
- Precision: The method ensures high reliability. Repeatability within the same laboratory is expected within 0.3%, and reproducibility between laboratories within 1.0%.
- Safety and Compliance: The standard highlights user responsibility for safety, health, and environmental protection and the importance of observing regulatory requirements.
Applications
- Energy Content Evaluation: Helps bioenergy producers and industrial users estimate the combustion quality and efficiency of different biomass fuels by analyzing their volatile matter content.
- Process Optimization: Supports assessments during thermal conversion processes (like gasification or pyrolysis), where the proportion of volatile matter impacts yield and performance.
- Fuel Classification and Specification: Provides essential data for contractual agreements, purchasing, and sales transactions by offering a standardized basis for comparing and classifying wood fuels.
- Quality Control in Production: Enables consistent monitoring of fuel characteristics to meet manufacturer, supplier, or regulatory specifications.
- Research and Development: Used extensively in laboratories conducting comparative analyses of alternative biomass fuel sources for renewable energy studies.
Related Standards
- ASTM E871 - Standard Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels: Used to determine the sample moisture content, which is necessary for calculating the volatile matter percentage.
- ASTM D346 - Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis: Provides methodologies for proper sampling, mixing, and reduction in laboratory analyses, referenced for guidance in wood fuel sample handling.
- ASTM D2013 - Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis: Offers procedures for sample size reduction and physical preparation, which are applicable to particulate wood fuels as referenced in this standard.
Practical Value
Complying with ASTM E872-82(2019) ensures reliable, comparable, and internationally recognized results in the volatile matter analysis of wood fuels. With sustainability and renewable energy at the forefront, this standard is a critical resource for quality assurance, process optimization, and fair trade in biomass fuels within the global bioenergy sector. It aligns with World Trade Organization principles and provides clarity and confidence for stakeholders across bioenergy production, procurement, and research.
Keywords: ASTM E872, volatile matter, wood fuel analysis, biomass, particulate wood fuel, fuel testing standard, bioenergy, moisture exclusion, combustible properties, laboratory procedure, sample preparation, renewable energy, international standards.
Buy Documents
ASTM E872-82(2019) - Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

ABS Quality Evaluations Inc.
American Bureau of Shipping quality certification.

Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
ABS Group Brazil
ABS Group certification services in Brazil.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E872-82(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in the Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be used to determine the percentage of gaseous products, exclusive of moisture vapor, of any particulate wood fuel meeting the requirements specified in this test method. SCOPE 1.1 This test method determines the percentage of gaseous products, exclusive of moisture vapor, in the analysis sample of particulate wood fuel that is released under the specific conditions of the test. 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). Volatile matter, 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be used to determine the percentage of gaseous products, exclusive of moisture vapor, of any particulate wood fuel meeting the requirements specified in this test method. SCOPE 1.1 This test method determines the percentage of gaseous products, exclusive of moisture vapor, in the analysis sample of particulate wood fuel that is released under the specific conditions of the test. 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). Volatile matter, 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.
ASTM E872-82(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 E872-82(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E872-82(2013), ASTM E871-82(2019), ASTM E871-82(2013), ASTM D346-04(2010), ASTM D2013-07, ASTM E871-82(2006), ASTM D2013-04, ASTM D346-04, ASTM D346-04e1, ASTM D2013-03, ASTM D2013-01, ASTM D346-90(1998), ASTM E871-82(1998), ASTM E870-82(2019). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E872-82(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: E872 − 82 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Volatile Matter in the Analysis of Particulate Wood Fuels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E872; 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 Volatile matter is determined by establishing the loss in
1.1 This test method determines the percentage of gaseous
products,exclusiveofmoisturevapor,intheanalysissampleof weight resulting from heating wood under rigidly controlled
particulate wood fuel that is released under the specific conditions. The measured weight loss, corrected for moisture
conditions of the test. The particulate wood fuel may be as determined in Test Method E871, establishes the volatile
sanderdust, sawdust, pellets, green tree chips, hogged fuel, or matter content.
other type particulate wood fuel having a maximum particle
4. Significance and Use
3 3
volume of 16.39 cm (1 in. ).Volatile matter, when determined
4.1 The test procedures described in this test method can be
as herein described, may be used to indicate yields on
used to determine the percentage of gaseous products, exclu-
processes to provide the basis for purchasing and selling or to
sive of moisture vapor, of any particulate wood fuel meeting
establish burning characteristics.
the requirements specified in this test method.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information 5. Apparatus
only.
5.1 Platinum Crucible, with closely fitting cover, or a
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
nickel-chromium crucible, with closely fitting cover, pre-fired
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to oxidize and stabilize the weight. The crucible shall be of not
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
less than 10 or more than 20 mL capacity, not less than 25 or
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
more than 35 mm in diameter, and not less than 30 or more
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. than 35 mm in height.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.2 Vertical Electric Tube Furnace—The furnace may be of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the form shown in Fig. 1. It shall be regulated to maintain a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
temperature of 950 6 20 °C in the crucible, as measured by a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
thermocouple positioned in the furnace.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 6. Procedure
6.1 Sampling:
2. Referenced Documents
6.1.1 PlaceofSampling—Take sample where wood is being
2.1 ASTM Standards: loaded into or unloaded from means of transportation or when
D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke discharged from storage bins or conveyors.
Samples for Laboratory Analysis
NOTE 1—Samples collected from the surface of piles are, in general,
D2013 Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis
unreliable because of the exposure to the environment. If necessary,
E871 Test Method for Moisture Analysis of Particulate collect nine increments from a foot or more below the surface at nine
points covering the pile.
Wood Fuels
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.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2013asE872 – 82(2013).DOI:
10.1520/E0872-82R19.
6.1.2.3 Place samples in an airtight container immediately
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
after collection. Maintain samples in the airtight container
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
whenever possible to prevent gains or losses in moisture from
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. the atmosphere.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E872 − 82 (2019)
FIG. 1 Electric Furnace for Determini
...




Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...