CEN/TS 16640:2014
(Main)Bio-based products - Determination of the bio based carbon content of products using the radiocarbon method
Bio-based products - Determination of the bio based carbon content of products using the radiocarbon method
This Technical Specification specifies a method for the determination of the bio-based carbon content in products, based on the 14C content measurement.
It also specifies three test methods to be used for the determination of the 14C content from which the bio-based carbon content is calculated:
- Method A: Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC);
- Method B: Beta-ionization (BI);
- Method C: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS).
The bio-based carbon content is expressed by a fraction of sample mass, as a fraction of the total carbon content or as a fraction of the total organic carbon content.
This calculation method is applicable to any product containing organic carbon, including biocomposites.
NOTE This Technical Specification does not provide the methodology for the calculation of the biomass content of a sample.
Biobasierte Produkte - Bestimmung des biobasierten Kohlenstoffanteils von Produkten mittels Radiocarbonmethode
Diese Technische Spezifikation legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung des Gehalts an biobasiertem Kohlenstoff in Produkten auf der Grundlage der Messung des 14C-Gehalts fest.
Es werden auch drei Prüfverfahren festgelegt, die zur Bestimmung des 14C-Gehalts anzuwenden sind, aus dem der biobasierte Kohlenstoffgehalt berechnet wird:
Verfahren A: Flüssigszintillationszählverfahren (LSC);
Verfahren B: Beta-Ionisation (BI);
Verfahren C: Beschleuniger-Massenspektrometrie (AMS).
Der biobasierte Kohlenstoffgehalt wird als Anteil der Masse der Probe angegeben, als Anteil des gesamten Gehalts an Kohlenstoff oder als Anteil des Gehaltes an organischem Kohlenstoff.
Dieses Berechnungsverfahren ist auf alle Produkte anwendbar, die organischen Kohlenstoff enthalten, einschließlich Bioverbundwerkstoffen.
ANMERKUNG Diese Technische Spezifikation bietet kein Verfahren für die Berechnung des Biomassegehalts einer Probe.
Produits biosourcés - Détermination de la teneur en carbone biosourcé des produits par la méthode du carbone radioactif
La présente Spécification technique spécifie une méthode permettant de déterminer la teneur en carbone biosourcé dans des produits à partir du mesurage de la teneur en 14C.
Elle spécifie également trois méthodes d'essai à utiliser pour déterminer la teneur en 14C, à partir de laquelle la teneur en carbone biosourcé est calculée :
- Méthode A : compteur à scintillation liquide (CSL) ;
- Méthode B : ionisation bêta (IB) ;
- Méthode C : spectrométrie de masse par accélérateur (SMA).
La teneur en carbone biosourcé est exprimée en fraction de masse d'échantillon, en fraction de la teneur en carbone total ou en fraction de la teneur en carbone organique total.
Cette méthode de calcul est applicable à tout produit contenant du carbone organique, y compris les biocomposites.
NOTE La présente Spécification technique ne fournit pas la méthodologie permettant de calculer la teneur en biomasse d'un échantillon.
Bioizdelki - Ugotavljanje deleža bioogljika v izdelkih z radioogljično metodo
Standard CEN/TS 16640 določa metodo za ugotavljanje deleža bioogljika v izdelkih na podlagi meritve deleža 14C. Prav tako določa tri preskusne metode za ugotavljanje deleža 14C, na podlagi katere se izračuna delež bioogljika: – metoda A: metoda števca s tekočinskim scintilatorjem (LSC); – metoda B: beta ionizacija (BI); – metoda C: pospeševalna masna spektrometrija (AMS). Delež bioogljika se izrazi z deležem mase vzorca kot delež skupnega deleža ogljika ali kot delež skupnega deleža organskega ogljika. Ta metoda izračuna se uporablja za vse izdelke, ki vsebujejo organski ogljik, vključno z biokompoziti.
General Information
- Status
- Withdrawn
- Publication Date
- 11-Mar-2014
- Withdrawal Date
- 20-Jan-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 411 - Bio-based products
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 411/WG 3 - Bio-based content
- Current Stage
- 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
- Start Date
- 22-Feb-2017
- Completion Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
CEN/TS 16640:2014 is a technical specification published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Bio-based products - Determination of the bio based carbon content of products using the radiocarbon method". This standard covers: This Technical Specification specifies a method for the determination of the bio-based carbon content in products, based on the 14C content measurement. It also specifies three test methods to be used for the determination of the 14C content from which the bio-based carbon content is calculated: - Method A: Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC); - Method B: Beta-ionization (BI); - Method C: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The bio-based carbon content is expressed by a fraction of sample mass, as a fraction of the total carbon content or as a fraction of the total organic carbon content. This calculation method is applicable to any product containing organic carbon, including biocomposites. NOTE This Technical Specification does not provide the methodology for the calculation of the biomass content of a sample.
This Technical Specification specifies a method for the determination of the bio-based carbon content in products, based on the 14C content measurement. It also specifies three test methods to be used for the determination of the 14C content from which the bio-based carbon content is calculated: - Method A: Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC); - Method B: Beta-ionization (BI); - Method C: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The bio-based carbon content is expressed by a fraction of sample mass, as a fraction of the total carbon content or as a fraction of the total organic carbon content. This calculation method is applicable to any product containing organic carbon, including biocomposites. NOTE This Technical Specification does not provide the methodology for the calculation of the biomass content of a sample.
CEN/TS 16640:2014 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.020.55 - Biobased products; 13.020.60 - Product life-cycles; 71.040.40 - Chemical analysis; 83.040.01 - Raw materials for rubber and plastics in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
CEN/TS 16640:2014 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 16640:2017, EN ISO 11011:2015, EN ISO 1716:2018, EN ISO 21654:2021, EN ISO 16001:2017, EN 16785-1:2015, EN 16807:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
CEN/TS 16640:2014 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/492. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
CEN/TS 16640:2014 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)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2014
%LRL]GHONL8JRWDYOMDQMHGHOHåDELRRJOMLNDYL]GHONLK]UDGLRRJOMLþQRPHWRGR
Bio-based products - Determination of the bio based carbon content of products using
the radiocarbon method
Biobasierte Produkte - Bestimmung des biobasierten Kohlenstoffanteils von Produkten
mittels Radiocarbonmethode
Produits biosourcés - Détermination de la teneur en carbone biosourcé des produits par
la méthode du carbone radioactif
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 16640:2014
ICS:
13.020.60 Življenjski ciklusi izdelkov Product life-cycles
71.040.40 Kemijska analiza Chemical analysis
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 16640
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
March 2014
ICS 13.020.60; 71.040.40; 83.040.01
English Version
Bio-based products - Determination of the bio based carbon
content of products using the radiocarbon method
Produits biosourcés - Détermination de la teneur en Biobasierte Produkte - Bestimmung des biobasierten
carbone biosourcé des produits par la méthode du carbone Kohlenstoffanteils von Produkten mittels
radioactif Radiocarbonmethode
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 9 December 2013 for provisional application.
The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS available
promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the CEN/TS)
until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 16640:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
Foreword .5
Introduction .6
1 Scope .7
2 Normative references .7
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 Symbols and abbreviations .9
5 Principle . 10
6 Determination of the C content . 11
6.1 General . 11
6.2 Principle . 11
6.3 Sampling . 11
6.4 Procedure for the conversion of the carbon present in the sample to a suitable sample for
C determination . 11
6.5 Measurements . 11
7 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content . 12
7.1 General . 12
7.2 Correction factors . 12
7.3 Calculation method. 13
7.3.1 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content by mass x . 13
B
TC
7.3.2 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content x as a fraction of TC . 14
B
TOC
7.3.3 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content x as a fraction of TOC . 14
B
7.3.4 Examples . 14
TC TOC
7.3.5 Examples of calculations of x and x . 15
B B
8 Test report . 16
Annex A (informative) Procedures for sampling of products . 17
A.1 General . 17
A.2 Solid samples . 17
A.2.1 General . 17
A.2.2 Plastics / polymers . 17
A.2.3 Fuels . 17
A.2.4 Ceramics / glass / concrete / cement / construction materials / waste . 17
A.2.5 Natural products . 18
A.3 Liquid samples . 18
A.3.1 General . 18
A.3.2 Solvents . 18
A.3.3 Fuels . 18
A.4 Gaseous samples . 19
A.5 Others . 19
Annex B (normative) Procedure for the conversion of the carbon present in the sample to a
C determination . 20
suitable sample for
B.1 General . 20
B.2 Sample preparation . 20
B.3 Preparation for C measurement . 21
B.3.1 General . 21
B.3.2 Reagents and materials . 22
B.4 Combustion of the sample in a calorimetric bomb . 22
B.4.1 Procedure . 22
B.4.2 Adsorption of the gas sample . 22
B.4.3 Combustion of the sample in a tube furnace or a combustion apparatus . 23
B.4.4 Dissolution and LSC direct measurement on the product . 23
Annex C (normative) Method A - Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC) . 24
C.1 General . 24
C.2 Principle. 24
C.3 Reagents and materials . 24
C.4 Apparatus . 24
C.5 Procedure . 25
C.5.1 General . 25
C.5.2 Blank correction . 25
C.6 Calculation of the results. 26
Annex D (normative) Method B - Beta-ionization (BI) . 27
D.1 General . 27
D.2 Principle. 27
D.3 Reagents and materials . 27
D.4 Apparatus . 28
D.5 Procedure . 28
D.6 Calculation of the results. 29
Annex E (normative) Method C - Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) . 30
E.1 General . 30
E.2 Principle. 30
E.3 Reagents and materials . 30
E.4 Apparatus . 30
E.5 Procedure . 31
E.6 Calculation of the results. 31
Annex F (informative) Definitions and formulae of the C based method . 33
F.1 Introduction . 33
F.2 Symbols, abbreviations and definitions . 33
F.3 Principle of the method: How to determine the biogenic and fossil CO ratio of stack gas
samples . 34
F.4 Determination of standardized C values for the calculation of the biogenic and fossil
ratio of CO samples . 35
CO
2 2
F.4.1 General . 35
F.4.2 Standardization of C results for the three different measurement techniques . 35
F.5 Calculation of the biogenic carbon fraction . 39
F.5.1 General . 39
F.5.2 How to determine C and f . 39
otherC otherC
F.5.3 Definition of C . 39
bioC
Bibliography . 41
Foreword
This document (CEN/TS 16640:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 411 “Bio-based
products”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under Mandate M/492 "Mandate addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI
for the development of horizontal European Standards and other standardization deliverables for bio-based
products".
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Bio-based products from forestry and agriculture have a long history of application, such as paper, board and
various chemicals and materials. The last decades have seen the emergence of new bio-based products in
the market. Some of the reasons for the increased interest lie in the bio-based products’ benefits in relation to
the depletion of fossil resources and climate change. Bio-based products may also provide additional product
functionalities. This has triggered a wave of innovation with the development of knowledge and technologies
allowing new transformation processes and product development.
Acknowledging the need for common standards for bio-based products, the European Commission issued
1)
Mandate M/492 , resulting in a series of standards developed by CEN/TC 411, with a focus on bio-based
products other than food, feed and biomass for energy applications.
The standards of CEN/TC 411 "Bio-based products" provide a common basis on the following aspects:
— Common terminology
— Bio-based content determination
— Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
— Sustainability aspects
— Declaration tools
Iit is important to understand what the term bio-based product covers and how it is being used. The term ‘bio-
based’ means 'derived from biomass'. Bio-based products (bottles, insulation materials, wood and wood
products, paper solvents, chemical intermediates, composite materials, etc.) are products which are wholly or
partly derived from biomass. It is essential to characterize the amount of biomass contained in the product by,
for instance, its bio-based content or bio-based carbon content.
The bio-based content of a product does not provide information on its environmental impact or sustainability,
which may be assessed through LCA and sustainability criteria. In addition, transparent and unambiguous
communication within bio-based value chains is facilitated by a harmonized framework for certification and
declaration.
This Technical Specification has been developed with the aim to specify the method for the determination of
14 14
bio-based carbon content in bio-based products using the C method. This method using the C method is
based on the analytical test methods used for the determination of the age of objects containing carbon.
This Technical Specification provides the reference test methods for laboratories, producers, suppliers and
purchasers of bio-based product materials and products. It may be also useful for authorities and inspection
organizations.
Part of the research leading to this document has been performed under the European Union Seventh
Framework Programme (see http://www.kbbpps.eu).This document is based on EN 15440 [1] prepared by
CEN/TC 343, "Solid recovered fuels", EN ISO 13833 [2], prepared by ISO/TC 146 "Air quality" and
CEN/TC 264 “Air quality", and CEN/TS 16137 [3], prepared by CEN/TC 249, "Plastics".
The analytical test methods specified in this Technical Specification are compatible with those described in
ASTM D 6866-12 [4].
1) A mandate is a standardization task embedded in European trade laws. Mandate M/492 is addressed to the European
Standardization bodies, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, for the development of horizontal European Standards for bio-based
products.
1 Scope
This Technical Specification specifies a method for the determination of the bio-based carbon content in
products, based on the C content measurement.
It also specifies three test methods to be used for the determination of the C content from which the bio-
based carbon content is calculated:
— Method A: Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC);
— Method B: Beta-ionization (BI);
— Method C: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS).
The bio-based carbon content is expressed by a fraction of sample mass, as a fraction of the total carbon
content or as a fraction of the total organic carbon content.
This calculation method is applicable to any product containing organic carbon, including biocomposites.
NOTE This Technical Specification does not provide the methodology for the calculation of the biomass content of a
sample.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15400, Solid recovered fuels — Determination of calorific value
EN ISO 1716, Reaction to fire tests for products — Determination of the gross heat of combustion (calorific
value) (ISO 1716)
ISO 1928, Solid mineral fuels — Determination of gross calorific value by the bomb calorimetric method, and
calculation of net calorific value
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
bio-based carbon content
fraction of carbon derived from biomass in a product
Note 1 to entry: There are several approaches to express the bio-based carbon content. These include as a
percentage of: the mass; the total carbon content, or the total organic carbon content, of the sample. These are detailed in
the relevant standards of CEN/TC 411.
[SOURCE: prEN 16575:2013 [5]]
3.2
biomass content
see bio-based content
[SOURCE: prEN 16575:2013 [5]]
3.3
bio-based content
fraction of a product that is derived from biomass
Note 1 to entry: Normally expressed as a percentage of the total mass of the product.
Note 2 to entry: For the methodology to determine the bio-based content, see TC 411 WI 00411002 bio-based
content.
[SOURCE: prEN 16575:2013 [5]]
3.4
organic material
material containing carbon-based compound in which the element carbon is attached to other carbon atoms,
hydrogen, oxygen, or other elements in a chain, ring, or three-dimensional structure
3.5
organic carbon
carbon from organic material
3.6
isotope abundance
fraction of atoms of a particular isotope of an element
3.7
percentage modern carbon
pMC
normalized and standardized value for the amount of the C isotope in a sample, calculated relative to the
2)
standardized and normalized C isotope amount of oxalic acid standard reference material, SRM 4990c
Note 1 to entry: In 2009, the value of 100 % bio-based carbon was set at 105 pMC.
3.8
laboratory sample
sub-quantity of a sample suitable for laboratory tests
3.9
sample
quantity of material, representative of a larger quantity for which the property is to be determined
3.10
sample preparation
all the actions taken to obtain representative analysis samples or test portions from the original sample
3.11
beta- particle
electron emitted during radioactive decay
3.12
total carbon
TC
quantity of carbon present in a product in the form of organic, inorganic and elemental carbon
[SOURCE: prEN 16575:2013 [5]]
2) SRM 4990c is the trade name of a product supplied by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. This
information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by
CEN of this product. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.
3.13
total organic carbon
TOC
quantity of organic carbon present in a product
Note 1 to entry: Total organic carbon is often determined as the carbon that is converted into carbon dioxide by
combustion and which is not liberated as carbon dioxide by acid treatment.
[SOURCE: prEN 16575:2013 [5]]
4 Symbols and abbreviations
C carbon isotope with an atomic mass of 14
AMS accelerator mass spectrometry
BI beta-ionization
Bq Bequerel (disintegrations per second)
C symbol for element carbon
cpm counts per minute
dpm disintegrations per minute
GM Geiger-Müller
LLD lower limit of detection
LSC Liquid Scintillation Counter or Liquid Scintillation Counting
m mass of a sample expressed in grams
MOP 3-methoxy 1-propyl amine
PE polyethylene
PLA poly(lactic acid)
pMC percentage of modern carbon
pMC(s) measured value, expressed in pMC, according to AMS method, of the sample
REF reference value, expressed in pMC, of 100 % bio-based carbon depending on the origin of
organic carbon
TC total carbon
TOC total organic carbon
x bio-based carbon content by mass, expressed as a percentage of the mass of the sample
B
TC
x total carbon content, expressed as a percentage of the mass of the sample
TC
bio-based carbon content by total carbon content, expressed as a percentage of the total carbon
x
B
content
TOC
x total organic carbon content, expressed as a percentage of the mass of the sample
TOC
bio-based carbon content by total organic carbon content, expressed as a percentage of the
x
B
total organic carbon content
5 Principle
The C present in products is originating from recent atmospheric CO . Due to its radioactive decay, it is
almost absent from fossil products older than 20 000 years to 30 000 years. The C content may thus be
considered as a tracer of products recently synthesized from atmospheric CO and particularly of recently
produced bio-products.
The determination of the biomass content is based on the measurement of C in bio-based products which
allows the calculation of the bio-based carbon fraction.
A large experience in C determination and reference samples is available from dating of archaeological
objects, on which the three methods described in this technical specification are based:
— Method A: Proportional scintillation-counter method (LSC),
— Method B: Beta-ionization (BI), or
— Method C: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS).
NOTE The advantages and disadvantages of these test methods are given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Advantages and disadvantages of the methods
Method Technical Additional Duration needed Relative Instrumental
level requests for measurement standard costs
deviation
Method A Simple Normal laboratory 4 h to 12 h 2 % to 10 % Low
(LSC)
Method B (BI) Complex - Low background 8 h to 24 h 0,2 % to 5 % Low
laboratory
- Gas purification
device
Method C Very - Large installation 10 min to 30 min 0,2 % to 2 % High
(AMS) complex
- Graphite
Conversion device
For the C LSC measurement a Low Level Counter should be used. The statistical scattering of the
radioactive decay sets a limit, both for method A and B. Thereby both methods need a purified carbon dioxide,
otherwise oxides of nitrogen from the combustion in the calorific bomb will result in counting losses by
quenching and adulteration of the cocktail in case of LSC measurement.
6 Determination of the C content
6.1 General
A general sample preparation and three test methods for the determination of the C content are described in
this Technical Specification. With this modular approach, it will be possible for normally equipped laboratories
14 14
to prepare samples for the C content, and determine the C content with own equipment or to outsource the
determination of the C content to laboratories that are specialized in this technique.
For the collection from the sample of the C content, generally accepted methods for the conversion of the
carbon present in the sample to CO are described.
For the measurement of the C content, methods are selected that are already generally accepted as
methods for the determination of the age of objects.
6.2 Principle
The amount of bio-based carbon in the bio-based product is proportional to this C content.
Complete combustion (see Annex B) is carried out in a way to comply with the requirements of the
subsequent measurement of the C content and shall provide the quantitative recovery of all carbon present
in the sample as CO in order to yield valid results. This measurement shall be carried out according to one of
the three following methods:
— Method A: Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC): indirect determination of the isotope abundance of
C, through its emission of beta-particle (interaction with scintillation molecules), specified in Annex C;
— Method B: Beta-ionization (BI): indirect determination of the isotope abundance of C, through its
emission of beta-particle (Geiger-Müller type detector), specified in Annex D, or
— Method C: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS): direct determination of the isotope abundance of C,
specified in Annex E.
6.3 Sampling
In Annex A sampling methods for products that are mentioned in the scope are given.
For any sampling procedure, the samples shall be representative of the material or product and the quantity or
mass of sample shall be accurately established.
6.4 Procedure for the conversion of the carbon present in the sample to a suitable sample for
C determination
The conversion of the carbon present in the sample to a suitable sample for the determination of the
C content shall be carried out according to Annex B.
6.5 Measurements
The measurement of the C content of the sample shall be performed according to one of the methods as
described in Annexes C, D or E.
When collected samples are sent to specialized laboratories, the samples shall be stored in a way that no CO
from air can enter the absorption solution. A check on the in leak of CO from air shall be performed by
preparing laboratory blank’s during the sampling stage.
For the determination of the 0 % biomass content the combustion of a coal standard may be used.
For the 100 % biomass content, the N.I.S.T. oxalic acid standard reference material (SRM 4990c) may be
used. Mixing this reference material with a known amount of fossil combustion aid improves its combustion
behaviour, as oxalic acid is difficult to combust due to its low calorific value. For routine checks, a fresh wood
sample calibrated against the oxalic acid is sufficient.
7 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content
7.1 General
The calculation of the bio-based carbon content includes the following steps:
TC
a) the determination of the total carbon content of the sample, x , expressed as a percentage of the total
TOC
mass or the determination of the total organic carbon content of the sample, x , expressed as a
percentage of the total mass,
b) the calculation of the bio-based carbon content by mass, x , using the C content value, determined by
B
calculation from one of the test methods specified in 7.3, and applying the correction factors detailed in
7.2, and
TC
c) the calculation of the bio-based carbon content as a fraction of the total carbon content,x (see 7.3.2) or
B
TOC
as a fraction of the total organic carbon content,x (see 7.3.3).
B
7.2 Correction factors
Before the above-ground hydrogen bomb testing (started around 1955 and terminated in 1962) the
atmospheric C level had been constant to within a few percent, for the past millennium. Hence, a sample
grown during this time has a well-defined "modern" activity, and the fossil contribution could be determined in
14 14
a straightforward way. However, C created during the weapons testing increased the atmospheric C level
to up to 200 pMC in 1962, with a decline to 105 pMC in 2010. The C activity of a sample grown since year
1962 is elevated according to the average C level over the growing interval. In addition, the large emission of
14 12
fossil C during the last decades contributes to the decrease of the atmospheric C/ C ratio.
In ASTM D 6866-12 [4] the 100 % bio-based C value of 105 pMC (for year 2010) is used. This value shall be
the base of calculations. Other values are only acceptable if they are based on experimental evidence. From
the 105 pMC value the correction factor of 0,95 (1/1,05) is derived. It is considered that such correction factor
is now stable during a period of a few years.
For the calculation of the bio-based carbon content, a C content of 100/0,95 pMC or 13,56/0,95 dpm per
gram C is considered as a 100 % bio-based carbon content for biomass that is grown in year 2010.
NOTE This correction value of 0,95 is in accordance with the value that is given in ASTM D 6866-12 [4].
The fraction of biomass content by mass shall be calculated using the biomass carbon in the bio-based
product as for other organic carbon materials. Table 2 lists typical values for such common materials.
Table 2 — Typical values for biomass fractions
a TC
Material x REF
% pMC
Wood (coniferous and deciduous) 48 114
Bark 52 111
Paper 47 114
Fresh biomass (from year 2010) 48 105
Silk 49 107
Wool 51 107
a
These values are given on “dry basis”.
7.3 Calculation method
7.3.1 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content by mass x
B
7.3.1.1 14C content determined by Method A (LSC) or Method B (BI)
Calculate the bio-based carbon content by mass, x , expressed as a percentage, using Formula (1):
B
C
activity
x = ×100
B
REF
13,56× ×m
(1)
where
14 14
C is the C activity, expressed in dpm, of the sample obtained by calculation when
activity
using Method A or Method B (see Annex C or D);
REF
is the reference value, expressed in pMC, of 100 % bio-based carbon of the
biomass from which the sample is constituted;
m is the mass, expressed in grams, of the sample.
NOTE The pMC value of NIST SRM 4990 is set at 100, being equivalent to a C activity of 13,56 dpm/g C.
7.3.1.2 14C content determined by Method C (AMS)
, expressed as a percentage, using Formula (2):
Calculate the bio-based carbon content by mass, x
B
pMC(s)
pMC(s)
TC TC
x = x = x
B
REF
REF
(2)
where
TC
x is the total carbon content, expressed as a percentage, of the total mass, of the
sample;
pMC(s) is the measured value, expressed in pMC, of the sample;
REF
is the reference value, expressed in pMC, of 100 % bio-based carbon of the
biomass from which the sample is constituted.
TC
7.3.2 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content x as a fraction of TC
B
TC
Calculate the bio-based carbon content as a fraction of the total carbon content, , expressed as a
x
B
percentage, using Formula (3):
x
TC
B
x = ×100
B
TC
x
(3)
where
x is the bio-based carbon content by mass, expressed as a percentage;
B
TC
x is the total carbon content, expressed as a percentage, of the sample.
TOC
7.3.3 Calculation of the bio-based carbon content x as a fraction of TOC
B
TOC
Calculate the bio-based carbon content as a fraction of the total organic carbon content,x , expressed as a
B
percentage, using Formula (4):
x
TOC
B
x = ×100
B
TOC
x
(4)
where
x is the bio-based carbon content by mass, expressed as a percentage;
B
TOC
x is the total organic carbon content, expressed as a percentage, of the sample.
7.3.4 Examples
EXAMPLE 1 Measurement according to Method A
TC
Sample made from pure wood (REF = 114 pMC, x = 48,0 %)
Mass of sample: m = 1,050 g
C activity = 7,75 dpm
7,75
x = ×100 = 47,8%
B
13,56× ×1,05
47,8
TC
x = ×100 = 99,6%
B
48,0
EXAMPLE 2 Measurement according to Method C
TC
Sample made from xxx (REF = 112 pMC, x = 52,0 %)
NaOH solution: 1 M
C value = 61,7 pMC
61,7
x = 52 = 28,6%
B
28,6
TC
x = ×100 = 55,0%
B
52,0
EXAMPLE 3 Calculation of bio-based carbon content as a fraction of TC
Pure bio-based polymer material
TC
Sample made from PLA material: x = 50,0 %; x = 50 %)
B
50,0
TC
x = ×100 = 100%
B
50,0
EXAMPLE 4 Calculation of bio-based carbon content as a fraction of TOC
Mixed bio-based polymer material
Sample made from PE material containing a mixture of fossil PE and PE produced from biogenic
syngas:
TOC
x = 86,0 %; x = 24,0 %
B
24,0
TOC
x = ×100 = 27,9%
B
86,0
TC TOC
7.3.5 Examples of calculations of x and x
B B
TOC
TC
Table 3 gives examples of calculations of and x for different materials.
x
B
B
Table 3 — Examples
TC TOC
TC TOC
Material Biomass x x x
B
x x
B B
content
% % %
% %
%
Wood 100 48 48 48 100 100
Polymer containing 50 % of PE from fossil 50 90 90 45 50 50
source and 50 % of bio-based PE
Polymer containing 40 % of calcium 30 47 42 15 32 36
carbonate from fossil source, 30 % of PE
from fossil source and 30 % of bio-based
PLA
8 Test report
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) a reference to this document (CEN/TS 16640);
b) all information necessary for complete identification of the bio-based material or product tested, including
the origin of the biomass from which the material or product is constituted;
c) identification of the laboratory performing the test;
d) sample preparation;
e) storage conditions;
f) test method used for the determination of the C content (Method A, B or C, see Annex C, D or E);
g) results of the test including the basis on which they are expressed and application of the isotope
correction, including a precision statement;
h) method for the conversion of the carbon (see Annex B);
14 14
i) C activity, expressed in dpm, of the sample or C value, expressed in pMC;
TC
, expressed as a percentage, of the sample;
j) total carbon content, x
TOC
, expressed as a percentage, of the sample;
k) total organic carbon content, x
, expressed as a percentage, of the sample;
l) bio-based carbon content by mass, x
B
TC
m) bio-based carbon content by total carbon content, x ,expressed as a percentage, of the sample;
B
TOC
n) bio-based carbon content by total organic carbon content, x , expressed as a percentage, of the
B
sample;
o) any additional information, including details of any deviations from the test methods and any operations
not specified in this document which could have had an influence on the results;
p) date of receipt of laboratory sample and dates of the test (beginning and end).
Annex A
(informative)
Procedures for sampling of products
A.1 General
If available, product sampling procedures for the determination of the total carbon content shall be used. If no
such standard is available, a list of most suitable standards is given in this annex as guidance.
A.2 Solid samples
A.2.1 General
For solid products sampling procedures the methods mentioned below shall be used. If the procedure for the
solid product sampling is not available, then one shall use the procedure described in EN 15442 [6] or
EN 15443 [7] for product sampling to determine its carbon content.
A.2.2 Plastics / polymers
ISO 10210, Plastics — Methods for the preparation of samples for biodegradation testing of plastic materials
[8]
A.2.3 Fuels
EN 14780, Solid biofuels — Sample preparation [9]
EN 14778, Solid biofuels — Sampling [10]
EN 15442, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for sampling [6]
EN 15443, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for the preparation of the laboratory samples [7]
ASTM D7026, Standard guide for sampling and reporting of results for determination of bio-based content of
materials via carbon isotope analysis [11]
ISO 13909, Hard coal and coke — Mechanical sampling [12]
ISO 18283, Hard coal and coke — Manual sampling [13]
ISO 20904, Hard coal — Sampling of slurries [14]
A.2.4 Ceramics / glass / concrete / cement / construction materials / waste
ASTM C322, Standard practice for sampling ceramic white-ware clays [15]
ASTM C224, Standard practice for sampling glass containers [16]
ASTM C172, Standard practice for sampling freshly mixed concrete [17]
ASTM C1704, Standard test method for sampling and testing structural cementitious panels [18]
ASTM D3665, Standard practice for random sampling of construction materials [19]
A.2.5 Natural products
A.2.5.1 Rubber
ASTM D1485, Standard practice for rubber from natural sources — Sampling and sample preparation [20]
ISO 1795, Rubber, raw natural and raw synthetic — Sampling and further preparative procedures [21]
ASTM D6085, Standard practice for sampling in rubber testing — Terminology and basic concepts [22]
A.2.5.2 Paper
EN 27213, Pulps — Sampling for testing (ISO 7213) [23]
EN ISO 186, Paper and board — Sampling to determine average quality (ISO 186) [24]
ASTM D29156, Practice for sampling and data analysis for structural wood and wood-based products [25]
A.3 Liquid samples
A.3.1 General
For liquid samples the following standards shall be used.
A.3.2 Solvents
ASTM D268, Standard guide for sampling and testing volatile solvents and chemical intermediates for use in
paints and related coating and material [26]
ASTM D3437, Standard practice for sampling and handling liquid cyclic products [27]
ASTM D802, Standard test methods for sampling and testing pine oils [28]
A.3.3 Fuels
ASTM D4057, Standard practice for manual sampling of petroleum and petroleum products [29]
EN ISO 3170, Petroleum liquids — Manual sampling (ISO 3170) [30]
ASTM D4177, Standard practice for automated sampling of petroleum and petroleum products [31]
EN ISO 3171, Petroleum liquids —Automated pipeline sampling (ISO 3171) [32]
ASTM D1265, Standard practice for sampling liquefied petroleum gases — Manual method [33]
EN ISO 4257, Liquefied petroleum gas — Method of sampling (ISO 4257) [34]
ISO 8943, Sampling of liquefied natural gas — Continuous and intermittent methods [35]
ASTM D233, Standard test methods for sampling and testing turpentine [36]
A.4 Gaseous samples
For gaseous samples the following standards shall be used.
EN ISO 10715, Natural gas — Sampling guidelines (ISO 10715) [37]
ASTM D7459, Standard practice for collection of integrated samples for the specification of biomass(biogenic)
and fossil-derived carbon dioxide emitted from stationary emission sources [38]
EN ISO 13833, Stationary source emissions — Determination of the ratio biomass (biogenic) and fossil-
derived carbon dioxide. Radiocarbon sampling and determination (ISO 13833) [2]
A.5 Others
ASTM D7455, Standard practice and sample preparation of petroleum and lubricant products for elemental
analysis [39]
ASTM D7718, Standard practice for o
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