CEN/TS 15440:2006

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2007
7UGQRDOWHUQDWLYQRJRULYR0HWRGD]DGRORþHYDQMHELRPDVH
Solid recovered fuels - Method for the determination of biomass content
Feste Sekundärbrennstoffe - Verfahren zur Bestimmung des Gehaltes an Biomasse
Combustibles solides de récupération - Méthode de détermination de la teneur en
biomasse
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 15440:2006
ICS:
75.160.10 Trda goriva Solid fuels
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 15440
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
November 2006
ICS 75.160.10
English Version
Solid recovered fuels - Method for the determination of biomass
content
Combustibles solides de récupération - Méthode de Feste Sekundärbrennstoffe - Verfahren zur Bestimmung
détermination de la teneur en biomasse des Gehaltes an Biomasse
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 13 May 2006 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, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 15440:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword.3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions .6
4 Symbols and abbreviations .8
5 Principle.8
6 Selection of method for determination of biomass content .8
Annex A (normative) Materials considered as CO -neutral .11
Annex B (normative) Determination of biomass content using the selective dissolution method.12
Annex C (normative) Determination of biomass content using the manual sorting method .17
Annex D (normative) Determination of the biomass content in percent by calorific value .25
Annex E (normative) Determination of the total carbon content of the biomass and non-biomass
fraction by selective dissolution.29
Annex F (informative) Determination of biomass content using reductionistic method.34
Annex G (informative) Limitations on the determination methods.39
Bibliography .42

Foreword
This document (CEN/TS 15440:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 343 “Solid
recovered fuels”, the secretariat of which is held by SFS.
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 Technical Specification is one of a series of technical specifications dealing with solid recovered fuels.
Solid recovered fuels are defined in the EU Commission Mandate M/325 to CEN. The mandate makes
reference to Directive 2001/77/EC, 2000/76/EC and Commission Decision 2000/532/EC. In the Mandate
M/325 solid recovered fuels are defined as fuels prepared from non hazardous waste to be utilised for energy
recovery in waste incineration or co-incineration plants regulated under Community environmental legislation.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
This Technical Specification specifies the methods used for the determination of biomass (as defined in 3.3)
content in solid recovered fuels. The RES-E directive [1] aims to promote electricity produced from renewable
resources, including e.g. the biomass fraction present in solid waste. This Technical Specification specifies
two normative methods and one informative method for the determination of biomass content in solid
recovered fuels, including the method of selective dissolution in sulphuric acid, the manual sorting method and
the informative reductionistic method. The reductionistic method is for internal control and specific agreements
only, see Annex F. The two latter methods are both based on the first one, the selective dissolution method.
As the selective dissolution method is not applicable to some materials usually or possibly present in SRF, the
limitations of this method have to be considered (see Annex G), and attention needs to be paid to possible
misuse in SRF mixtures of unknown origin.
NOTE An alternative method could be the C-14 method to determine the biomass content expressed in percentage
by carbon content. The method is currently in its early stages of development, but in the future it may be used as an
alternative method to determine the biomass content expressed in percentage by carbon content.
This Technical Specification is primarily geared toward laboratories, producers, suppliers and purchasers of
solid recovered fuels, but is also useful for the authorities and inspection organizations.
CEN/TR 14980 shows that biogenic/biodegradable fractions can be estimated using the methods described in
this Technical Specification. The fraction of biomass (biodegradable/biogenic fractions) can be expressed:
 by weight;
 by energy content (net or gross calorific value);
 by carbon content.
1 Scope
This Technical Specification specifies two normative methods and one informative method for the
determination of the biodegradable/biogenic fraction in solid recovered fuel. The methods are the selective
dissolution in sulphuric acid, the manual sorting method and the informative reductionistic method. The
methods estimate the biodegradable/biogenic content of solid recovered fuels by determination of the biomass
content.
This Technical Specification is not applicable to:
 pure fractions of waste, products and by-products classified as CO -neutral biomass according to
Annex G;
 charcoal, peat and solid fossil fuels like hard coal, coke, brown coal and lignite and to mixtures of these
and solid recovered fuels;
 solid recovered fuels that contain more than 10 % of natural and/or synthetic rubber residues;
 solid recovered fuels that contain a combination of more than 5 % by weight of:
• nylon, polyurethane or other polymers containing molecular amino groups;
• biodegradable plastics of fossil origin;
 solid recovered fuels that contain a combination of more than 5 % by weight of:
• wool or viscose;
• non-biodegradable plastics of biogenic origin;
• oil or fat present as a constituent of biomass.
NOTE In typical municipal and assimilated waste the content of nylon, polyurethane, biodegradable plastics of fossil
origin, wool, viscose, non-biodegradable plastics of biogenic origin and oil/fat present is rather small and the error is
negligible.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13965-1:2004, Characterization of waste — Terminology — Part 1: Material related terms and definitions
EN 13965-2:2004, Characterisation of waste — Terminology — Part 2: Management related terms and
definitions
CEN/TS 15400, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for the determination of calorific value
CEN/TS 15403, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for the determination of ash content
CEN/TS 15407, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for the determination of carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and
nitrogen (N) content
CEN/TS 15414-1, Solid recovered fuels — Determination of moisture content using the oven dry method —
Part 1: Determination of total moisture by a reference method
CEN/TS 15442, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for sampling
CEN/TS 15443, Solid recovered fuels — Methods for laboratory sample preparation

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 13965-1:2004, EN 13965-2:2004
and the following apply.
NOTE Definitions for the terms in bold are given in EN 13965.
3.1
ash content
inorganic mass remaining after complete combustion of a solid recovered fuel under specified conditions
expressed as a percentage of the mass of the dry matter in the solid recovered fuel
[CEN/TS 15357:2006]
3.2
biodegradable
material capable of undergoing biological anaerobic or aerobic decomposition under conditions naturally
occurring in the biosphere
3.3
biomass
material of biological origin excluding material embedded in geological formation or transformed to fossil
NOTE This definition is very close to the definition in CEN/TC 335 “Solid biofuels” with the only difference that coal
found on the surface of the earth is clearly excluded. For further clarification, definitions on fossil and geological formation:

fossil
remains or traces of a plant or animal life embedded in geological formation from a previous geological period
and transformed to a stable material for the conditions of its present location

geological formation
material formed by consecutive natural depositions of different materials in a certain geological period

3.4
biogenic
produced in natural processes by living organisms but not fossilised or derived from fossil resources
3.5
calorific value
calculated value of the specific energy of combustion for unit mass of a solid recovered fuel burned in oxygen
in calorimetric bomb under such conditions that it can be either expressed as gross calorific value or net
calorific value
3.6
gross calorific value
absolute value of the specific energy of combustion for unit mass of a solid recovered fuel burned in oxygen
in calorimetric bomb under the conditions specified
NOTE 1 The result of combustion are assumed to consist of gaseous oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and sulphur
dioxide, of liquid water [in equilibrium with its vapour] saturated with carbon dioxide under conditions of the bomb reaction,
and of solid ash, all at the reference temperature and at constant volume.
NOTE 2 The old term for gross calorific value is higher heating value.
3.7
increment
portion of solid recovered fuel extracted in a single operation of the sampling device
[CEN/TS 15357:2006]
3.8
laboratory sample
combined sample or a sub-sample of a combined sample or an increment or a sub-sample of an
increment sent to a laboratory
[CEN/TS 14588:2003]
3.9
total moisture
moisture in a solid recovered fuel removable under specific conditions
NOTE the old term for total moisture is moisture content.
3.10
net calorific value
calculated value of the specific energy of combustion for unit mass of a solid recovered fuel burned in oxygen
in calorimetric bomb under such conditions that all the water remains as water vapour at 0,1 MPa
[CEN/TS 15357:2006]
NOTE The old term for net calorific value is lower heating value.
3.11
nominal top size
aperture size of the sieve used for determining the particle size distribution of solid recovered fuels
through which at least 95 % by mass of the material passes
[CEN/TS 15357:2006]
3.12
sample
quantity of material, representative of a larger quantity for which the property is to be determined
3.13
sample preparation
all the actions taken to obtain representative analyses samples or test portions from the original sample
3.14
sub-sample
sample obtained by procedures in which the items of interest are randomly distributed in parts of equal or
unequal size
NOTE 1 A sub-sample may be:
a) a portion of the sample obtained by selection or division;
b) the final sample of multistage sample-preparation.
NOTE 2 The definition for sub-sample is adopted from EN 15002.
4 Symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviated terms apply.
d is on a dry basis;
SRF is Solid Recovered Fuel;
TC is total carbon;
In this document it is chosen to list the symbols in the Annex where they are required.
5 Principle
The determination of the biomass content is based on the selective dissolution of biomass in solid recovered
fuel. The selective dissolution method involves the treatment with concentrated sulphuric acid topped with
hydrogen peroxide. The biomass content gives an estimation of the content of the biodegradable/biogenic
fraction in solid recovered fuel. See also CEN/TR 14980 [6].
6 Selection of method for determination of biomass content
6.1 General
Three different dimensions are used to express the biomass content. Depending on the purpose of the use of
the results one of three dimensions shall be chosen. The three dimensions are:
a) biomass in percent by weight;
b) biomass in percent by calorific value;
c) biomass in percent by total carbon content.
6.1.1 Determining biomass content by weight
When determining the biomass content by weight two different methods are available. Selection of these
methods is described in 6.3.
6.1.2 Determining biomass content by calorific value
When determining the biomass content by calorific value, the following five steps shall be taken:
1) prepare two test portions: test portion A and test portion B;
2) apply the selective dissolution method described in Annex B to test portion A. Take care that
sufficient residue is produced to allow the next step;
3) determine ash content according to CEN/TS 15403 and calorific value according to CEN/TS 15400 of
the residue of test portion A;
4) determine ash content and calorific value of test portion B;
5) calculate the biomass content of test portion A expressed as a percentage of the calorific value as
described in Annex D.
6.1.3 Determining biomass content by total carbon content
When determining the biomass content by total carbon content, the following steps shall be taken:
1) prepare three test portions: test portion A, test portion B and test portion C;
2) apply the selective dissolution method described in Annex B to test portions A and B;
3) if necessary determine the total carbon content of the ash of test portion A;
4) determine ash content and total carbon content of the residue of test portion C;
5) prepare test portion D with sufficient mass in order to produce sufficient residue for step 7;
6) produce a residue of test portion D with the first part of the selective dissolution method, as described
in D.4;
7) determine ash content and total carbon content of the residue of test portion D;
8) calculate the biomass content of test portion A expressed as a percentage of the total carbon content
as described in Annex E.
NOTE Annex G contains useful information about accuracy and sensitivity of the given methods for determining the
biomass content.
6.2 Mixtures of SRF and materials of fossil origin
In case of a mixture between solid fossil fuels and solid recovered fuels, the biomass content shall be
determined before they are mixed, and/or duly documented. Materials of fossil origin can wrongly be detected
as biomass. Materials like lignite and peat could be added in order to obtain an increase in the values for
biomass content of a solid recovered fuel. This obviously interferes with the results and leads to results that
are no longer valid. For more information see the technical specifications on quality assurance (see
CEN/TS 15358).
6.3 Method selection
Figure 1 shows which methods for the determination of the biomass content shall be used and how they shall
be selected depending on the dimension of the biomass content. This dimension shall be expressed in
percentage by weight, in percentage by calorific value or in percentage by total carbon content. In Annex G
information can be found, where explanatory remarks on precision are given regarding the functioning of the
methods described in this Technical Specification.
If the expected biomass content is larger than 95 % by weight and it is only possible to determine with the
selective dissolution method in Annex B, Annex B shall be used but for some materials the accuracy might
decline.
For SRFs exceeding a biomass content by weight of 95 % it is assumed that biomass content in percent by
weight equals the biomass content in percent by total carbon content.
1) SRFs which are comminuted in the production process can be sampled and analysed before comminution in case the nominal top size puts the type of SRF out of
the scope of the manual determination method.
2) For SRFs exceeding a biomass content by weight of 95 % it is assumed that biomass content in percent by weight equals the biomass content in percent by total
carbon content.
Figure 1 — Selection of suitable methods for biomass determination
Annex A
(normative)
-neutral
Materials considered as CO
The text in this annex is obtained from Commission Decision 2004/156/EC of 29/01/2004 establishing
guidelines for the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of
the European parliament and of the Council Annex I paragraph 9 under 1. Plants and parts of plants, inter alia
or 2. Biomass wastes, products and by-products, inter alia.
The exemplary but not exhaustive list below contains a number of materials, which are considered biomass
for the application of this Technical Specification and shall be weighted with an emission factor of 0 [t CO /TJ
or t or m ]. Peat and fossil fractions of the materials listed below shall not be considered biomass.
a) Plants and parts of plants, inter alia:
 straw;
 hay and grass;
 leaves, wood, roots, stumps, bark;
 crops, e.g. maize and triticale.
b) Biomass wastes, products and by-products, inter alia:
 industrial waste wood (waste wood from woodworking and wood processing operations and waste
wood from operations in the wood materials industry);
 used wood (used products made from wood, wood materials) and products and by-products from
wood processing operations;
 wood-based waste from the pulp and paper industries, e.g. black liquor;
 forestry residues;
 animal, fish and food meal, fat, oil and tallow;
 primary residues from the food and beverage production;
 manure;
 agricultural plant residues;
 sewage sludge;
 biogas produced by digestion, fermentation or gasification of biomass;
 harbour sludge and other waterbody sludges and sediments;
 landfill gas.
Annex B
(normative)
Determination of biomass content using the selective dissolution
method
B.1 Introduction
This normative annex describes the procedure for the determination of the biomass content expressed in
percent by weight using selective dissolution. The selective dissolution method is based on the fact that
biomass oxidizes significantly more quickly than non-biomass.
B.2 Symbols
For the purposes of this Annex, the following abbreviated terms apply.
A is the ash content of SRF sample according to CEN/TS 15403;
SRF
m  is the mass of ash of dissolution residue (including filter), burned according to CEN/TS 15403, in g;
residue-ash
m is the mass of dry SRF test portion used for dissolution, in g;
SRF
m is the remaining dry mass (including filter) after the test portion has been dissolved, in g;
residue
x is the biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
B
x is the non-biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
NB
B.3 Principle
The selective dissolution method for the determination of the biomass content expressed in percent by weight
involves the treatment with concentrated sulphuric acid topped with hydrogen peroxide. The biomass in the
solid recovered fuel will selectively dissolve and the non-biomass will remain in the residue. The sample shall
be weighed before and after selective dissolution. The biomass content by weight is corrected for the content
of carbonates by measuring the ash content (according to CEN/TS 15403) before and after dissolution. Figure
B.1 shows which steps are performed when determining the biomass content by using the selective
dissolution method.
B.4 Reagents and materials
Reagents and materials needed for performing the selective dissolution method are:
 150 ml 78 % (g/g) H SO (laboratory quality);
2 4
 30 ml 35 % (g/g) H O (laboratory quality);
2 2
 1 glass fibre filter, ∅ 10 cm, GF 6 (this means that it is a filter which is equipped to block particles larger
than 1µm);
 Water of at least demineralized quality.

Figure B.1 — Selective dissolution method for biomass content expressed in percent by weight
B.5 Apparatus
Apparatus needed for performing the selective dissolution method are:
 Büchner funnel, ∅ 10 cm;
 flask (500 ml);
 desiccator;
 muffle furnace capable of maintaining a temperature of 550 °C;
 crucibles made of porcelain measuring a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 80 mm;
 cutting grinder or other grinding apparatus that can be used to reduce samples to < 1 mm;
 fume cupboard;
 pH measuring device;
 scales accurate to 1 mg.
B.6 Procedure
Perform the following steps for implementing the selective dissolution method:
a) prepare two test portions of 5 g and a nominal top size of 1 mm according to CEN/TS 15443. Take the
sample according to CEN/TS 15442;
b) determine the ash content of test portion A, A according to CEN/TS 15403. When the biomass content
SRF
expressed in percent by total carbon is to be determined (see Annex E), the ash shall be stored;
c) Dry and cool the test portion B in a crucible at 105 °C to a constant weight according to
CEN/TS 15414-1;
WARNING — For some types of solid recovered fuels there can be a risk of self-ignition when drying
at 105 °C.
d) weigh the dried test portion B with four digit precision. Record the weight (m );
SRF
e) place test portion B in an empty 500 ml flask;
f) make sure the crucible is completely empty after emptying into the flask. If not, the weight before and after
emptying shall be determined which enables the recalculation of m ;
SRF
g) add 150 ml of 78 % (g/g) H SO to the flask. Stir carefully, but thoroughly by hand. Place the (full) flask
2 4
away in a fume cupboard for 16 h ± 2 h;
h) after 16 h ± 2 h, add 30 ml of 35 % (g/g) H O . Stir carefully, but thoroughly by hand. Place the (full) flask
2 2
away in a fume cupboard for 5 h ± 1 h;
i) dry a glass fibre filter and record the weight of the glass fibre filter (m );
filter
j) after 5 h ± 1 h, dilute the sample B with 300 ml of demineralised water and then filter it over a glass fibre
filter in a Büchner funnel;
k) remove the sulphuric acid by rinsing the residue with 6 doses of 50 ml demineralised water. Make sure
the entire 50 ml demineralised water is removed before another dose is added or until the last filtrated
volume has a pH of at least 3,0;
l) dry the residue B together with the filter at 105 °C until a constant weight has been achieved;
WARNING — For some types of solid recovered fuels there can be a risk of self-ignition when drying
at 105 °C.
m) weigh the dried residue B together with the filter and record the weight (m ) with four digit precision;
residue
n) determine the remaining mass of the ash (m ) of sample B according to CEN/TS 15403.
residue-ash
B.7 Calculation of the results
The results of the dissolution test and the Equations (B.1 and B.2) shall be used to calculate the biomass
content, the ash content and the non-biomass content on a dry basis expressed as a percentage by weight.
Use Equation B.1 for the determination of the biomass content on a dry basis expressed as a percentage by
weight:
 
 
m −m A
residue residue-ash SRF
x = 1− + ×100 (B.1)
  
B
m 100
 
 SRF 
 
Use Equation B.2 for the calculation of the non-biomass content on a dry basis.
x =100− x − A (B.2)
NB B SRF
It should be noted that the result is pure (100 %) biomass, or non-biomass calculated from total (d) mass. This
means that when calculating e.g. energy content of SRF, calorific values on dry ash-free (daf) shall be used.
B.8 Precision
This method has not been validated at the time of publication. Consequently, no data about validation is
available.
B.9 Test report
The test report shall at least include:
 reference to this Technical Specification, i.e. CEN/TS 15440;
 date of receipt of laboratory sample and dates of the test (beginning and end);
 a complete identification of the laboratory sample;
 sample preparation (e.g. method of size reduction, drying, subdivision);
 storage conditions;
 the content biomass, non-biomass and ash resulting from the calculations expressed as a percentage by
weight;
 any deviation from the test method and the reason of this deviation together with all circumstances that
have influenced the results.
EXAMPLE
 An SRF sample has an ash content of 15 % (d).
 A test portion of about 5 g is taken (after drying, the dry mass was noticed to be 5,1 g).
 A dissolution is carried out for this material.
 After dissolution, the residue is dried and weighed. The mass is noticed to be 2,5 g.
 The residue is then ashed and the remaining mass of residue ash was noticed to be 0,4 g.
The calculation now gives (according to B.1):
 
2,5− 0,4 15
χ = 1− + ×100= 43,8
 
Β  
5,1 100
 
 
The non biomass content on dry basis can now be calculated (according to B.2):
χ = 100− 43,8−15= 41,2
ΝΒ
Annex C
(normative)
Determination of biomass content using the manual sorting method
C.1 Introduction
In the manual sorting method, a sample of the solid recovered fuel is sorted by hand into sub-fractions, such
as plastics, paper/cardboard, wood, vegetable, fruit, garden waste and inert matter.
C.2 Conditions
This annex is not applicable for solid recovered fuels with a minimum particle size smaller than 1 cm.
C.3 Symbols
For the purposes of this Annex, the following abbreviated terms apply.
x is the biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
B
NB
x is the biomass content in the sorted non-biomass fraction on a dry and ash-free basis, expressed as
B
a percentage by weight;
B
x is the content component i in the biomass category on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by
i
weight;
inert
x is the content component i in the ash matter category on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by
i
weight;
NB
x is the content component i in the non-biomass category on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage
i
by weight;
x is the ash content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
inert
B
x is the ash content in the sorted biomass fraction on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by
inert
weight;
NB
x is the ash content in the sorted non-biomass fraction on a dry and ash-free basis, expressed as a
inert
percentage by weight;
x is the non-biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
NB
B
x is the non-biomass content of the sorted biomass fraction on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage
NB
by weight;
inert
x is the biomass content of the sorted inert fraction on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by
B
weight;
inert
x is the non-biomass content of the sorted inert fraction on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by
NB
weight;
inert
x is the ash content of sorted inert fraction expressed as a percentage by weight;
inert
ε is the sorting precision of the sorted biomass fraction on a dry and ash-free basis, expressed as a
B
percentage by weight;
ε is the sorting precision of the sorted non-biomass fraction on a dry and ash-free basis, expressed as
NB
a percentage by weight;
inert
ε is the sorting precision of the sorted biomass content of the inert matter, expressed as a percentage
B
by weight;
inert
ε is the sorting precision of the sorted non-biomass content of the inert matter, expressed as a
NB
percentage by weight.
C.4 Principle
The manual sorting method for the determination of the biomass content in percent by weight involves the
separation of the components into a number of fractions which are either (mostly) biomass or (mostly) non-
biomass. The manual sorting error is determined for the specific type of SRF with the selective dissolution
method.
C.5 Apparatus
Apparatus needed for performing the selective dissolution method are:
 screen sieve of 10 mm;
 scales that are accurate to 1 g;
 containers for the sorted fractions (14);
 desiccator.
Figure C.1 — Manual sorting method for biomass content in percent by weight
C.6 Procedure
C.6.1 General
The procedure consists of the following three steps:
a) manual sorting;
b) determination of the sorting precision according to C.6.3;
c) calculation of the results.
The second step is necessary when data for the sorting precision is not available or older than 1 year. How
the three steps shall be performed is specified in the following subclauses.
C.6.2 Manual sorting
The instructions for implementing the manual sorting method comprise the following steps:
a) take a sample according to CEN/TS 15442. Prepare the sample according to CEN/TS 15443. The test
portion for the manual sorting method shall be at least as big as the minimum sample size according to
CEN/TS 15442;
b) sort all particles larger than 10 mm of the sample into the fractions mentioned in Table C.1;
c) dry all fractions at 105 °C to a constant weight;
d) allow the dried fractions to cool down in a desiccator (with samples over 100 g it is not feasible to use the
dessicator and the samples shall be weighed directly);
e) weigh the dried fractions with four digit precision. Record the weight for each fraction;
f) cluster the weights of the fractions according to Table C.1 into biomass, non biomass and inert fractions
and determine the weight per fraction by summing.
For determining the biomass content, the selected sub-fractions concerned shall be clustered into the
categories biomass, non-biomass and inert matter. This classification will never be exact, due to e.g. the
presence of composite materials. For example, drink cartons contain not only paper (biomass) but also small
quantities of plastic (non-biomass) and aluminium (inert). The calorific content of the biomass can now be
determined by establishing the average net calorific value for each category (biomass, non-biomass and inert
matter) on a dry basis.
Table C.1 presents the subfractions of solid recovered fuels in which the sample shall be sub-divided. In Table
C.2 examples are given of the components/sub-fractions as mentioned in Table C.1.
Table C.1 — Categorization of components for manual sorting
Fraction The fraction is characterised as a For the determination of biomass,
non-biomass or inert content,
expressed as a percentage by
weight, the fraction shall be
assigned to the category
Biological waste biomass fraction biomass
Paper/cardboard biomass fraction biomass
Wood biomass fraction biomass
Tissue biomass fraction biomass
Fabric mixed fraction containing mostly biomass biomass
Leather/rubber mixed fraction containing mostly biomass biomass
Glass inert fraction containing mostly inert
contaminations of biomass
Stone inert fraction containing mostly inert
contaminations of biomass
Fines fraction with a nominal top size of less than inert
10 mm. It is an inert fraction containing
mostly contaminations of biomass
Soft plastic non-biomass fraction non-biomass
Rigid plastic non-biomass fraction non-biomass
Carpet/mats mixed fraction containing mostly non- non-biomass
biomass
Iron inert fraction containing mostly inert
contaminations of non-biomass
Nonferrous metals inert fraction containing mostly inert
contaminations of non-biomass
NOTE In view of the contamination of the sorting fractions and variations in the composition, the working group
plans to put more effort in research of the precision of the values stated.

Table C.2 — Examples of components/sub-fractions
Biological waste - leaves, grass
- food residues
- bread
- vegetables
Paper/cardboard - packaging paper
- cardboard
- magazines, newspaper
- milk cartons
- drink cartons
Wood - waste wood
- sawdust
- waste wood from gardens
Tissue - diaper
- tissues
- tampons, napkins
- toilet paper
Fabric - any (remains of) cloths other than
leather and/or metal
Leather/rubber - leather
- rubber
Glass - bottles
- glasses
- shards
Stone - stones
- pottery (remains)
Fines - any material smaller than 10 mm
Soft plastic - plastic bags
- plastic packaging material
- plastic cups
- PE, PP, Polystyrene
Rigid plastic - PET(-bottles)
- PVC(-tubes)
- polyester
Carpet/mats - carpets
- mats
Iron - any particle (mostly) made of iron
or steel
Nonferrous metals - copper/zinc/ lead tubing
- aluminium cans
- (electrical) wires
- strip (of medicines or candy)

C.6.3 Determination of sorting precision
The sorting precision establishes the actual biomass content for the sorted biomass, non-biomass and inert
fractions with the selective dissolution test. Adequate values for the sorting precision shall be determined on at
least three different samples of the same solid recovered fuel.
If necessary, the calculation to different bases in CEN/TS 15296 can be used.
The sorting precision for biomass (ε ) is 100 % minus the percentage by weight of non-biomass in the
biomass
sorted biomass fraction.
Calculate the sorting precision for the sorted biomass fraction with Equation C.1.
B B
100− x − x 
NB inert
(C.1)
ε = ×100
 
B
B
100− x
 inert 
The sorting precision for non-biomass (ε ) is 100 % minus the percentage by weight of biomass in the sorted
NB
non-biomass fraction.
Calculate the sorting precision for the sorted non-biomass fraction with Equation C.2.
NB NB
100−x −x 
B inert
(C.2)
ε = ×100
 
NB
NB
100−x
 inert 
Determine the sorting precision for inert matter by determining the biomass content, non-biomass content and
inert content on a dry basis using the selective dissolution method.
inert
Calculate the biomass content of the inert matter ε , with equation C.3.
B
inert
 
x
inert B
(C.3)
ε = ×100
 
B
inert
x
 inert
inert
Calculate the non-biomass content of the inert matter, , with equation C.4
ε
.
NB
inert
 
x
inert NB
(C.4)
ε = ×100
 
NB inert
x
inert

C.6.4 Determination of the biomass content
Use Equation C.5 for the determination of the biomass content in percent by weight.
n n n
 
B NB inert inert
ε × x + (1−ε )× x +ε × x
B ∑ i NB ∑ i B ∑ i
 
 
i i i
x = ×100%  (C.5)
 
B
n n n
B NB inert
 
x + x + x
∑ i ∑ i ∑ i
 
 i i i 
Use Equation C.6 for the calculation of the non-biomass content expressed as percentage by weight.
n n n
 
NB B inert inert
ε × x + (1−ε )× x +ε × x
NB ∑ i B ∑ i NB ∑ i
 
 
i i i
x = ×100%  (C.6)
 
NB
n n
n
B NB inert
 
x + x + x
∑ ∑ ∑
i i i
 
 i i i 
Use Equation C.7 for the calculation of inert content expressed as a percentage by weight.
x = 100−x −x  (C.7)
inert B NB
C.7 Precision
This method has not been validated at the time of publication. Consequently, no data about validation is
available.
C.8 Test report
The test report shall at least include:
 reference to this Technical Specification, i.e. CEN/TS 15440;
 date of receipt of laboratory sample and dates of the test (beginning and end);
 a complete identification of the laboratory sample;
 sample preparation (e.g. method of size reduction, drying, subdivision);
 storage conditions;
 the content biomass, non-biomass and inert resulting from the calculations expressed in percentage by
weight;
 any deviation from the test method and the reason of this deviation together with all circumstances that
have influenced the results.
NOTE In the manual sorting method ash of each sorted fraction is considered to belong to this fraction. Thus, when
calculating e.g. energy contents of different fractions calorific values on dry (d) basis should be used.
Annex D
(normative)
Determination of the biomass content in percent by calorific value
D.1 Introduction
This normative annex specifies the procedure for the determination of fraction specific calorific values of
biomass and non-biomass. This calorific value can be expressed either in net calorific value or in gross
calorific value. Determination of the biomass content of solid recovered fuels is based on the selective
dissolution method.
D.2 Symbols
For the purposes of this Annex, the following abbreviated terms apply.
A is the ash content of SRF sample according to CEN/TS 15403;
SRF
A is the ash content of dissolution residue according to CEN/TS 15403;
residue
q is the calorific value of the biomass fraction on a dry and ash-free basis, in MJ/kg;
B
q is the calorific value of the non-biomass fraction on a dry and ash-free basis, in MJ/kg;
NB
q is the calorific value of the residue resulting from the dissolution test on a dry basis, in MJ/kg;
residue
q is the calorific value of the SRF sample, in MJ/kg;
SRF
x is the biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
B
cal
x is the biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by calorific value;
B
x is the non-biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by weight;
NB
cal
x is the non-biomass content on a dry basis, expressed as a percentage by calorific value.
NB
D.3 Principle
The determination of the biomass content by calorific value consists of two procedures. The first procedure
determines the calorific values of the biomass and non-biomass fraction. The second procedure calculates the
biomass content by energy content. Figure D.1 illustrates the principle by which the fraction specific calorific
values shall be determined.
Depending on the use of the results, the biomass content may be calculated in percent by net calorific value
or by gross calorific value. Before this annex is applied, a choice shall be made between net calorific value or
gross calorific value. All calorific values in the rest of this annex will then be expressed according to the choice.
Figure D.1 — Determination of calorific value of the biomass and non-biomass fraction
D.4 Procedure determination of calorific value of the biomass and non-biomass
fraction
The calorific value and the ash content of both the sample and the residue shall be determined according to
CEN/TS 15400 and CEN/TS 15403 respectively. With these values the fraction specific calorific values shall
be calculated.
If necessary, the calculation to different bases in CEN/TS 15296 can be used.
In order to determine fraction-specific calorific values the following steps shall be performed:
a) take a sample according to CEN/TS 15442 and prepare the sample according to CEN/TS 15443;
b) determine the calorific value and the ash content of the sample according to CEN/TS 15400;
c) determine the non-biomass content of a test portion according to Annex B.
d) take a new test portion and follow steps d) to m) of the instructions in B.6. Take care that sufficient residue
of the sample is obtained via selective dissolution to perform the next step. However, if an estimation of
the biomass content indicates that 5 g of a test portion will result in insufficient material to determine the
calorific value of the residue, then the volumes shall be scaled up proportionately;
e) analyze both the ash content and the calorific value of the residue;
f) calculate the dry ash-free fraction-specific calorific value of the non-biomass fraction and the total sample
using the values obtained in steps b) to e). To this end, Equations D.1 and D.2 shall be used:
q
residue
q =  (D.1)
NB
1− A /100
q
SRF
q =  (D.2)
SRF
1− A /100
SRF
g) Calculate the ash-free fraction-specific calorific value of the biomass fraction using Equation D.3. Use the
values obtained from Equations D.1 and D.2:
q −()x /100 ×q
SRF NB NB
q =  (D.3)
B
1−x /100− A /100
NB SRF
D.5 Procedure for the determination of biomass content in percent by calorific value
The procedure for determining the biomass content in perc
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