Overview
EN ISO 16967:2015 / ISO 16967:2015 specifies wet-chemical analytical methods for the determination of major elements in solid biofuels and their ashes. The standard covers the analysis of Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Si, Na and Ti, and notes that other elements (e.g., Ba, Mn) can also be determined using the described procedures. It is published by CEN/ISO and supersedes EN 15290:2011.
The standard is divided into two parts:
- Part A - direct determination on the fuel (also applicable for sulfur and minor elements).
- Part B - determination on a prepared 550 °C ash.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Sample preparation: Guidance on preparing representative test samples and on preparing a 550 °C ash for Part B.
- Digestion principle: Closed-vessel wet digestion using analytical-grade reagents (HNO3, H2O2, HF, boric acid where required). Digestion relies on controlled reagents, temperature and pressure to bring elements into solution.
- Detection methods: Element quantification by ICP-OES, ICP-MS, FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectrometry) or FES (flame emission spectrometry).
- Quality control:
- Use of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs / SRMs) to verify accuracy.
- Calibration procedures, blank tests and performance characteristics are specified.
- Safety note: Use of hydrofluoric acid (HF) is allowed but flagged as hazardous - follow safety protocols.
- Scope for other elements: Methods are flexible enough to include certain additional elements (e.g., Ba, Mn) when required.
Applications and users
EN ISO 16967:2015 is applicable to organizations and professionals involved in solid biofuel production, analysis and utilization:
- Analytical laboratories performing routine composition and ash analysis.
- Biomass producers and fuel suppliers monitoring fuel quality and contamination (sand/soil, additives).
- Power plants and combustion engineers assessing ash behaviour, fouling, corrosion and ash utilization potential.
- Research institutions studying fuel chemistry, combustion processes and environmental impacts.
- Regulators and standards bodies specifying test methods for compliance and reporting.
Practical benefits include improved traceability of elemental results, consistent laboratory practices, and better assessment of ash-related performance in thermal conversion.
Related standards
EN ISO 16967:2015 provides a harmonized, QC-focused framework for accurate major-element analysis of solid biofuels and their ashes, supporting reliable fuel characterization and informed operational decisions.
