Overview
EN ISO 18123:2023 - "Solid biofuels - Determination of volatile matter" is a CEN-endorsed ISO standard that specifies the method and requirements to determine the volatile matter content of solid biofuels. The test is empirical: a portion of a general analysis sample is heated mostly out of contact with air and the percentage volatile matter is calculated from the loss in mass after correcting for moisture. This second edition (2023) replaces EN ISO 18123:2015 and includes procedural clarifications and updates to referenced standards.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: Loss in mass of a test portion heated at 900 °C ± 10 °C for 7 minutes, corrected for moisture loss.
- Atmosphere control: Heating must be performed largely out of contact with air (crucible lid fit and furnace flue/valve arrangement are critical to avoid oxidation).
- Apparatus: Requirements and guidance for furnace, thermocouples and temperature calibration, crucible and stand, balance, desiccator, and other laboratory equipment.
- Temperature control: Furnace must maintain a uniform zone at 900 °C ± 10 °C; heating capacity should allow temperature recovery (e.g., within 4 minutes after inserting a cold stand/crucibles).
- Sampling and sample prep: Links to ISO 14780 (sample preparation), ISO 18135/ISO 21945 (sampling), and ISO 18134-3 (moisture in general analysis sample).
- Measurement practice: Procedure is performed in duplicate; automatic equipment is permitted only if validated with suitable biomass reference samples and meeting all procedural requirements.
- Quality data: The standard addresses repeatability, reproducibility and reporting requirements to ensure reliable, comparable results.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 18123:2023 is intended for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of solid biofuels and related combustion systems.
- Laboratories performing biofuel analysis for quality control, trade, regulatory compliance or research.
- Plant designers, equipment manufacturers, and operators who need volatile content data for combustion performance, emissions estimation and system sizing.
- Buyers and sellers requiring standardized test data for contract specifications or product declarations.
Practical benefits:
- Provides a repeatable method to assess volatile content which influences ignition behavior, combustion stability and emissions.
- Ensures comparability of results across labs and markets by defining apparatus, temperature control and reporting.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 18123:2023, volatile matter, solid biofuels, biofuel analysis, volatile content determination, furnace 900 °C, ISO 18123.
