Overview
EN ISO 801-3:1996 (ISO 801-3:1994) specifies a standardized method for determining the saleable mass of pulp lots baled in sheet form and shipped as unitized bales. The standard defines how to sample unitized bale lots, measure bale gross mass and specimen moisture, calculate absolute dryness and derive the saleable mass for invoicing and quality certification. It applies to all kinds of pulp baled in sheet form shipped as unitized bales, but explicitly does not apply to pulps baled in slab form or to single bales.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear definitions for lot, unit, bale, gross mass, oven-dry mass, absolute dryness, air-dry mass, theoretical commercial dryness and saleable mass.
- Sampling procedure: selection of representative sample units from across the lot; minimum sampling fractions tied to lot size; specimen sheets drawn from each sample bale at fixed intervals across bale thickness.
- Specimen preparation: cutting five triangular test pieces per specimen sheet with a constant apex angle (18°) and specific positioning rules to ensure representative sampling across the bale.
- Weighing and drying:
- Bale gross mass measured to at least 1/1 000 accuracy.
- Test-piece weighing to at least 1/5 000 accuracy (balance capacity ≥ 5 kg, sensitivity 0.1 g).
- Drying in a ventilated oven at 105 °C ± 2 °C to constant mass.
- Calculations: saleable mass is calculated from gross mass and absolute dryness using the theoretical commercial dryness (commonly 88% or 90%). Formula: saleable mass = gross mass × (absolute dryness / theoretical commercial dryness).
- Documentation and annexes:
- Annex A: example of a full certificate of analysis and related calculations.
- Annex B: equipment details for marking specimen positions in sample bales.
Applications and who uses it
- Practical for pulp producers, buyers, inspectors, trading houses, port authorities and QA laboratories involved in commercial pulp transactions.
- Used to:
- Standardize invoicing by converting gross bale weights to saleable mass.
- Verify moisture content and quality for trade disputes, acceptance testing and contract compliance.
- Produce consistent certificates of analysis for export/import documentation.
- Particularly relevant to supply-chain and laboratory personnel responsible for pulp testing, lot inspection and mass/moisture reporting.
Related standards
- EN ISO 801 series (other parts address pulp baled in sheet form, pulps baled in slabs, and related sampling methods).
- Refer to ISO/TC 6 (Paper, board and pulps) publications for broader test-method context.
Keywords: EN ISO 801-3, ISO 801-3, pulps, unitized bales, saleable mass, dryness determination, sampling, oven-dry mass, certificate of analysis.
