Overview
EN ISO 22167:2021 - "Solid recovered fuels - Determination of content of volatile matter" (CEN/ISO) specifies requirements and a laboratory method to determine the volatile matter content of solid recovered fuels (SRF). The method measures mass loss (after moisture correction) when a test portion is heated under controlled, anoxic conditions. This edition (2021) supersedes EN 15402:2011 and is intended for laboratories, producers, suppliers, purchasers and regulatory/inspection bodies.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines how to quantify volatile matter in SRF for quality control and fuel characterisation.
- Test principle: Volatile matter is calculated as the mass lost from a pre-dried test portion when heated under a reduced atmosphere; moisture loss is determined simultaneously and subtracted.
- Controlled heating: The standard requires strict control of heating rate, final temperature and duration to ensure reproducible results - exclusion of air (anoxic conditions) is essential.
- Reference conditions: The normative procedure specifies heating at around 900 ± 10 °C for 7 minutes (as the reference empirical test).
- Apparatus and equipment: Lists required equipment including furnace, thermocouple, crucibles and crucible stand, balance and associated accessories.
- Automatic equipment: Thermogravimetric analysers and other automatic devices may be used but must be validated against the reference method; any deviations must be reported.
- Sampling and preparation: Refers to ISO methods for sampling and sample preparation to ensure representative test portions and consistent pre-drying.
- Calculations and reporting: Provides calculation methods (including treatment of removed coarse inert materials / removed ash contributors) and requires reporting of test conditions and results.
- Precision: Contains repeatability and reproducibility information (interlaboratory results).
- Ancillary information: Annexes cover interlaboratory test results and environmental aspects.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: Analytical laboratories, SRF producers and suppliers, utilities and co‑firers, waste management companies, regulators and inspection bodies.
- Practical uses:
- Fuel quality control and specification of SRF consignments.
- Process control for combustion and co‑firing facilities.
- Inputs for calorific value/fuel classification and mass balance calculations.
- Compliance testing and contractual verification between buyers and sellers.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 22167:2021, volatile matter, solid recovered fuels, SRF, volatile content determination, anoxic conditions, thermogravimetric analyser, sample preparation, furnace 900°C.