ISO 17827-2:2024

Overview - ISO 17827-2:2024 (Solid biofuels, particle size distribution)

ISO 17827-2:2024 specifies a laboratory method for determining the particle size distribution of uncompressed solid biofuels using a vibrating screen method with sieves having apertures of 3,15 mm and below. The procedure applies to particulate fuels (e.g., sawdust) with a nominal top size ≤ 3,15 mm and focuses on reproducible classification of fines and size fractions that affect handling, combustion and safety.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and materials: Intended for uncompressed, particulate biofuels (reduced-size wood fuels, sawdust).
• Sieves and sizes: Recommended sieve set - 3,15 mm (round holes) then wire-cloth sieves at 2,0 mm, 1,0 mm, 0,5 mm and 0,1 mm; apertures < 3,15 mm follow ISO 3310-1.
• Apparatus: Mechanical vibrating sieving equipment (three-dimensional movement), collecting pan, brushes, weighing containers and a balance readable to 0,01 g.
• Sample preparation: Laboratory sample per ISO 18135/ISO 21945; test portion minimum 50 g (sub‑sampling per ISO 14780); layer height on top sieve ≤ 2 cm.
• Moisture conditioning: Test portion moisture ≤ 20 % (wet basis); moisture determined per ISO 18134-1/18134-2 and reported with results.
• Procedure essentials: Evenly spread sample on top sieve, operate vibrating sieves until pre-test criterion met (mass change ≤ 0,3 % of sample mass per 1 min of sieving) or a recommended 30 min; rotate sieve stack ~180° halfway if distribution is uneven; account for thin elongated particles retained by sieves.
• Reporting and accuracy: Weigh fractions to 0,01 g; report machine settings (frequency, amplitude, duration) because adjustable parameters affect results.

Practical applications and users

• Quality control for biomass suppliers and sawdust producers.
• Laboratory testing for bioenergy producers, boiler and combustion plant operators assessing fuel feeding and combustion behaviour.
• Research and development teams studying fuel handling, emissions and explosion risks related to fine fractions.
• Regulatory bodies and certification labs needing standardized particle-size data for specifications and safety assessments.

Related standards

• ISO 3310-1, ISO 3310-2 (test sieves)
• ISO 14780 (sample preparation)
• ISO 16559 (vocabulary)
• ISO 17225-1 (fuel specifications)
• ISO 18134-1 / ISO 18134-2 (moisture determination)
• ISO 18135, ISO 21945 (sampling)

Keywords: ISO 17827-2:2024, solid biofuels, particle size distribution, vibrating screen method, sieves 3.15 mm, sawdust, mechanical sieving equipment, moisture conditioning.