ISO 14780:2017

Overview

ISO 14780:2017 - Solid biofuels - Sample preparation specifies standardized methods to reduce combined samples (increments) to laboratory samples, and laboratory samples to sub‑samples and general analysis samples. It applies to a wide range of solid biofuels and guides sample preparation for analyses such as calorific value, moisture content, ash content, bulk density, durability, particle size distribution, ash melting behaviour, chemical composition and impurities.

This standard ensures that sub‑samples are representative of the original material by describing correct sample reduction principles and practical apparatus and procedures for sample division and particle size reduction.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Principles of representative sample reduction: each particle must have an equal probability of selection; avoid changes in composition (e.g., moisture loss or loss of fines).
• Stages of sample preparation: separation of moisture analysis sample early; mixing; initial division; pre‑drying; coarse cutting (to