EN ISO 18135:2017 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 18135:2017 (ISO 18135:2017) - "Solid Biofuels - Sampling" - defines standardized methods for preparing sampling plans and certificates and for taking representative samples of solid biofuels. It covers manual and mechanical sampling from sources such as production plants, deliveries (e.g., lorry loads), stockpiles and places of raw-material growth. The standard applies to a wide range of solid biofuels (fine and coarse particulates, bales, large pieces, vegetable and fibrous waste, thermally treated/densified materials and roundwood). It is explicitly not applicable to airborne dust.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Sampling schemes and plans: guidance for full and brief sampling plans, lot division, and model sampling certificates (Annex A).
• Increment strategy: principles for number and size of primary increments, calculation methods and overall precision targets.
• Equipment and methods: recommended manual tools (scoops, shovels, forks, probes/thieves, pipes/spears, grabs, frames, drills) and mechanical samplers (falling‑stream, cross‑belt samplers, mechanical probes, drills). Guidance on using coal sampling standards to check bias for mechanical sampling.
• Sampling situations: procedures for stationary materials (small packages, containers, stockpiles, ships, bales) and moving materials (falling streams, conveyor belts, bucket conveyors, grabs), and special methods for roundwood.
• Sample preparation, handling and storage: generation of combined and laboratory samples, packaging, identification/labeling, transport and storage recommendations.
• Performance and quality: annexes providing reference values, bulk density tables, guidelines for increments, and examples from BIONORM projects that support repeatable precision and traceability.
• Analytical targets: sampling methods intended to support subsequent tests such as moisture content, ash content, calorific value, bulk density, durability, particle size distribution, ash melting behaviour and chemical composition.

Practical applications & who uses this standard

• Producers and processors of wood pellets, wood chips, straw bales, olive stones, nut shells, thermally densified biomass and roundwood who need standardized sampling for quality control.
• Laboratories and testing facilities performing compositional and fuel-property analyses (moisture, calorific value, ash, etc.).
• Transporters, traders and logistics operators accepting or delivering consignments who require reliable sampling protocols and certificates.
• Certification bodies, regulators and procurement agencies that mandate traceable sampling for compliance, sustainability schemes and trading specifications.
• Researchers and consultants designing sampling plans for trials or large shipments.

Related standards and references

• EN ISO 18135:2017 is the CEN-endorsed version (EN ISO 18135:2017) and supersedes EN 14778:2011.
• Prepared by ISO/TC 238 (Solid biofuels) in collaboration with CEN/TC 335; consult national standards bodies or the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre for national implementations.

Keywords: EN ISO 18135:2017, ISO 18135:2017, solid biofuels sampling, sampling plan, sampling certificate, wood pellet sampling, wood chip sampling, moisture content testing, ash content, calorific value.