Overview
EN ISO 21911-1:2023 - Solid recovered fuels - Determination of self-heating - Part 1: Isothermal calorimetry (ISO 21911-1:2022) specifies an analytical method to quantify spontaneous heat generation from solid recovered fuels (SRFs) using isothermal calorimetry. The standard describes the test principle, apparatus, and measurement of thermal power (heat flow) from SRF samples and provides guidance on the method’s applicability. It also establishes procedures for sampling, sample handling, transport, storage and sample preparation prior to analysis.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Principle: Measurement of heat flow from a test portion under isothermal conditions (direct quantification of thermal power).
- Applicability: Designed to detect low-temperature exothermic activity (biological, chemical, physical) relevant to storage and handling risks; typical calorimeter operating range noted as approximately 5 °C to 90 °C.
- Sampling & sample handling: Procedures for representative sampling, transport, storage and preparation of SRF test portions before analysis.
- Test procedure elements: Temperature stabilization, sample vial preparation, baseline measurements (before and after), sample measurement, and data file management.
- Results & reporting: Requirements for recording test data and reporting measured heat flow; the method quantifies heat generation but does not identify the source of self-heating in the test portion.
- Calibration & examples: Includes normative guidance for calorimeter calibration and informative examples of isothermal calorimetric measurements.
- Limitations: Data relate to the specific composition, quality and age of the analysed sample; other methods may be needed for high-temperature behavior investigation.
Applications and Who Uses It
EN ISO 21911-1:2023 is intended for stakeholders involved in production, transport, storage and use of SRFs:
- SRF producers and quality control teams - to monitor thermal activity and accept/reject batches.
- Logistics and storage operators - to assess fire risk in stockpiles and silos.
- Energy users and plant operators - to evaluate fuel safety and handling requirements.
- Equipment suppliers and manufacturers - to design safe handling, storage and monitoring systems.
- Regulators, consultants and insurance providers - to support hazard and risk assessments, safety specifications and insurance evaluations.
Practical use cases include quality control testing, hazard identification, risk assessments for storage/transport, and supporting safety protocols to reduce the incidence of SRF self-heating and fires.
Related Standards
- ISO 21637 - Solid recovered fuels: Vocabulary
- ISO 21645 - Solid recovered fuels: Methods for sampling
- EN ISO 21911 series - Part 1 is one element of the broader SRF self-heating test suite; consult national standards bodies for the full series and implementation guidance.