Difference between the results obtained by DIN and ASTM procedures in the bulk density of solid biomasses

Abstract

The standardization of the tests ensures that the methodology used guarantees a reproducibility of the experiment and a reliability of the result. However, to perform some tests on a laboratory scale, an adaptation is necessary to adjust to a quantity of sample or to a non-operational parameter. The objective of this work was to validate and compare two different tests of apparent density for biomass, following the standards ASTM E873 and DIN EN 17828, but with changes (laboratory scale) in the volume to be measured of the sample and the container. The container was made with reduced dimensions proportionately. The procedure was performed by 6 operators (3 DIN and 3 ASTM) with six materials (biomass) of different physical characteristics. The results showed that the procedures of both standards result in approximate values in relation to the bulk density of the materials. It was also observed that the heterogeneity of the material and the manual procedures (suggested by the standard) contributed to some divergences in the results. Finally, it was concluded that a greater repetition is recommended to reduce the error due to variation of results between as measurements.