Just thought I'd post the PFI standards and some of the procedures we might be able to do. I'll attach the current standards and also the previous standards for giggles. I also like to discuss which procedures we might be able to handle(well me maybe). I been stowing gear and have access to some tech gadgets. But mainly calibrated stuff. My Omega meter is still passing calibrations and I might have found a way to have my portable scale calibrated as well. I been tackling the Fines using the method PFI explains in procedure #8.1.4, But using the Annex C.1 method which uses the whole 40 bag(mainly so we can also see the volume collected) and Bulk Density for a few years and its pretty easy really. Just follow what PFI explains in their procedure #8.1.1 I'd really like to take the next step and do both Ash content(ASTM D 1102) and Moisture content(ASTM E 871). I have found the ASTM D 1102 procedures(unfortunaely its outdated), And cannot locate the ASTM E 871. I could use a bit of help with that one. Thoughts?? Our am I getting to techie for a real word tester or should I say spot checker!
You have a muffle furnace, crucibles, and desiccator?? I'm gonna start calling you Dr. Frankentakeman.
If I don't own it I have access to it at the shop. Very chummy with the managers of the QA and R&D labs. I'm always fixin their gadgets for them.
In my previous life working in a paper mill I did hundreds if not thousands of ash tests on the pulp we produced. I'm very familiar with the process.
Cool, I may ask for tips. I'm going into the shop Friday. I got permission to use the equipment on my time. Gonna try my first ash test. Cross your fingers.
Me a geek? Maybe!! Lab coat √ Pocket protector √ Bribing a true geek to help ya = Priceless! Went to the shop to play and thought I'd be by myself. One of the techs was in doing samples for an new order. Pretty glad the tech was there, Helped out greatly with knowing where stuff was and how to actually use the equipment. Pretty much took over, So I went out on a coffee run. Made it look simple, So simple that I feel comfy doing them myself. I brought samples for 4 pellets I plan to test this season. I might even do a few more? Its cooler in the lab come winter. The tech enjoys running the oven as it warms the area up! As for doing moisture content, The tech has a few contacts(trying to locate ASTM E 871) . Pretty sure there's proper equipment to do it(another oven to keep warm with). Could be in the future? Asked about BTU's and it requires a very expensive piece of equipment. So that's probably not gonna happen.
I was doing some chatting today and got some info. Looks like PFI's moisture test(ASTM E 871) is over an 18 hour period. Ahhh NO!! Thats not gonna happen! We only have a single shift operation, So. Whats next? Maybe a modified microwave test that will take less than 10 minutes, Hmmmm....................
Here's the Euro version of PFI. I'd expect to see this rating on many of the pellets that go global. http://www.enplus-pellets.eu/ They have a handbook I need to locate.
www.enplus-pellets.eu/wp-content/uploads/.../ENplus-Handbook-2.0.pdf I downloaded it last year, but it looks like it is still current. FYI: It also references a "simplified procedure" for moisture: EN14774-2, described on page 34 Been lurking here on & off for a while... just haven't posted til now.
