Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the permissible feedstocks for the production of pyrogenic biocarbon, the test methods to be used and properties for pyrogenic biocarbon. The specification of properties is divided in a first part including basic specifications independent of any application and in a second part. Whether the specification of one of these properties is required depends on the application for which the material is intended: e.g. carbon storage, application with carbon storage, short-term material uses and combined material and energetic use.

The feedstock can originate from forestry and arboriculture, agriculture and horticulture as well as from aquaculture. These feedstocks may contain organic, including fossil, and/or inorganic impurities.

This document does not apply to fossil carbons and peat. Substances from the hydrothermal conversion or torrefaction of biomass are also considered as within the scope of the ISO 17222-series. The solely energetic use of any pyrogenic biocarbon is not within the scope of ISO 17222-series.

 Note 1: For energetic use of thermally treated biomass, e. g. by torrefaction or HTC, see ISO 17225-8.

Note 2: Pyrogenic biocarbon are typically produced by thermal treatment (e.g. pyrolysis) in the absence of oxygen and at temperatures above 400°C.

Note 3: Torrefaction is the mild thermal pre-treatment of biomass at temperatures of typically 200-300° C.

Purpose

The objective of this document is to provide unambiguous and clear specification and classification principles for pyrogenic biocarbon produced from biomass, to serve as a tool to enable efficient trading of pyrogenic biocarbon, to enable good understanding between seller and buyer. It will also facilitate authority permission procedures and reporting.

Detailed information about the background of pyrogenic biocarbon and the necessity of a standard for specification and classification of the material are given in N1275 “Road map on pyrogenic biocarbon”