Biochar Product Definition and Standard DRAFT VERSION
Type of Document:
Status of Document:
Revision Number:
Revision Date:
Original Date:
Document Reference Code:
Product Definition and Standard
Preliminary Draft for Review Only
0
Nov 23 2010
Nov 23 2010
IBI-STD-0
Leading Carbon Ltd.
Nov 2010
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
Forward
This Biochar Product Standard has been developed through the International Biochar Initiative
(IBI) with the collaboration of a wide variety of industry experts on an international level. This
standard can then be leveraged into the various national and regional product standards bodies,
as may be appropriate. By starting with the IBI, the discussion can be focused among experts
in the field, ensuring an efficient path from concept to final product.
This Biochar Product Standard has been developed with the intent of improving the Biochar
industry through achieving more consistent levels of product quality and making standard
information more consistently accessible, as well as to further the use, understanding and
benefits of Biochar. The Biochar Product Standard project approach is designed to support an
IBI certification program.
The proposed standard development process will rely on the following principles:





Build from congruence in best practice guidance for standards development (ISO, ASTM,
IEEE).
Strict adherence to process to ensure that the process yields appropriate results
efficiently.
Engage the knowledgeable, diverse and independent working group from among the
broad range stakeholders active in the biochar industry.
Rely on existing infrastructure and capacity within IBI for leadership and administration
of initiative.
Formalize and validate standard development and review process.
The participants charged with the development of the standardization of Biochar have been
divided into two working groups. The working groups have been organized as follows:
Working Group #1:
North America/South America/Africa
Working Group #2:
Asia/Europe/Australia/New Zealand
Jim Amonette, United States
Jason Aramburu, United States
Louis de Lange, South Africa
Mariam Ekebafe, Nigeria
Johannes Lehmann, United States
Kim Magrini, United States
Hugh McLaughlin, Canada
Rene Pigeon, Canada
Joseph Pignatello, United States
Jesus Garcia, Columbia
Rogerio Traballi, Brazil
Sunguo Wang, Canada
Marta Camps, New Zealand
Thomas Harttung, Denmark
Michael Hayes, Ireland
Stephen Joseph, Australia
Rupam Kataki, India
Guitong Li, China
Franco Miglietta, Italy
Amran Salleh, Malaysia
Yoshiyuki Shinogi, Japan
Balwant Singh, Australia
Saran Sohi, United Kingdom
Lukas Van Zwieten, Australia
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
Scope
Effective Date
References
Terms and Definitions
Feedstock material and Biochar production
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
General feedstock material requirements
Feedstock material reporting
General Biochar process requirements
Biochar process reporting
5.4.1
6
5
Product Characteristics
5
Biochar product requirements relevant to safe soil application
Mean Residence Time
Soil Fertility Characteristics
General Biochar Characteristics
Class Definitions and Usage
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3
Class I – Water Retention
Class II – Liming Agent
Class III – Nutrient Retention Agent
Product Safety
7.1
7.2
8
3
4
4
5
Process Types
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
7
1
1
1
2
3
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
9
Flash point and flammability
Alkalinity
9
9
Product Marking and Instructions
9
8.1
8.2
8.3
IBI Marking General Requirements
Product information requirements
Transportation and storage instruction
9
9
10
9 Conformity and Record Keeping
Appendix 1 – Calculation Methods for Product Definitions
Appendix 2 - Class Definitions for BioChar
Appendix 3 – Marking and Labeling Examples
10
1
2
5
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
1 Scope
This standard is concerned with establishing measurement, reporting methods, instructions and
markings for the product characteristics of concern for Biochar as a soil improvement agent and
as an avenue for carbon sequestration.
Different applications, differentiated levels of quality and different grades of Biochar are defined
in this standard as means for subjugation of Biochar products.
This standard does not provide limits or terms for defining the sustainability of a Biochar
product on a life cycle analysis basis, be it for a certification scheme or otherwise.
2 Effective Date
The effective date of this standard is to be [August 1 2011].
3 References
[identify here all reference documents or standards identified as part of or support to this
document]
FSC-STD-60-006 – Process requirements for the development of national or sub-national Forest
Stewardship Standards
ISO 334:1992, Solid mineral fuels — Determination of total sulfur — Eschka method
ISO 351:1996, Solid mineral fuels — Determination of total sulfur — High temperature
combustion method
ISO 562:1998, Hard coal and coke — Determination of volatile matter
ISO 609:1996, Solid mineral fuels — Determination of carbon and hydrogen — High
temperature combustion method
ISO 687:2004, Solid mineral fuels — Coke — Determination of moisture in the general analysis
test sample
ISO 1171:1997, Solid mineral fuels — Determination of ash
ISO 1928:1995, Solid mineral fuels — Determination of gross calorific value by the bomb
calorimetric method, and calculation of net calorific value
ISO 2859 (all parts), Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes
ISO 17512-1:2008 – Soil quality -- Avoidance test for determining the quality of soils and effects
of chemicals on behaviour -- Part 1: Test with earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei)
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
1
ISO 17512-2 (under development) - Soil quality -- Avoidance test for determining the quality of
soils and effects of chemicals on behaviour -- Part 2: Test with collembolans (Folsomia candida)
4 Terms and Definitions
[identify here all technical terms that may not be clear or may have subjective definitions]
Agrichar - A registered trademark held by BEST Energies for biochar produced by a proprietary
slow pyrolysis process.
Biochar – A solid carbonaceous material obtained from thermally degrading [biomass / organic
matter/ waste material] in the presence of little or no oxygen. The resulting material has
properties that have the potential to improve soil fertility and sequester carbon in soil. These
properties are measureable and verifiable in a characterization scheme.
Biomass – Biological material derived from, or produced by living, or recently living organisms
usually associated with an energetic value that can be realized through various chemical or
biological processes. Biomass does not include petroleum related resources from ancient or
fossilized biological material.
Char – Any solid product of pyrolysis or combustion, including that from natural fires, gasifier
operations, coal bursning facilities, etc.
Feedstock Material – The material used for undergoing the pyrolysis or carbonization process to
create Biochar. Typically for Biochar, the feedstock material consists of [biomass, organic
material or solid wastes].
Flash Pyrolysis — A batch slow-pyrolysis process conducted under 10 atmospheres pressure
that is complete in about 30 minutes.
Highest Treatment Temperature (HTT) – The maximum temperature observed during the
pyrolysis or carbonization process during which Biochar is created.
Hydrothermal Conversion — A process in which wet biomass is heated for several hours at
about 180-250°C and subjected to autogenous pressure to yield a lignitic coal-like solid product
(also known as “coalification”).
Labile Carbon – The portion of carbon retained in a Biochar after pyrolysis which is likely to be
released to the environment in under [100 years]. It is likely that once the labile carbon is
released to the environment, it will partake in chemical or biological reactions in the
environment so as to be ultimately converted to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Manufacturer – The party or parties responsible for the processing of feedstock materials into
Biochar. The manufacturer is the party who takes responsibility for acquiring appropriate
labelling, testing and standardization of biochar products.
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) – Domestic or small commercial non-hazardous wastes. MSW
includes garbage (e.g., milk cartons and coffee grounds), refuse (e.g., metal scrap, wall board,
and empty containers), sludge from a waste treatment plant, a water supply treatment plant, or
an air pollution control facility (e.g., scrubber sludge). Other discarded material, including solid,
semi-solid, liquid, or containing gaseous material resulting from community activities.
Organic Waste – Waste products which only contain hydrocarbon based materials such as
biological material, petroleum products including derived plastics, polymers and rubbers.
Pyrolysis – A thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the
absence of oxygen.
Recalcitrant Carbon – The portion of carbon retained in a Biochar after pyrolysis which is likely
to be retained in the biochar for more than [100 years]. This carbon is not likely to be
converted to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and is also called fixed carbon.
Torrefaction — A process in which biomass is slowly heated to about 250-280°C to release
moisture and densify into a more concentrated fuel source.
[DRAFT NOTES TO WGs: PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE MORE TERMS AND THEIR
DEFINITIONS OR REVISE THE EXSITING DEFINTIONS PROVIDED]
5 Feedstock material and Biochar production
5.1 General feedstock material requirements
The material used as feedstock to biochar processes have direct impacts on the nature and
quality of the resulting biochar and shall have any of the following properties:

Be of a cellulosic biomass origin with very little chemical or physical changes imposed.
Examples include but are not limited to: wood chips, corn stover, rice and peanut
hulls, tree bark, paper mill sludge, animal manure, forestry residues, natural
rubbers, municipal and agricultural organic wastes

Be a waste material or by-product of other value generation processes and not resulting
from the direct destruction of biomass systems or conversion of land use type
specifically for the generation of biochar feedstock material.
Examples include but are not limited to wood chips from unsuitable lumber or
forest residues from a logging operation, secondary mill sludge from a paper mill

Be of suitable physical and chemical characteristics for the biochar process through
which it is intended to undergo.
Examples include but are not limited to grain size, moisture content,
flammability, sulphur content
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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
Be free of any significant quantities of substances known to degrade the quality and
usefulness of the final biochar product or otherwise non-native biomass material.
Examples include, but are not limited, to wood preservatives or leaded paint on
waste wood
5.2 Feedstock material reporting
The feedstock material(s) used to generate biochar shall be made known by the manufacturer
or party responsible for the generation of biochar to the users or customers of the biochar
product as part of the product identification, bill of sale, or other commercial transactional
arrangements.
Suitability of biochar applications based on the feedstock material used shall also be included in
this information to the extent possible by the manufacturer or party responsible for the
generation of biochar. This information shall be provided in conjunction and coordination with
other process reporting requirements in this product standard [Section x.x].
5.3 General Biochar process requirements
The processes used to generate a biochar from the feedstock material shall:








Thermally degrade or pyrolyze the feedstock material with a highest treatment
temperature range [between #00 deg C and #00 deg C].
Provide a means to control the rate and extent to which the carbonization process
proceeds and therefore the residence time of feedstock in the process.
Restrict the available oxygen to an appropriate level [between 0% v/v – 5% v/v] such
that thermal degradation may occur with the absence or significant limitation of
oxidation.
Provide for a means of escape [and destruction] for volatile gases and derivatives from
the feedstock / biochar material in a safe, effective and reliable fashion.
Provide a mechanism to safely and effectively arrest the pyrolysis process. The method
to safely arrest the process must be an active form of suppression, such that it is
capable of stopping pyrolysis of feedstock already undergoing pyrolysis. Discontinuing
the supply of feedstock is not considered an active method for stopping the pyrolysis
process.
Provide a means to adjust the through-put of feedstock either by adjusting batch sizes
in the case of batched equipment or the rate of feedstock through-put in the case of
continuous operational equipment.
Maximize the consistency of the biochar production to the extent possible by limiting
variations in the process conditions relative to variations in the operating environment
and feedstock variability.
Have available upon request, accurate and precise information regarding the nature of
the process used including, process temperatures, residence times, oxygen content,
feedstock material(s), exhaust gas composition and any process anomalies which may
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
4
have occurred during production but did not affect product quality. Record keeping
requirements are described in Section X.
5.4 Biochar process reporting
5.4.1 Process Types
The five process types recognized as methods for generating Biochar are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Slow Pyrolysis - traditional (dirty, low char yields) and modern (clean, high char yields)
Flash Pyrolysis - modern, high pressure, higher char yields
Fast Pyrolysis - modern, maximizes bio-oil production, low char yields
Gasification - modern, maximizes bio-gas production, minimizes bio-oil production, low
char yields but highly stable, high ash content
5. Hydrothermal Carbonization - under development, wet feedstock, high pressure, highest
“char” yield but quite different composition and probably not as stable as pyrolytic
carbons
[NOTE TO WORKING GROUPS: GREATER DETAIL AND DESCRIPTION ARE REQUIRED TO
DIFFERENTIATE THE PROCESS TYPES INCLUDING QUANTIFIED DIFFERENCES IN
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE AND RESIDENCE TIME]
The type of Biochar process used shall be identified as part of the marking and labeling of the
product.
6 Product Characteristics
6.1 Biochar product requirements relevant to safe soil application
The following table provides the limits and testing methods for determining whether a Biochar
product is safe for soil application. Biochar products shall be tested with a representative
feedstock and process and shall remain within the limits specified according to the test methods
specified.
Requirement
Total Al
Total As
Total B
Total Cd
Total Co
Total Cr
Total Cu
Total Hg
Total Mn
Total Mo
Total Na
Total Ni
Limit
[<5]
[13 to 75]
[<5]
[3 to 20]
[34 to 150]
[210 to 1060]
[100 to 760]
[0.8 to 5]
[<5]
[5 to 20]
[<5]
[62 to 180]
Unit
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
Test Method
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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Total Pb
Total Se
Total Zn
Polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons
Polychorinated
Biphenyls
Furans
Dioxins
Seed germination /
worm avoidance
test
[150 to 500]
[2 to 14]
[500 to 1850]
[<5]
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
[<5]
mg/kg
[-]
[<5]
[<5]
[<5]
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
[-]
[-]
[-]
When a new feedstock material is added to the process, the limits and testing methods for
determining the safe applicability for a Biochar shall be repeated.
6.2 Mean Residence Time
The following table provides the limits and testing methods for determining whether a Biochar
product has a suitable degree of stability in soil. Biochar products shall be tested with a
representative feedstock and process and shall remain within the limits specified according to
the test methods specified.
Requirement
Total C
Limit
4000 - 8000
Unit
g/kg
Ratio of Fixed C :
Total Carbon
>40%
%
Test Method
[ISO 609:1996, Solid mineral fuels —
Determination of carbon and hydrogen —
High temperature combustion method]
[ISO 562:1998, Hard coal and coke —
Determination of volatile matter] & [ISO
1171:1997, Solid mineral fuels —
Determination of ash] & Method for
determining ratio of fixed vs total carbon in
Appendix X
Testing and calculation methods for determining the Ratio of Fixed C : Total C is given in
Appendix X.
6.3 Soil Fertility Characteristics
The following table provides the limits and testing methods for determining whether a Biochar
product improves the fertility of soil. Biochar products shall be tested with a representative
feedstock and process and shall remain within the limits specified according to the test methods
specified.
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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Requirement
pH
Electrical conductivity
Ash content
Liming potential
H:C ratio
C:N ratio
Available P
Available K
Inorganic N /
mineralizable N
Surface area
Sorption of a test
molecule
Cation exchange
capacity
Water holding capacity
Rate of oxidation /
surface changes
Limit
[5.5 to 11]
[<5]
[<5]
[<5]
[0.1 to
0.6]
[<20]
[<5]
[<5]
[<5]
Unit
Test Method
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
[-]
[-]
[-]
[<5]
[<5]
mg/kg
mg/kg
[-]
[-]
[<5]
mg/kg
[-]
[<5]
[<5]
mg/kg
mg/kg
[-]
[-]
6.4 General Biochar Characteristics
The following table provides the limits and testing methods for determining whether a Biochar
product is suitable for general storage, transport and manipulation. Biochar products shall be
tested with a representative feedstock and process and shall remain within the limits specified
according to the test methods specified.
Requirement
Particle size distribution
Moisture content
Bulk density
Flash point
Limit
[<5]
[<5]
[<5]
[<80]
Unit
mg/kg
mg/kg
mg/kg
C
Test Method
[-]
[-]
[-]
[-]
6.5 Class Definitions and Usage
As per the schedule attached in Appendix X , the class definitions of Biochar shall be included
with the product such that the information regarding class usages can be made known to users
of Biochar.
The proposed definitions of the classes are given in the following subsections. Each Biochar
product may be applicable to multiple classes if the constraints for multiple classes are met by a
Biochar product.
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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6.5.1 Class I – Activated Carbon / Water treatment / Air treatment
Class I Biochars shall conform to the constraints as given in Appendix X.X. Class I Biochar is
specified as safe for general handling with a neutral pH (5.5 – 8.5) and acts as a carbon
sequestration product (100 year CO2e) for at least 50% of the Biochar by mass.
This class of Biochar has the ability to adsorb volatile organic compounds and minerals from
fluids and act as a purifying agent to water or air. This class of Biochar requires the most
extensive processing and processing control rigor and generally has the highest production cost.
6.5.2 Class II – Agricultural Soil Amendment
Class II Biochars shall conform to the constraints as given in Appendix X.X. Class II Biochar is
specified as safe for application as a neutral or liming agent to neutral or acidic soil types with a
pH (5.5 – 11.0) and acts as a carbon sequestration product (100 year CO2e) for at least 50% of
the Biochar by mass.
This class of Biochar is safe for general handling and can be applied to agricultural or
horticultural soils as a soil amendment substance without risk of toxin or poisoning the soil.
Care must be given to ensure the correct amendment is given for the type of soil. This class of
Biochar requires a high fixed carbon content, though not as high as Class I, and requires that
there be negligible amounts of heavy metals, toxins and that the pH is appropriate for the soil.
6.5.3 Class III – General Carbon Sequestration
Class III Biochars shall conform to the constraints as given in Appendix X.X. Class III Biochar is
specified as safe for application as a neutral or liming agent to neutral or acidic soil types with a
pH (5.5 – 11.0) and acts as a carbon sequestration product (100 year CO2e) for at least 50% of
the Biochar by mass.
This class of Biochar is generally safe for handling and application to ground surfaces, however
will not necessarily improve the productivity of soils. This class of Biochar is appropriate only as
a general land fill and an agent to sequester carbon.
6.5.4 Class IV – Restricted Carbon Sequestration
Class IV Biochars shall conform to the constraints as given in Appendix X.X. Class IV Biochar is
NOT specified as safe for application as a neutral or liming agent to neutral or acidic soil types
and acts as a carbon sequestration product (100 year CO2e) for at least 50% of the Biochar by
mass.
Class IV Biochars must be handled with specific care related to the flash point, volatility, acidity
or alkalinity, toxin content and special procedures must be adopted when storing or
transporting this product. This product is only applicable as a specialized fill, binding agent for
concrete, or other controlled deep fill procedures for carbon sequestration.
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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7 Product Safety
7.1 Flash point and flammability
[The Biochar product shall have a flash point no lower than 80C. It shall not be prone to auto
ignition when stored or transported in accordance with the manufacturers recommended
storage or transportation methods.]
[The biochar product shall not be prone to releasing volatiles when stored or transported in
accordance with the manufacturers recommended storage or transportation methods.]
7.2 Alkalinity
[The Biochar product shall have its alkalinity marked on the packaging and the potential
hazards associated with it if contact occurs in solution with human skin, ingestion, or contact
with eyes if applicable.]
8 Product Marking and Instructions
8.1 IBI Marking General Requirements
The IBI label shall be attached or included in transactional documents, packaging,
advertisement or other commercial documentation associated with a Biochar product if and only
if all the requirements of this standard are adhered to in their entirety.
The IBI label shall be not be larger than [5%] of the surface on which it is included and shall
not give the impression that the product has direct providence from the IBI or any of its
associates. The label shall be placed in a fashion that is visible and clear, however not mistaken
as the entity responsible for the production, sale or use of the biochar product.
An example of the IBI product standard label is included in Appendix X
8.2 Product information requirements
Included with the IBI label, the manufacturer shall make available to the user, information
pertaining to:





The feedstock material(s).
The intended applications according to class type (carbon sequestration, soil nutrient
enhancement, pH balancing, etc.) including other relevant information (carbon
sequestration value, pH, etc.).
Suitable application methods (direct application, tillage, burial only, etc).
Flammability or flash point information including other relevant safety concerns
regarding transportation and application methods or constraints.
Other materials combined or otherwise mixed with the biochar (soils, fertilizers, etc.).
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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8.3 Transportation and storage instruction
The manufacturer shall make available to the user, instructions for suitable storage and
transportation methods with respect to maintaining:


The safety of the users and foreseeable non-users whose presence is anticipatable in
the intended or normal use of the product.
The quality of the product in terms of soil safety, carbon stability, soil fertilization
properties and other general properties as described in this standard (see Section X)
9 Conformity and Record Keeping
Strict documentation and reporting are required by producers seeking to gain the IBI’s
confidence in product certification and standardization. Being a product of potentially variable
feedstock, the reporting of biochar feedstock contents, pyrolysis process and end-product
quality are all necessary to provide adequate assurance in end-product uniformity. As such,
record keeping will be mandatory, not only for the purpose of proof-of-adequate sample
testing, but also for proof of product authorization though time.
Chain of custody and product traceability will require an assurance that adequate care and
transparency is being exercised to enable trace-back of end products to producers and
feedstock suppliers from end-users across the biochar market. All levels in the biochar
production and supply chain will be required to participate in record keeping in order to
maintain quality assurance. For the sake of feedstock supplier and pyrolysis producer, files may
be amalgamated on site if this enables more accurate and longer-term full-circle accounting.
Producers and vendors will be required to maintain records in order to enable backtracking
between finished product on the shelf and the pyrolysis project operators.
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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Appendix 1 – Calculation Methods for Product Definitions
The method of determining the ratio of Fixed C : Total C is given in the calculation below.
Terms:
CTOT - The Total Carbon content - determined using {ISO 609:1996, Solid mineral fuels
— Determination of carbon and hydrogen — High temperature combustion method]
CFIXED – The Fixed Carbon content – calculated
A – The ash content – determined using [ISO 1171:1997, Solid mineral fuels —
Determination of ash]
MVOL – Mass of volatiles – determined using [ISO 562:1998, Hard coal and coke —
Determination of volatile matter]
x – ratio of fixed carbon to total carbon – calculated
The ratio of fixed carbon to total carbon shall be calculated using the formula below:
Where:
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
1
Appendix 2 - Class Definitions for BioChar
Appendix 2.1 – Class I
Class I Biochars are defined as having the ability to act as an adsorption agent for removing
pollutants from gases or liquids as an activated carbon. The following testing procedures are
used for testing and classifying activated carbon.
Liquid Adsorption











D3838-05 Standard Test Method for pH of Activated Carbon
D3860-98(2008) Standard Practice for Determination of Adsorptive Capacity of Activated
Carbon by Aqueous Phase Isotherm Technique
D4607-94(2006) Standard Test Method for Determination of Iodine Number of Activated
Carbon
D5029-98(2009) Standard Test Method for Water Solubles in Activated Carbon
D5158-98(2005) Standard Test Method for Determination of Particle Size of Powdered
Activated Carbon by Air Jet Sieving
D5919-96(2006) Standard Practice for Determination of Adsorptive Capacity of Activated
Carbon by a Micro-Isotherm Technique for Adsorbates at ppb Concentrations
D6385-99(2006) Standard Test Method for Determining Acid Extractable Content in
Activated Carbon by Ashing
D6586-03(2008) Standard Practice for the Prediction of Contaminant Adsorption On GAC
In Aqueous Systems Using Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests
D6647-01(2006) Standard Test Method for Determination of Acid Soluble Iron Via
Atomic Absorption
D6781-02(2007) Standard Guide for Carbon Reactivation
D6851-02(2007)e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Contact pH with
Activated Carbon
Gas Adsorption








ASTM D2854-09 Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated Carbon
ASTM D2862-10 Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular
Activated Carbon
ASTM D2866-94(2004) Standard Test Method for Total Ash Content of Activated Carbon
ASTM D2867-09 Standard Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
ASTM D3466-06 Standard Test Method for Ignition Temperature of Granular Activated
Carbon
ASTM D3467-04(2009) Standard Test Method for Carbon Tetrachloride Activity of
Activated Carbon
ASTM D3802-10 Standard Test Method for Ball-Pan Hardness of Activated Carbon
ASTM D3803-91(2009) Standard Test Method for Nuclear-Grade Activated Carbon
International Biochar Initiative – Product Definition and Standard DRAFT
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







ASTM D4069-95(2008) Standard Specification for Impregnated Activated Carbon Used to
Remove Gaseous Radio-Iodines from Gas Streams
ASTM D5159-04(2009) Standard Guide for Dusting Attrition of Granular Activated
Carbon
ASTM D5160-95(2008) Standard Guide for Gas-Phase Adsorption Testing of Activated
Carbon
ASTM D5228-92(2010) Standard Test Method for Determination of Butane Working
Capacity of Activated Carbon
ASTM D5742-95(2010) Standard Test Method for Determination of Butane Activity of
Activated Carbon
ASTM D5832-98(2008) Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter Content of Activated
Carbon Samples
ASTM D6646-03(2008) Standard Test Method for Determination of the Accelerated
Hydrogen Sulfide Breakthrough Capacity of Granular and Pelletized Activated Carbon
ASTM D7385-07 Standard Guide for Estimating Carbon Saturation by Temperature Rise
upon Immersion
The criteria / parameters which must be met according to the above standards for a Biochar to
be considered a Class I Biochar are:
-
xxx
[NOTE TO WGs: CLASIFYING CRITERIA REQUIRED HERE]
Appendix 2.2 – Class II
Class II Biochars are defined as having the ability to act as an admendment agent for soils. The
following testing procedures are used for testing and classifying the Biochars.



ISO 17512-1:2008 – Soil quality -- Avoidance test for determining the quality of soils
and effects of chemicals on behaviour -- Part 1: Test with earthworms (Eisenia fetida
and Eisenia andrei)
ISO 17512-2 (under development) - Soil quality -- Avoidance test for determining the
quality of soils and effects of chemicals on behaviour -- Part 2: Test with collembolans
(Folsomia candida)
Germination test (?)
The criteria / parameters which must be met according to the above standards for a Biochar to
be considered a Class II Biochar are:
-
xxx
[NOTE TO WGs: CLASIFYING CRITERIA REQUIRED HERE]
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Appendix 2.3 – Class III
[NOTE TO WGs: CLASIFYING CRITERIA REQUIRED HERE]
Appendix 2.4 – Class IV
[NOTE TO WGs: CLASIFYING CRITERIA REQUIRED HERE]
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Appendix 3 – Marking and Labeling Examples
An example IBI product marking is given below with the necessary product information as
described in this standard:
www.biochar-international.com
IBI APPROVED BIOCHAR PRODUCT
PRODUCT TYPE:
CLASS II - AGRICULTURAL
FEEDSTOCK TYPE:
WOODY RESIDUES, SAW DUST
PROCESS:
SLOW PYROLYSIS / 12 hour / 415C
STORAGE / TRANSPORT: SAFE FOR GENERAL HANDLING / DO NOT
STORE ABOVE 75C OR EXPOSE TO DIRECT
COMBUSTION OR SOURCES OF IGNITION /
VENTILATE STORAGE SPACES
FLASH POINT:
104C
pH:
9.7
APPLICATION:
ACIDIC – NEUTRAL SOILS / SANDY SOILS /
0.30 CARBON SEQUESTRATION RATIO
APPLICATOIN METHOD:
DIRECT
INGREDIENTS:
50% - BIOCHAR
45% - COMPOSTED SOIL MIXTURE
5% - WATER
APPROVAL DATE:
NOV 2010
APPROVAL INDEX:
123456789
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