Biomass - Products Wood Pellet Specification

Specifications of biomass products
traded on
the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange
(Edition 2: July 2017)
https://biomass.exchange
Specifications of Biomass Products traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange Page 2 of 36
CONTENTS
1 WOODY BIOMASS ............................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Wood Pellets .....................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood pellets...................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1.1 Wood Pellets A1 ................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1.2 Wood Pellets A2 ................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1.3 Wood Pellets B ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1.4 Wood Pellets I1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.1.5 Wood Pellets I2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.1.6 Wood Pellets I3 ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.2 Accredited wood pellets ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.2.1 Wood Pellets DINplus A1..................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.2.2 Wood Pellets DIN B ............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.1.2.3 Wood Pellets ENplus A1 .................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.2.4 Wood Pellets ENplus A2 .................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.2.5 Wood Pellets ENplus B ...................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.2.6 Wood Pellets PFI Premium ................................................................................................................................. 12
1.1.2.7 Wood Pellets PFI Standard ................................................................................................................................. 12
1.1.2.8 Wood Pellets PFI Utility ..................................................................................................................................... 12
1.1.2.9 Wood Pellets CANplus A1 ................................................................................................................................. 14
1.1.2.10 Wood Pellets CANplus A2 ................................................................................................................................. 14
1.1.2.11 Wood Pellets CANplus B ................................................................................................................................... 14
1.1.3 Thermally treated wood pellets ......................................................................................................................................... 16
1.1.3.1 Torrefied Wood Pellets 1H ................................................................................................................................. 16
1.1.3.2 Torrefied Wood Pellets 1L .................................................................................................................................. 16
1.1.3.4 Torrefied Wood Pellets 2L.................................................................................................................................. 16
1.1.3.6 Torrefied Wood Pellets 3L.................................................................................................................................. 16
1.2 Wood Briquettes........................................................................................................................................................... 18
1.2.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood briquettes ............................................................................................................ 18
1.2.1.1 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A1 ........................................................................................................................ 18
1.2.1.2 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A2 ........................................................................................................................ 19
1.2.1.3 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) B ........................................................................................................................... 19
1.2.1.4 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A1 ....................................................................................................................... 19
1.2.1.5 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A2 ....................................................................................................................... 19
1.2.1.6 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) B ......................................................................................................................... 19
1.2.1.7 Wood Briquettes (RUF) A1 ................................................................................................................................ 19
1.2.1.8 Wood Briquettes (RUF) A2 ................................................................................................................................ 20
1.2.1.9 Wood Briquettes (RUF) B .................................................................................................................................. 20
1.2.2 Accredited wood briquettes ................................................................................................................................................ 22
1.2.2.1 Wood Briquettes DINplus ................................................................................................................................... 22
1.2.3 Thermally treated wood briquettes ................................................................................................................................... 23
1.2.3.1 Torrefied Wood Briquettes 1H ........................................................................................................................... 23
1.2.3.2 Torrefied Wood Briquettes 1L ............................................................................................................................ 24
1.2.3.7 Wood Briquettes (PINI KAY) 1H ...................................................................................................................... 24
1.2.3.8 Wood Briquettes (PINI KAY) 1L ....................................................................................................................... 24
1.3 Firewood......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
1.3.1 Lab tested, but not accredited firewood .......................................................................................................................... 27
1.3.1.1 Firewood A1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
1.3.1.2 Firewood A2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
1.3.1.3 Firewood B ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
To add a new type of biomass product – submit application for FREE now!
1.4 Wood Chips ................................................................................................................................................................... 28

1.4.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood chips ..................................................................................................................... 28
1.4.1.1 Wood Chips A1 .................................................................................................................................................. 28
1.4.1.2 Wood Chips A2 .................................................................................................................................................. 29
1.4.1.3 Wood Chips B1 ................................................................................................................................................... 29
1.4.1.4 Wood Chips B2 ................................................................................................................................................... 29
1.5 Sawdust .......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
1.5.1 Lab tested, but not accredited sawdust............................................................................................................................ 31
1.5.1.1 Sawdust A ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
1.5.1.2 Sawdust B ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
1.6 Wood Charcoal ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
1.6.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood charcoal ............................................................................................................... 32
1.6.1.1 Wood Charcoal A ............................................................................................................................................... 32
1.6.1.2 Wood Charcoal B................................................................................................................................................ 32
1.7 Wood Charcoal Briquettes ........................................................................................................................................ 33
1.7.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood charcoal briquettes ........................................................................................... 33
1.7.1.1 Wood Charcoal Briquettes A .............................................................................................................................. 33
1.7.1.2 Wood Charcoal Briquettes B .............................................................................................................................. 33
2 HERBACEOUS BIOMASS ............................................................................................................................. 35
3 FRUIT BIOMASS .............................................................................................................................................. 35
4 AQUATIC BIOMASS ....................................................................................................................................... 35
5 BIOMASS BLENDS & MIXTURES ............................................................................................................. 35
6 Bibliography......................................................................................................................................................... 36
1 WOODY BIOMASS
Woody biomass is plant material from trees, bushes, and shrubs. It can include roots, bark, leaves, branches,
limbs, trunks, and vines. Woody biomass can originate from many sources, consisting of residues from
forestry industries that make products out of wood, like furniture or paper; tree and shrub trimmings from
urban areas; forest thinning; and trees grown in farms for energy.
1.1 Wood Pellets

Wood pellets are made of woody biomass with or without additives in the form of cubiform, polyhedral,
polyhydric or cylindrical units, random length and typically 3.15 mm to 40 mm, a diameter up to 25 mm and
with broken ends. Wood pellets are usually made of sawmill residues: dry shaving, sawdust, chip fines,
barks, trimmings, etc. Pellets are used mainly as a fuel for housing heating systems and for industrial
burners that generate heat or/and electricity. Aside from heating, wood pellets may be used for horse stall
bedding, kitty litters and as a natural fertilizer for gardening.
Figure 1 – Dimensions of wood pellets
D diameter
L length
1.1.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood pellets

The category contains wood pellets, which had not been rated by quality mark agencies and don’t have, for
example, ENplus Logo. However, the seller must be ready to provide test results made by an independent
testing body verifying the declared pellet parameters (moisture, ash content, etc.).
1.1.1.1 Wood Pellets A1

Product name Wood Pellets A1 represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass
Exchange and which are not accredited by any quality mark, but fit the A1 specification indicated in Table 1
(below). The seller must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that confirms
the declared pellets’ parameters (moisture, ash content, etc.).
1.1.1.2 Wood Pellets A2

Product name Wood Pellets A2 represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass
Exchange and which are not accredited by any quality mark, but fit the A2 specification indicated in Table 1
(below). The seller must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that confirms
the declared pellets’ parameters (moisture, ash content, etc.).
1.1.1.3 Wood Pellets B

Product name Wood Pellets B represents (residential) wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited by any quality mark, but fit the B specification indicated in
Table 1 (below). The seller must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that
confirms the declared pellets’ parameters (moisture, ash content, etc.).
Table 1. Specification of Wood pellets A1, A2 and B

Property Unit A1 A2 B Testing standard
Diameter (Figure 1) mm 6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1 ISO 17829

Length (Figure 1) mm 3.15 < L ≤ 40 4) ISO 17829
Moisture w-%2) ≤ 10 ISO 18134
Ash w-%3) ≤ 0.7 ≤ 1.2 ≤ 2.0 ISO 18122
Durability w-%2) ≥ 97.5 ≥ 96.5 ISO 17831-1
Fines (< 3,15 mm) w-%2) ≤ 1.0 EN 15210-1
Net Calorific Value kWh/kg 2
≥ 4.6 ISO 18125
MJ/kg ≥ 16.5
Bulk Density kg/m3 2) ≥ 600 ISO 17828
Nitrogen w-%3) ≤ 0.3 600 ≤≤BD
0.5≤ 750 ≤ 1.0 ISO 16948
Sulfur w-%3) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.05 ISO 16994
Chlorine w-%3) ≤ 0.02 ≤ 0.03 ISO 16994
Ash Deformation ≤0,03 CEN/TC 15370-1
Temperature1) °C Informative, should be stated
Arsenic mg/kg 3) ≤1 ISO 16968

Cadmium mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.5 ISO 16968
Chromium mg/kg 3)
≤10 ≤15 ISO 16968
Copper mg/kg 3)
≤10 ≤20 ISO 16968
Lead mg/kg 3)
≤10 ≤20 ISO 16968
Mercury mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Nickel mg/kg 3)
≤10 - ISO 16968
Zinc mg/kg 3)
≤100 ≤200 ISO 16968
Forest, plantation,
ISO 17225-2
Stem wood a) and other virgin
& ISO 17225-1
wood a)
By-products and ISO 17225-2
Chemically untreated wood b)
Types of wood 5) residues & ISO 17225-1
Chemically
Whole trees ISO 17225-2
untreated used
without roots a) & ISO 17225-1
wood c)
Logging residues ISO 17225-2
a)
& ISO 17225-1
1. ash is produced at 550 °C
2. as received
3. dry basis
4. A maximum of 1% of the pellets may be longer than 40mm, no pellets longer than 45mm are allowed.
5. Wood types, which are permitted to be used for wood pellet production
a) Wood, which was externally treated with wood preservatives against insect attack (e.g. lineatus), is not considered as chemically treated
wood. If all chemical parameters of the pellets comply with the limits and/or concentrations are too small to be concerned with.
b) Negligible levels of glue, grease and other timber production additives used in sawmills during production of timber and timber product from
virgin wood are acceptable, if all chemical parameters of the pellets are clearly within the limits and/or concentrations are too small to be
concerned with.
c) Demolition wood is excluded. Demolition wood is used wood coming from the demolition of buildings or civil engineering installations.
1.1.1.4 Wood Pellets I1

Product name Wood Pellets I1 represents (industrial) wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited by any quality mark, but fit the I1 specification indicated in


Table 2. Specification of Wood pellets I1, I2 and I3

Property Unit I1 I2 I3 Testing standard
Diameter (Figure 1) mm 6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1 or ISO 17829

6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1
10 ± 1 or 12 ± 1
Moisture w-% 2)
≤ 10 ISO 18134
Ash w-%3) ≤ 1.0 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 3.0 ISO 18122
Mechanical ISO 17831
Durability w-%2) 97.5 ≤ DU ≤ 99.0 97.0 ≤ DU ≤ 99.0 96.5 ≤ DU ≤ 99.0
Fines (< 3,15 mm) w-%2) ≤ 5.0 ≤ 6.0 EN 15210-1

≤ 5.0
Net Calorific Value kWh/kg 2 ≥ 4.6 ≥ 4.6 < 4.6 ISO 18125
MJ/kg ≥ 16.5 ≥ 16.5 < 16.5
Bulk Density kg/m3 2) ≥ 600 ISO 17828
Nitrogen w-%3) ≤ 0.3600 ≤ BD ≤ 750 ≤ 0.6 ISO 16948
Sulfur w-%3) ≤ 0.05 ISO 16994
Chlorine w-%3) ≤ 0.03 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.06 ISO 16994
Ash Deformation CEN/TC 15370-1
Temperature1) °C Informative, should be stated

Cadmium mg/kg 3)
≤1 ISO 16968
Chromium mg/kg 3)
≤15 ISO 16968
Copper mg/kg 3)
≤ 20 ISO 16968
Lead mg/kg 3)
≤ 20 ISO 16968
Mercury mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Zinc mg/kg 3)
≤200 ISO 16968
Forest, plantation and other virgin ISO 17225-1
Stem wood
wood
By-products and
Types of wood 5) Chemically untreated wood a) ISO 17225-1
residues
Chemically
untreated used ISO 17225-1
wood
2. as received
3. dry basis
4. A maximum of 1% of the pellets may be longer than 40mm, no pellets longer than 45mm are allowed.
5. Wood types that are permitted to be used for wood pellet production
a) Negligible levels of glue, grease and other timber production additives used in sawmills during production of timber and timber product from
virgin wood are acceptable if all chemical parameters of the pellets are clearly within the limits and concentrations are too small to be concerned
with.
1.1.2 Accredited wood pellets

The category contains wood pellets, which had been rated by quality mark agencies (like DIN CERTCO,
AEBIOM’s National Licensers, etc.). For example, a seller or trader of ENplus accredited wood pellets must
have a unique Certification Seal consisting of the ENplus Logo and a unique ENplus ID.
1.1.2.1 Wood Pellets DINplus A1

Product name Wood Pellets DINplus A1 represents wood pellets, listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “DINplus” quality mark provided by DIN CERTCO[1]. Wood pellets
being traded under that Product name must fit the DINplus A1 parameters summarized in Table 3 (below).
The seller must be ready to provide a valid Dinplus certificate to trade that class of pellets.
1.1.2.2 Wood Pellets DIN B

Product name Wood Pellets DIN B represents industry wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “DIN-Geprüft Industriepellets” quality mark provided by
DIN CERTCO[1]. Wood pellets being traded under that Product name must fit the DIN B parameters
summarized in Table 3 (below). The seller must be ready to provide a valid “DIN-Geprüft Industriepellets”
certificate to trade that class of pellets.
Table 3. Specification of wood pellets DINplus A1 and B [2]

Property Unit DINplus A1 DIN B
Diameter (Figure 1) mm WP_Din
D06, B6 ± 1.0 or D08, 8 ± 1.0
Length 1) (Figure 1) mm 3.15 < L ≤ 40
or 8 ± 1
Moisture content w-% ≤ 10
Ash content (550 °C) w-% ≤ 0.7 ≤ 3.0
Mechanical durability as received w-% ≥ 97.5 ≥ 96.5
Fines at the end of production line 2) Small bags (up to 20 kg):

(“at the factory gate”, last loading ≤ 0.5
w-% Large sacks and bulk ware: ≤ 1.0
before delivering to end-user)
≤ 1.0
Net Calorific Value as received MJ/kg ≥ 16.5 16.0 to 19.0
kWh/kg ≥ 4.6 4.4 to 5.3
Bulk Density as received kg/m3 600 ≤ BD ≤ 750 6) ≥ 600
Additives w-% ≤2 3, 4)
≤ 2 9)
Nitrogen w-% dry ≤ 0.3 ≤1
Sulfur w-% dry ≤ 0.04
Chlorine w-% dry ≤ 0.02 ≤0.03
Ash melting temperature °C ≥ 1200 5, 7)
Value must be stated
Arsenic mg/kg dry ≤1
Cadmium mg/kg dry ≤ 0.5
Chromium mg/kg dry ≤10
Copper mg/kg dry ≤10
Lead mg/kg dry ≤10
Mercury mg/kg dry ≤ 0.1
Nickel mg/kg dry ≤10
Zinc mg/kg dry ≤100
Forest, plantation and other
1.1.3 Stem wood 8)
virgin wood and used wood
Types of wood
1.2.1 Chemically untreated
By-products and residues from
wood residue 8)
wood processing industry
1. Amount of pellets longer than 40 mm can be 1 w-%. Maximum length shall be ≤ 45 mm. Pellets are longer than 3,15 mm, if they stay
on a round hole-sieve of 3,15 mm. Amount of pellets shorter than 10 mm, w-% recommended to be stated.
2. Parts of size less than 3.15 mm.
3. Type of additives to be defined. Examples are slagging inhibitors or any other additives like starch, corn flour, potato flour, vegetable
oil, lignin, which are allowed to aid to production, delivery or combustion
4. Material, which is intentionally added to the raw material to improves quality of fuel (e.g. combustion properties), reduces emissions or
makes production more efficient.
5. A different temperature as 550 °C for pre-ashing should be stated.
6. It is recommended actual value of bulk density to be stated. This is especially important for household burners and stoves with no
automatic control of air supply and thus are sensitive to variations in bulk density.
7. It is recommended that all characteristic temperatures (shrinkage starting temperature (SST), deformation temperature (DT)
8. Wood pellets may only be produced from untreated wood also with the addition of pressing aids. Manufacturers of wood pellets must
keep records on the origin of their wood including a list of the suppliers recognized by the manufacturer and their confirmation to
delivery exclusively chemical untreated wood for the wood pellet production. The following wood classes are permitted according to
DIN EN ISO 17225-2,
9. Type of additives to be defined. Chemically unmodified products from primary agricultural and forestry biomass (for example
wholemeal corn, cornstarch and rye flour) may be mixed with the raw materials for the production of wood pellets to ease the pressing
procedure and also, as a result, an improvement of the energy balance and to increase the abrasion resistance.
1.1.2.3 Wood Pellets ENplus A1

Product name Wood Pellets ENplus A1 represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “ENplus A1” quality mark provided by The European Biomass
Association (AEBIOM)[3] or by its accredited National Licenser [4]. Wood pellets being traded under that
Product name must fit the ENplus A1 parameters summarized in Table 4 (below). The seller must be ready
to provide a unique Certification Seal consisting of the ENplus Logo and a valid ENplus ID in order to trade
that class of pellets.
1.1.2.4 Wood Pellets ENplus A2

Product name Wood Pellets ENplus A2 represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “ENplus A2” quality mark provided by The European Biomass
Product name must fit the ENplus A2 parameters summarized in Table 4 (below). The seller must be ready
1.1.2.5 Wood Pellets ENplus B

Product name Wood Pellets ENplus B represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “ENplus B” quality mark provided by The European Biomass
Product name must fit the ENplus B parameters summarized in Table 4 (below). The seller must be ready
Table 4. Specification of wood pellets ENplus A1, A2, B [5]

Property Unit Testing standard 12)
ENplus A1 ENplus A2 ENplus B
Diameter (Figure 1) mm 6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1 ISO 17829
Ash w-%3) ≤ 0.7 ≤ 1.2 ≤ 2.0 ISO 18122
Mechanical ISO 17831-1
Durability w-%2) ≥ 98.0 5) ≥ 97.5 5)
Fines (< 3,15 mm) w-%2) ≤ 1.0 6) (≤ 0.5 7)) ISO 18846
Temperature of
pellets °C ≤ 40 8) -
Net Calorific Value kWh/kg 2 ≥ 4.6 9) ISO 18125
Bulk Density kg/m3 2) 600 ≤ BD ≤ 750 ISO 17828
Additives w-%2) 600 ≤≤BD
2 10)≤ 750 -
Nitrogen w-%3) ≤ 0.3 ≤ 0.5 ≤ 1.0 ISO 16948
Sulfur w-%3) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.05 ISO 16994
Chlorine w-%3) ≤ 0.02 ≤ 0.03 ISO 16994
Temperature1) °C ≥ 1200 ≥ 1100 ≤0,03
Cadmium mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.5 ISO 16968
Chromium mg/kg 3) ≤10 ISO 16968
Copper mg/kg 3) ≤10 ISO 16968
Lead mg/kg 3) ≤10 ISO 16968
Mercury mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Nickel mg/kg 3)
≤10 ISO 16968
Zinc mg/kg 3)
≤100 ISO 16968
Forest, plantation
ISO 17225-2
& ISO 17225-1
wood a)
Chemically untreated by-products and residues from the ISO 17225-2
Types of wood 11) wood processing industry b) & ISO 17225-1
Chemically
a) untreated used
without roots & ISO 17225-1
wood c)
a)
& ISO 17225-1
2. as received
3. dry basis
4. a maximum of 1% of the pellets may be longer than 40mm, no pellets longer than 45mm are allowed.
5. at the loading point of the transport unit (truck, vessel) at the production site
6. at factory gate or when loading truck for deliveries to end-users (Part Load Delivery and Full Load Delivery)
7. at factory gate, when filling pellet bags or sealed Big Bags.
8. at the last loading point for truck deliveries to end-users (Part Load Delivery and Full Load Delivery)
9. equal to ≥ 16,5 MJ/kg as received
10. The amount of additives in production shall be limited to 1,8 w-%, the amount of post-production additives (e.g. coating oils) shall be limited
to 0,2 w-% of the pellets.
11. Wood types, which are permitted to be used for wood pellet production.
12. As long as the mentioned ISO standards are not published, analyses shall be performed according to related CEN standards
concerned with.
1.1.2.6 Wood Pellets PFI Premium

Product name Wood Pellets PFI Premium represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a related “PFI Graded Fuel” quality mark provided by The Pellet Fuels
Institute [6]. Wood pellets being traded under that Product name must fit the PFI Premium parameters
summarized in Table 5 (below). The seller must be ready to provide a lawful certification documents in
order to trade that class of pellets.
1.1.2.7 Wood Pellets PFI Standard

Product name Wood Pellets PFI Standard represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a related “PFI Graded Fuel” quality mark by The Pellet Fuels Institute [6].
Wood pellets being traded under that Product name must fit the PFI Standard parameters summarized in
Table 5 (below). The seller must be ready to provide a lawful certification documents in order to trade that
class of pellets.
1.1.2.8 Wood Pellets PFI Utility

Product name Wood Pellets PFI Utility represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a related “PFI Graded Fuel” quality mark by The Pellet Fuels Institute [6].
Wood pellets being traded under that Product name must fit the PFI Utility parameters summarized in Table
5 (below). The seller must be ready to provide a lawful certification documents in order to trade that class
of pellets.
Table 5. Specification of wood pellets PFI Premium, Standard and Utility [7]
Property PFI Premium PFI Standard PFI Utility

Bulk Density, lb./cubic foot 40.0 - 48.0 38.0 - 48.0
Diameter, inches (Figure 1) 0.230 - 0.285
Diameter, mm 5.84 - 7.25
Pellet Durability Index ≥ 96.5 ≥ 95.0
Fines, % (at the mill gate) ≤ 0.50 ≤ 1.0
Inorganic Ash, % ≤ 1.0 ≤ 2.0 ≤ 6.0

Length, % greater than 1.50 inches ≤ 1.0
(Figure 1)
Moisture, % ≤ 8.0 ≤ 10.0
Chloride, ppm ≤ 300
Heating Value N/A N/A N/A
600 ≤ BD ≤ 750
Table 5 Notes:
1. The following applies to all limits in this table: For purposes of determining the fuel grade, all properties must fall at or within the
specified limits listed for a particular grade. Observed or calculated values obtained from analysis shall be rounded to the nearest unit in
the last right-hand place of the figures used in expressing the limit in accordance with ASTM E 29 Standard Practice for Using
Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
2. It is the intent of these fuel grade requirements that failure to meet any fuel property requirement of a given grade does not
automatically place a fuel in the next lower grade unless it meets all requirements of the lower grade.
3. There are no specific grade requirements for heating value, however densified fuel manufacturers must provide a minimum higher
heating value guarantee on quality marked product when these standard specifications are used in conjunction with the PFI
Residential/Commercial Densified Fuel QA/QC Handbook and the ALSC Residential/Commercial Densified Fuel Enforcement
Regulations. Quality marked product must also disclose the type of materials used as well as any additives as specified in section 8 of
the PFI Residential/Commercial Densified Fuel QA/QC Handbook. Quality marked product must also exclude chemically treated
materials as specified in section 4.5 of the PFI Residential/Commercial Densified Fuel QA/QC Handbook.
4. NA – Not Applicable; No value has been established.
5. Fines content is to be determined at the production facility by the fuel producer. The fines determination shall reflect the amount of
fines at the mill gate as product is shipped. This is to be done by measuring the fines content of bagged product and/or through bulk
load outs (refer to Sections 8.1.4 or 8.1.5 for further information).
6. Diameter may be amended pending U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review.
1.1.2.9 Wood Pellets CANplus A1

Product name Wood Pellets CANplus A1 represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “CANplus A1” quality mark provided by the Wood Pellet
Association of Canada (WPAC) [8]. Wood pellets being traded under that Product name must fit the
CANplus A1 parameters (specification mirrors the ENplus A1 quality class) summarized in Table 6 (below).
The seller must be ready to provide a lawful certification documents in order to trade that class of pellets.
1.1.2.10 Wood Pellets CANplus A2

Product name Wood Pellets CANplus A1 represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “CANplus A2” quality mark provided by the Wood Pellet
CANplus A2 parameters (specification mirrors the ENplus A2 quality class) summarized in Table 6 (below).
1.1.2.11 Wood Pellets CANplus B

Product name Wood Pellets CANplus B represents wood pellets listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “CANplus B” quality mark provided by the Wood Pellet
CANplus B parameters (specification mirrors the ENplus B quality class) summarized in Table 6 (below).
Table 6. Specification of wood pellets CANplus A1, A2 and B [8]

Property Unit Testing standard 12)
CANplus A1 CANplus A2 CANplus B
Diameter mm 6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1 ISO 17829
Length mm 3.15 < L ≤ 40 4) ISO 17829
Ash w-%3) ≤ 0.7 ≤ 1.2 ≤ 2.0 ISO 18122
Mechanical ISO 17831-1
Durability w-%2) ≥ 98.0 5) ≥ 97.5 5)
Fines (< 3,15 mm) w-%2) ≤ 1.0 6) (≤ 0.5 7)) ISO 18846
Temperature of
pellets °C ≤ 40 8) -
Net Calorific Value kWh/kg 2 ≥ 4.6 9) ISO 18125
Bulk Density kg/m3 2) 600 ≤ BD ≤ 750 ISO 17828
Additives w-%2) 600 ≤≤BD
2 10)≤ 750 -
Nitrogen w-%3) ≤ 0.3 ≤ 0.5 ≤ 1.0 ISO 16948
Sulfur w-%3) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.05 ISO 16994
Chlorine w-%3) ≤ 0.02 ≤ 0.03 ISO 16994
Temperature1) °C ≥ 1200 ≥ 1100 ≤0,03
Cadmium mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.5 ISO 16968
Chromium mg/kg 3) ≤10 ISO 16968
Copper mg/kg 3) ≤10 ISO 16968
Lead mg/kg 3) ≤10 ISO 16968
Mercury mg/kg 3)
≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Nickel mg/kg 3)
≤10 ISO 16968
Zinc mg/kg 3)
≤100 ISO 16968
Forest, plantation
ISO 17225-2
& ISO 17225-1
wood a)
Chemically untreated by-products and residues from the ISO 17225-2
Types of wood 11) wood processing industry b) & ISO 17225-1
Chemically
a) untreated used
without roots & ISO 17225-1
wood c)
a)
& ISO 17225-1
2. as received
3. dry basis
4. a maximum of 1% of the pellets may be longer than 40mm, no pellets longer than 45mm are allowed.
5. at the loading point of the transport unit (truck, vessel) at the production site
6. at factory gate or when loading truck for deliveries to end-users (Part Load Delivery and Full Load Delivery)
7. at factory gate, when filling pellet bags or sealed Big Bags.
8. at the last loading point for truck deliveries to end-users (Part Load Delivery and Full Load Delivery)
9. equal ≥ 16,5 MJ/kg as received
10. The amount of additives in production shall be limited to 1,8 w-%, the amount of post-production additives (e.g. coating oils) shall be limited
to 0,2 w-% of the pellets.
11. The use of demolition wood and of chemically treated wood is not allowed for any CANplus pellets.
12. As long as the mentioned ISO standards are not published, analyses shall be performed according to related CEN standards
concerned with.
1.1.3 Thermally treated wood pellets

The category contains wood pellets, having a cylindrical form, a random length typically 5 mm to 40 mm,
diameter up to 25 mm and broken ends, which are produced by applying the thermal treatment. The seller
must be ready to provide testing results made by an independent testing body that confirms the declared
pellets’ parameters (moisture, ash content, etc.).
1.1.3.1 Torrefied Wood Pellets 1H

Product name Torrefied Wood Pellets 1H represents thermally treated wood pellets listed and traded on the
Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange, which fit the 1H specification summarized in Table 7 (below). The
seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an independent testing body that approves
specifications of pellets being traded.
1.1.3.2 Torrefied Wood Pellets 1L

Product name Torrefied Wood Pellets 1L represents thermally treated wood pellets listed and traded on the
Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange, which fit the L1 specification summarized in Table 7 (below). The


Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange, which fit the 2L specification summarized in Table 7 (below). The


Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange, which fit the 3L specification summarized in Table 7 (below). The
Table 7. Specification of Torrefied Wood Pellets [9]

Property Unit 1H 1L 2H 2L 3H 3L Testing standard
D06 to D25, D± 1;
D06, 6 ± 1;
Diameter, Db) and mm 3.15 < L ≤ 40 ISO 17829
Length, Lc) D08, 8 ± 1; (from D06 to D10)
(Figure 1)
3.15 < L ≤ 40 3.15 < L ≤ 50
(from D12 to D25)
Moisture, Md) w-%1) ≤8 ≤ 10 ≤8 ≤ 10 ≤ 10 ISO 18134-1, 18134-2
Ash, A w-%2) ≤ 1.2 ≤ 3.0 ≤ 5.0 ISO 18122
Mechanical w-% 1)
≥ 97.5 ≥ 96.0 ≥ 95.0 ISO 17831-1
Durability, DU
Fines, Fe) w-%1) ≤ 2.0 ≤ 1.0 ≤ 4.0 ≤ 2.0 ≤ 6.0 ≤ 3.0 ISO 18846
Net Calorific Value,
MJ/kg 2) ≥ 21.0 ≤ 21.0 ≥ 21.0 ≤ 21.0 ≥ 21.0 ≤ 21.0 ISO 18125
Qd g)
kWh/kg ≥ 5.8 ≤ 5.8 ≥ 5.8 ≤ 5.8 ≥ 5.8 ≤ 5.8
Bulk Density, BD kg/m3 1)
≥ 650 ≥ 700 ≥ 650 ≥ 550 ISO 17828
Additives f) w-%2) ≤4 Type and amount to be stated -
Nitrogen, N w-%2) ≤ 0.4 ≤ 1.0 ISO 16948
Sulfur, S w-%2) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.5 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.1 ISO 16994
Chlorine, Cl w-%2) ≤ 0.03 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.1 ISO 16994
Carbon, C w-%2) Value to be stated ISO 16948
≤0,03
Arsenic, As mg/kg 2)
≤1 ≤2 ISO 16968
Cadmium, Cd mg/kg 2)
≤ 0.5 ≤1 ≤2 ISO 16968
Chromium, Cr mg/kg 2)
≤ 10 ≤ 15 ISO 16968
Copper, Cu mg/kg 2)
≤ 10 ≤ 20 ISO 16968
Lead, Pb mg/kg 2) ≤10 ISO 16968
Mercury, Hg mg/kg 2)
≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Nickel, Ni mg/kg 2)
≤10 ISO 16968
Zinc, Zn mg/kg 2)
≤100 ISO 16968
Volatile matter, VM, w-% 2)
Value to be stated ISO 18123
Stem wood. Forest, plantation and other virgin
ISO 17225-1
Logging residues. wood
Chemically
Types of wood untreated wood By-products and residues from wood
ISO 17225-1
by-products and processing industry
residues a)
Whole trees
Chemically untreated used wood ISO 17225-1
without roots
All characteristic temperatures [shrinkage starting temperature (SST), deformation temperature (DT), hemisphere temperature (HT)
and flow temperature (FT)] in oxidizing conditions should be stated (not mandatory) ISO-21404.
1. mass fraction in % as received
2. mass fraction in % dry
a) Negligible levels of glue, grease and other timber production additives (<1 % in mass fraction) used in sawmills during production of
timber and timber product from virgin wood are acceptable if all chemical parameters of the pellets are clearly within the limits and/or
concentrations are too small to be concerned with.
b) Selected size D06 or D08 of pellets to be stated for TW1H and TW1L.
c) For D06 to D10, the amount of pellets longer than 40 mm can be 1 % in mass fraction. Maximum length shall be ≤45 mm.
d) At the point of delivery.
e) At the point of delivery. Fines less than 3,15 mm are screened by hand according to ISO 18846.
f) Type of additives to aid production, delivery or combustion (e.g. pressing aids, slagging inhibitors or any other additives like starch, corn
flour, potato flour, vegetable oil, lignin) must be stated.
g) Net calorific value as received (Q) resulting from net calorific value on dry basis 21,00 MJ/kg and moisture content (M) 8 % is 19,13
MJ/kg (5,3 kWh/kg) and by 10 % moisture content (M) is 18,65 MJ/kg (5,2 kWh/kg).
1.2 Wood Briquettes

Wood briquettes represent solid biofuel produced from natural wood and chemically untreated wood
residues or bark in natural state or also including additives, in the form of cubiform or cylindrical units and
with diameter of over 25 mm produced by compressing pulverized woody biomass. In general, briquettes
may have two sizes: smaller, such as pucks or cubes and larger, such as bricks or logs. Similar to wood
pellets, briquettes are a consistent solid biomass fuel. However, briquettes are less dense, constituent
particles are larger and typically require less drying leading to less power consumption and lower cost in
manufacturing than wood pellets. Wood briquettes may be used for residential space heaters, boilers and in
district heating.
Figure 2 – Shape and dimension of briquettes.
D - diameter
L1 - length
L2 - width
L3 - height or diameter for cylinder briquettes
1.2.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood briquettes

The category contains mechanically compressed wood briquettes, which had not been rated by quality mark
agencies and don’t have, for example, DINplus Logo. However, the seller must be ready to provide test
results made by an independent testing body verifying the declared parameters (moisture, ash, etc.) of
briquettes.
1.2.1.1 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A1

Product name Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A1 represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited by any quality mark, but fit the A1 specification
summarized in Table 8 (below). Round hydraulic NESTRO briquettes are produced by hydraulic presses
with the creation of backpressure by the collet. These cylindrical shape briquettes are usually of a diameter
of 50-90 mm and a length of 50-100 mm. The seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an
independent testing body that confirms the declared briquettes’ parameters.
1.2.1.2 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A2

Product name Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A2 represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
indicated in Table 8 (below). Round hydraulic NESTRO briquettes are produced by hydraulic presses with
the creation of backpressure by the collet. These cylindrical shape briquettes are usually of a diameter of 50-
90 mm and a length of 50-100 mm. The seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an
1.2.1.3 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) B

Product name Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) B represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited by any quality mark, but fit the B specification
indicated in Table 8 (below). Round hydraulic NESTRO briquettes are produced by hydraulic presses with
the creation of backpressure by the collet. These cylindrical shape briquettes are usually of a diameter of 50-
90 mm and a length of 50-100 mm. The seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an
1.2.1.4 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A1

Product name Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A1 represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
indicated in Table 8 (below). NIELSEN briquettes are made in a Nielsen press, which applies high pressure
with additional heating of briquette surfaces. Commonly used measures are approximately 90mm in
diameter x 270mm-300mm length with or without a hole down the middle.
The seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an independent testing body that confirms the
declared briquettes’ parameters.
1.2.1.5 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A2

Product name Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A2 represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited, but fit the A2 specification indicated in Table 8
(below). NIELSEN briquettes are made in a Nielsen press, which applies high pressure with additional
heating of briquette surfaces. Commonly used measures are approximately 90mm in diameter x 270mm-
300mm length with or without a hole down the middle.
1.2.1.6 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) B

Product name Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) B represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited, but fit the B specification indicated in Table 8
(below). NIELSEN briquettes are made in a Nielsen press, which applies high pressure with additional
heating of briquette surfaces. Commonly used measures are approximately 90mm in diameter x 270mm-
300mm length with or without a hole down the middle.
1.2.1.7 Wood Briquettes (RUF) A1

Product name Wood Briquettes (RUF) A1 represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
(below). The RUF name derives from Hans Ruf, who had founded a Germany company providing services
to the forestry industry. RUF machines are hydraulically powered, which ensures that the biomass (usually
Sawdust, wood chips, bark, wood shavings and wood dust) is compressed under high pressure into
briquettes (bricks) of uniform size and hardness, without the need for binders. The seller must be ready to
provide testing results made by an independent testing body that confirms the declared briquettes’
parameters.
1.2.1.8 Wood Briquettes (RUF) A2

Product name Wood Briquettes (RUF) A2 represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
(below). The RUF name derives from Hans Ruf, who had founded a Germany company providing services
to the forestry industry. RUF machines are hydraulically powered, which ensures that the biomass (usually
briquettes (bricks) of uniform size and hardness, without the need for binders. A seller must be ready to
show testing results provided by an independent testing body that confirms the declared briquettes’
parameters.
1.2.1.9 Wood Briquettes (RUF) B

Product name Wood Briquettes (RUF) B represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange and which are not accredited, but fit the B specification indicated in Table 8 (below).
The RUF name derives from Hans Ruf, who had founded a Germany company providing services to the
forestry industry. RUF machines are hydraulically powered, which ensures that the biomass (usually
briquettes (bricks) of uniform size and hardness, without the need for binders. The seller must be ready to
provide testing results made by an independent testing body that confirms the declared briquettes’
parameters.
Table 8. Specification of NESTRO, NIELSEN, and RUF wood briquettes’ classes: A1, A2, and B
Property Unit A1 A2 B
mm Diameter, width and length to be specified according to Figure 2 in section 1.2
NESTRO and NIELSEN: 25 < D ≤ 100; 50 < L1) ≤ 300
Dimension
RUF: 15 < L1) ≤ 200; 5 < L2) ≤ 100; 5 < L3) ≤ 100.
Shape Specify shape according to Figure 1 in section 1.2
NESTRO: 1; NIELSEN: 1 or 2; RUF: 4, 6 or 7.
Surface area of briquettes, including
cm2/kg Can be specified
the hole surface if any
Moisture, as received w-% ≤ 12 ≤ 15
Ash w-% ≤ 1.0 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 15 ≤ 3.0
dry
Mechanical durability w-% ≥ 95
Particle density, as received g/cm3 ≥ 1.0 ≥ 0.9

Net Calorific Value, as received
MJ/kg ≥ 17.5 ≥ 17.3 ≥ 16.5
Additives 1) w-%, ≤ 4 Type and amount to be stated

Nitrogen dry
w-% ≤ 0.3
Sulfur dry
w-% ≤ 0.08
Chlorine dry
w-% ≤ 0.03
Arsenic dry
mg/kg ≤2
Cadmium dry
mg/kg ≤2
Chromium dry
mg/kg ≤15
Copper dry
mg/kg ≤20
Lead dry
mg/kg ≤10
Mercury dry
mg/kg ≤ 0.1
Nickel dry
mg/kg ≤10
Zinc dry
mg/kg ≤100
dry
1.2.1 Chemically untreated wood residue (sawdust, shavings and cut-offs)
1.1.3 Stem wood

2)
Types of wood
1.1.4 Logging residues
1.1.1 Whole trees without roots
1.1.7, 1.1.6, 1.3.1, 1.2.2

1. Type of additives to be stated. An additive is a material, which improves the quality of the fuel (e.g. combustion properties), reduces
emissions or makes production more efficient. (e.g. starch, corn flour, potato flour, vegetable oil).
2. Wood briquettes of grade B may be also produced from tree thinnings, prunings and arboriculture operations in city parks (Classification
1.1.7), bark (Classification 1.1.6), and chemically untreated used wood (Classification 1.3.1). Grade B also includes chemically treated wood
by-products (Classification 1.2.2), as long as they do not contain heavy metals or halogenated organic compounds from treatment with wood
preservatives or coatings. Sources are expected to be free of contaminants such as stones, glass, metal, sand, plastics and rubber.
1.2.2 Accredited wood briquettes

The category reflects mechanically compressed wood briquettes, which had been rated by quality mark
agencies (like DIN CERTCO). For example, the seller of such wood briquettes must have a respective DIN
CERTCO certificate and be awarded with the right to use the Quality Mark “DINplus” in conjunction with
the corresponding registration number.
1.2.2.1 Wood Briquettes DINplus

Product name Wood Briquettes DINplus represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange, which have a valid “DINplus” quality mark provided by the DIN CERTCO [1]. Wood
briquettes being traded under that Product name must fit the DINplus parameters summarized in Table 9
(below). The seller must be ready to provide a DIN CERTCO certificate and a corresponding registration
number.
Table 9. Specification of Wood Briquettes DINplus [10]

Property Unit DINplus
mm Diameter, width and length to be specified
Dimension
Shape Specify shape according to the Figure 2 in section 1.2
e.g. 1 or 2, etc.
Surface area of briquettes, including
cm2/kg Can be specified
the hole surface if any
Moisture, as received w-% ≤ 12
Ash content (550 °C) w-%, dry ≤ 0.7
Mechanical durability w-% ≥ 95
Particle density g/cm3 ≥ 1.0
Net Calorific Value, as received MJ/kg 16.5 – 19.0

kWh/kg 4.6 – 5.3
Additives 1) w-%, dry ≤ 2 Type and amount to be stated
Nitrogen w-% dry ≤ 0.3
Sulfur w-% dry ≤ 0.03
Chlorine w-% dry ≤ 0.02
Arsenic mg/kg dry ≤1
Cadmium mg/kg dry ≤ 0.5
Chromium mg/kg dry ≤10
Copper mg/kg dry ≤10
Lead mg/kg dry ≤10
Mercury mg/kg dry ≤ 0.1
Nickel mg/kg dry ≤10
Zinc mg/kg dry ≤100
1.1.1 Whole trees without roots, 1.1.3 Stem wood,
Types of wood 2)
1.1.4 Logging residues, 1.2.1 Chemically untreated wood residue
1. Type of additives to be stated. An additive is a material, which improves the quality of the fuel (e.g. combustion properties), reduces
emissions or makes production more efficient. (e.g. starch, corn flour, potato flour, vegetable oil).
2. Wood briquettes may be produced from natural wood and chemically untreated wood residues or bark in natural state or also including
additives. The producer of wood briquettes must keep a record of the origin of wood being used for the production of briquettes including
a list of the suppliers approved by him. Foreign substances are generally not permitted, e. g. Biocide-containing wood or root retardants,
Plastics, Metals, Paints and other coating materials.
1.2.3 Thermally treated wood briquettes

The category contains densified biofuel made with or without additives in form of cubiform, polyhedral,
polyhydric or cylindrical units with a diameter of more than 25 mm produced by compressing thermally
treated solid biomass. The examples are torrefied biomass, steam exploded biomass, hydrothermally
carbonized biomass, charred biomass. Drying is not considered thermal treatment in this definition. Wood
briquettes, which are produced by applying the thermal treatment after compaction, are also included in this
definition (for example Pini Kay briquettes).
The responsibility of the seller to provide correct and accurate information is exactly the same whether
laboratory analysis is performed or not. Typical values do not release the producer or supplier from
providing accurate and reliable information. The quality shall be given either in the product declaration or
by a corresponding label on the package.
Figure 3 – Shape and dimension of thermally treated wood briquettes.
D - diameter
L1 - length
L2 - width
1.2.3.1 Torrefied Wood Briquettes 1H

Product name Wood Briquettes 1H represents thermally treated wood briquettes listed and traded on the
Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange and which don’t have any quality mark and commonly used market
name (like Pini Kay, etc.), but fit the 1H specification indicated in Table 10 (below). The seller must be
ready to provide testing results made by an independent testing body that confirms the declared briquettes’
parameters.
1.2.3.2 Torrefied Wood Briquettes 1L

Product name Wood Briquettes 1L represents thermally treated wood briquettes listed and traded on the
name (like Pini Kay, etc.), but fit the 1L specification indicated in Table 10 (below). The seller must be
parameters.

parameters.

parameters.

parameters.

parameters.
1.2.3.7 Wood Briquettes (PINI KAY) 1H

Product name Wood Briquettes (PINI KAY) 1H represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the
Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the 1H specification
indicated in Table 10 (below). Applying the thermal treatment after compaction produces the briquettes of
that type. A seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an independent testing body that
confirms the declared briquettes’ parameters.
1.2.3.8 Wood Briquettes (PINI KAY) 1L

Product name Wood Briquettes (PINI KAY) 1L represents wood briquettes listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the 1L specification indicated in
Table 10 (below). Applying the thermal treatment after compaction produces the briquettes of that type. A
seller must be ready to provide testing results made by an independent testing body that confirms the




Table 10. Specification of briquettes produced by thermal processing of woody biomass [9]
Property Unit 1H 1L 2H 2L 3H 3L Testing standard
Diameter, D and Diameter, width and length to be specified according to the

Length, L mm ISO 17829
Figure 3 in section 1.2.3
25 < D ≤ 100; 5 < L ≤ 300
Moisture, M b) wet basis w-%1) ≤ 10 ISO 18134-1, 18134-2
Ash, A w-%2) ≤ 1.2 ≤ 3.0 ≤ 5.0 ISO 18122
Bulk density, BD e) ISO 17828
kg/m3 ≥ 650
(informative)
Net Calorific Value,
MJ/kg 2) ≥ 21.0 ≤ 21.0 ≥ 21.0 ≤ 21.0 ≥ 21.0 ≤ 21.0 ISO 18125
Qd d)
kWh/kg ≥ 5.8 ≤ 5.8 ≥ 5.8 ≤ 5.8 ≥ 5.8 ≤ 5.8
Particle Density, DE g/cm3 1)
≥ 1.0 Not applicable ISO 18847
≤ 4 type and
Additives c)
w-%2) amount to be Type and amount to be stated -
stated
Nitrogen, N w-%2) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 1.0 ISO 16948
Sulfur, S w-%2) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.1 ISO 16994
Chlorine, Cl w-%2) ≤ 0.03 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.1 ISO 16994
Carbon, C w-%2) Value to be stated ISO 16948
≤0,03
≤1 ≤2 ISO 16968
≤ 0.5 ≤1 ≤2 ISO 16968
≤ 10 ≤ 15 ISO 16968
Copper, Cu mg/kg 2)
≤ 10 ≤ 20 ISO 16968
Lead, Pb mg/kg 2) ≤10 ISO 16968
≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Nickel, Ni mg/kg 2)
≤10 ISO 16968
Zinc, Zn mg/kg 2)
≤100 ISO 16968
Volatile matter, VM, w-% 2)
Value to be stated ISO 18123
Stem wood. Forest, plantation and other virgin
ISO 17225-1
Logging residues wood
Chemically
Types of wood untreated wood By-products and residues from wood
ISO 17225-1
by-products and processing industry
residues a)
Whole trees
Chemically untreated used wood ISO 17225-1
without roots
Also, all characteristic temperatures [shrinkage starting temperature (SST), deformation temperature (DT), hemisphere temperature
(HT) and flow temperature (FT)] in oxidizing conditions should be stated (not mandatory) ISO-21404.
a) Negligible levels of glue, grease and other timber production additives (<1 % in mass fraction) used in sawmills during production of
timber and timber product from virgin wood are acceptable if all chemical parameters of the pellets are clearly within the limits and/or
concentrations are too small to be concerned with.
b) At the point of delivery.
c) Type of additives to aid production, delivery or combustion (e.g. pressing aids, slagging inhibitors or any other additives like starch, corn
flour, potato flour, vegetable oil, lignin).
d) Net calorific value as received (Q) resulting from net calorific value on dry basis 21,00 MJ/kg and 10 % moisture content (M) is 18,65
MJ/kg (5,2 kWh/kg).
e) Bulk density should be given for bulk material. For briquettes used in applications with manual fuel feed, particle density is the
appropriate parameter.
1.3 Firewood
Firewood or cordwood is a cut, and split fuel wood usually with a length of 20 to 100 cm, which is used in
household appliances like stoves, fireplaces and central heating systems. The seller must be ready to provide
test results made by an independent testing body that confirms the declared firewood’s parameters
(moisture, etc.).
Figure 4 – Shape and dimension of Firewood.
D - diameter
L1 - length
L2 - width
1.3.1 Lab tested, but not accredited firewood

The category contains firewood, which had not been rated by quality mark agencies, but the seller must be
ready to represent test results provided by an independent testing body verifying the declared parameters of
firewood.
1.3.1.1 Firewood A1
Product name Firewood A1 represents the highest quality firewood listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A1 specification shown in Table 11
(below). The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that
confirms the declared firewood’s parameters.
1.3.1.2 Firewood A2
Product name Firewood A2 represents the highest quality firewood listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A2 specification shown in Table 11
1.3.1.3 Firewood B
Product name Firewood B represents the highest quality firewood listed and traded on the Graceful Globe
Biomass Exchange and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the B specification shown in Table 11
Table 11. Specification of Firewood A1, A2, and B

Property Unit A1 A2 B Testing standard
D2 ≤2
Diameter, D b) D5 2<D≤ 5 D15 5<D≤15
(according to the cm D15 5<D≤15 D15+ >15
Figure 4 in section D15+ >15
1.3)
Actual value to be stated
L20 ≤ 20 (± 2 cm)
L25 ≤ 25 (± 2 cm) L30 ≤ 30 (± 2 cm)
Length, L c) cm L30 ≤ 30 (± 2 cm) L33 ≤ 33 (± 2 cm)
(according to Figure L33 ≤ 33 (± 2 cm) L40 ≤ 40 (± 2 cm)
3 in section 1.4) L40 ≤ 40 (± 2 cm) L50 ≤ 50 (± 2 cm)
L50 ≤ 50 (± 4 cm) L100 ≤ 100 (± 2
L100 ≤ 100 (± 5 cm) cm)
d) wet basis ISO 18134-1, -2

Moisture, M w-%
M20 ≤ 20 M25 ≤ 25 M35 ≤ 35
as received
Wood species a) To be stated
Weight ton Packed log woods weight (tons) is used when traded
1.1.3 Stem wood ISO 17225-1
Types of wood 1.2.1 Chemically untreated wood residues ISO 17225-1
1.1.1 Whole trees without roots ISO 17225-1
1.1.4 Logging residues ISO 17225-1
a) Wood species (e.g. spruce, birch, beech) can be stated by using EN 13556 Round and sawn timber Nomenclature. If firewood includes
different wood species, the main wood species should be mentioned first.
b) 85 % of the firewood should be kept in specified diameter property class. For stoves it is recommended to use firewood with a diameter less
than 15 cm. D2 and D5 are recommended for cookers and as kindling (ignition wood).
c) It is allowed to have 15 % firewood shorter than requested length including the limit value.
d) Moisture content should not be less 12 w-% on wet basis (M) or 13,64 w-% on dry basis (U).
1.4 Wood Chips

Wood chips are a chipped woody biomass in the form of pieces with a defined particle size produced by
grinding or chipping operations followed by screening and air-drying of the chips. Screening is necessary to
produce the desired wood chip quality (particle size, ash, and fines content). Wood chips have a sub-
rectangular shape with a typical length 5 to 50 mm and a low thickness compared to other dimensions. The
major sources for wood chips are by-products and residues from wood processing operations (slabs, bark or
shavings).
1.4.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood chips

The category contains wood chips, which had not been rated by quality mark agencies. However, the seller
must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that verifies the declared
parameters of chips.
1.4.1.1 Wood Chips A1

Product name Wood Chips A1 represents the highest quality wood chips listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A1 specification indicated in
Table 12 (below). The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body
that confirms the declared chips’ parameters.
1.4.1.2 Wood Chips A2

Product name Wood Chips A2 represents the highest quality wood chips listed and traded on the Graceful
Globe Biomass Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A2 specification indicated in
Table 12 (below). The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body
that confirms the declared chips’ parameters.
1.4.1.3 Wood Chips B1

Product name Wood Chips B1 represents the wood chips listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass
Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the B1 specification indicated in Table 12
(below). These chips usually include materials from tree trimmings, prunings and arboriculture operations in
city parks. The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that
confirms the declared chips’ parameters.
1.4.1.4 Wood Chips B2

Product name Wood Chips B2 represents the wood chips listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass
Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the B2 specification indicated in Table 12
(below). These chips usually include chemically treated by-products and residues from wood processing
facilities and chemically untreated used wood in addition to the sources used for A1, A2 and B1. Also,
Wood Chips B2 do not contain heavy metals or halogenated organic compounds from wood preservatives or
coatings. The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that
confirms the declared chips’ parameters.
Table 12. Specification of wood chips A1, A2, B1, and B2

Property Unit A1 A2 B1 B2 Testing standard
Main Fraction Particle

3.15 to 16 3.15 to 31.5 3.15 to 45 3.15 to 63
(min. 60% weight) size, mm
Fine Fraction weight
%, (≤ 3.15 mm w-% ≤ 15% ≤ 10%
particle size)
ISO 17827-1 or
Coarse Fraction ISO 17827-2
Particle ≤ 6% ≤ 6% ≤ 6%
weight % (length of
size, mm (≥ 31.5 mm) (≥ 45.0 mm) (≥ 63.0 mm)
particle)
Max. Length of
mm ≤ 45 ≤ 150 ≤ 200 ≤ 220
Particle
Moisture, M w-%1) ≤ 25 ≤ 35 ≤ 55 ≤ 60 ISO 18134-1, 18134-2

Ash, A w-%2) ≤ 1.0 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 4.0 ≤ 5.0 ISO 18122
Bulk density, BD ISO 17828
kg/m3 ≥ 150 ≥ 50
Net Calorific Value, ISO 18125

MJ/kg
Q (informative) Minimum value to be stated
kWh/kg
Nitrogen, N w-%2) Not applicable ≤ 1.0 ISO 16948
Sulfur, S w-%2) Not applicable ≤ 0.1 ISO 16994
Chlorine, Cl w-%2) Not applicable ≤ 0.05 ISO 16994
Not applicable ≤1 ISO 16968
Not applicable ≤ 10 ISO 16968
Copper, Cu mg/kg 2)
Not applicable ≤ 10 ISO 16968
Lead, Pb mg/kg 2)
Not applicable ≤ 0.1 ISO 16968
Nickel, Ni mg/kg 2)
Zinc, Zn mg/kg 2)
Stem wood, Forest, plantation and other
ISO 17225-1
Logging residues virgin wood
Chemically
Chemically untreated wood residues untreated ISO 17225-1
Types of wood 3) used wood
By-products
and residues
Whole trees without roots from wood ISO 17225-1
processing
industry
3. For products A1 and A2, the bark and sawdust naturally produced during production shall only be allowed (no additional bark or sawdust
may be added to biomass). For products B1 and B2, additional bark and/or sawdust may be added to biomass, but the satisfaction of the set
quality parameters (including the main fraction and small particles quantities) must be ensured in all cases.
Chemically treated wood may not be used as a raw material for any one product. Chemically treated wood shall, inter alia, include, dyed,
lacquered, glued, impregnated wood and/or wood that has undergone any other chemical treatment.
1.5 Sawdust
Sawdust consists of fine particles created when sawing wood; in which most of the material has a typical
particle length of 1 mm to 5 mm. Sawdust is a typical biomass by-product, which is made incidentally
during the production of something else. Clean conifer sawdust with less than 15% moisture content is one
of the best raw materials for the production of wood pellets. However, sawdust’s moisture content can be
from air-dry to 70%. In order to smooth the trade, we divide sawdust into two classes according to moisture
parameter.
1.5.1 Lab tested, but not accredited sawdust

The category contains sawdust, which had not been rated by quality mark agencies. However, the seller
must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that verifies the declared
parameters of sawdust.
1.5.1.1 Sawdust A
Product name Sawdust A represents sawdust listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange,
and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A specification indicated in Table 13 (below). The seller
must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that confirms the declared
1.5.1.2 Sawdust B
Product name Sawdust B represents sawdust listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange,
and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the B specification indicated in Table 13 (below). The seller
must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that confirms the declared
Table 13. Specification of sawdust A and B

Property Unit A B
Moisture, M w-% M ≤ 17 M > 17
Particle size, P 1) mm 0.5 < P ≤ 5
Ash content, A w-% A ≤ 1.1
Net Calorific Value, dry MJ/kg ≥ 17
Basic Density, as received kg/m3 380 - 480
1) Particle size distribution of sawdust:
Mesh size, mm 40 15 10 8 4 2 1 0.5 0.25
Amount not passing the

2.0 3.2 5.9 3.7 13.8 19.2 30.3 14.4 4.9
sieve, w-%
1.6 Wood Charcoal

Wood Charcoal is a woody biomass made by burning wood in the absence of oxygen. This category
includes lump hardwood charcoal. Pure charcoal made almost entirely of carbon. Householders mainly use
charcoal, as a domestic fuel for cooking and heating but it is also an important industrial fuel.
1.6.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood charcoal

The category contains woody charcoal, which had not been rated by quality mark agencies. However, the
seller must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that verifies the declared
quality properties of charcoal.
1.6.1.1 Wood Charcoal A

Product name Wood Charcoal A represents charcoal listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass
Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A specification indicated in Table 14 (below).
The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that confirms the
declared parameters of charcoal.
1.6.1.2 Wood Charcoal B

Product name Wood Charcoal B represents charcoal listed and traded on the Graceful Globe Biomass
Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the B specification indicated in Table 14 (below).
The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent testing body that confirms the
declared parameters of charcoal.
Table 14. Specification of Wood Charcoal A and B

Property Unit B
A
Moisture, M
w-% ≤5 ≤ 10
Carbon (fixed on dry basis) Dry basis,
> 75 < 75
W-%
Ash content, A
w-% ≤5 ≤ 10
Net Calorific Value, dry Kcal/Kg
≥ 7000 ≥ 5000
Dry basis,
Volatile matter ≤ 20 ≤ 30
W-%
Basic Density, as received

kg/m3 ≥ 110
Particle size mm 75 w-% of particles measuring 16–150 mm

No more than 10% of particles above 100 mm and
Coarse fraction mm all particles below 150 mm.
Fines mm Fines of less than 10 mm must not account for more than 7 w-%
Dry basis,
Nitrogen, N < 0.3
W-%
Dry basis,
Sulfur, S ≤ 0.02
W-%
Dry basis,
Hydrogen, H ≤ 4.9
W-%
Dry basis,
Oxygen, O ≤ 23
W-%
Whole trees without roots, Stemwood, Chemically untreated
Types of wood wood residues.
1.7 Wood Charcoal Briquettes

The category contains woody biomass product, which is the combination of charcoal (solid biofuels made
by burning wood in the absence of oxygen) and other ingredients molded into easy-to-light lumps. For
example, it could be made up of bits of charcoal, starch (as a binder), sawdust, and sodium nitrate to make it
burn better. However, wood charcoal briquettes are more consistent than hardwood lump charcoal in their
burn since they're all of the uniform size. For the same reasons, briquettes are more transportable. Wood
Charcoal Briquettes mainly used, as a domestic fuel for cooking and heating but it is also an important
industrial fuel.
Shape and dimension of wood charcoal briquettes.
There are many different shapes of wood charcoal briquettes: hexagon, oval, square, pillow, small round,
rectangle shape, and charcoal stick with or without a hole, etc. But, the main requirement – the rate of
particles with the size below 15mm could not be more than 10% of the total weight.
1.7.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood charcoal briquettes

The category contains wood charcoal briquettes, which had not been rated by quality mark agencies.
However, the seller must be ready to provide test results made by an independent testing body that verifies
the declared quality properties of wood charcoal briquettes.
1.7.1.1 Wood Charcoal Briquettes A

Product name Wood Charcoal Briquettes A represents wood charcoal briquettes listed and traded on the
Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the A specification
indicated in Table 15 (below). The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent
testing body that confirms the declared parameters of wood charcoal briquettes.
1.7.1.2 Wood Charcoal Briquettes B

Product name Wood Charcoal Briquettes B represents wood charcoal briquettes listed and traded on the
Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange, and which don’t have any quality mark, but fit the B specification
indicated in Table 15 (below). The seller must be ready to show testing results provided by an independent
testing body that confirms the declared parameters of wood charcoal briquettes.
Table 15. Specification of Wood Charcoal Briquettes A and B

Property Unit B
A
Moisture, M
w-% ≤5 ≤ 10
Carbon (fixed on dry basis) Dry basis,
≥ 65 ≥ 60
W-%
Ash content, A
w-% ≤ 15 ≤ 20
Net Calorific Value, dry Kcal/Kg
≥ 7000 ≥ 5000
Dry basis,
Volatile matter ≤ 20 ≤ 30
W-%
Basic Density, as received

kg/m3 ≥ 110
Particle size mm < 15 mm max 10%

Dry basis,
Nitrogen, N < 0.3
W-%
Dry basis,
Sulfur, S ≤ 0.02
W-%
Dry basis,
Hydrogen, H ≤ 4.9
W-%
The gases that are emitted from binding agents when burned must not pose any
Binder risk to health when they come into contact with food.
The binder must meet food quality standards.
Tests conducted in accordance with 6.5 (EN1860-2:2005) must show that a

maximum of 0.4% of the volume is a substance that does not normally occur after
the distillation process in the production of barbecue charcoal.
Foreign substances
Barbecue briquettes must not contain: Organic fossil material, e.g. stone coal,
brown coal and petroleum coke, and inorganic materials, e.g. stone,
sand, glass, slag and metal splinters.
2 HERBACEOUS BIOMASS
Herbaceous biomass derives from plants that has a non-woody stem and which dies back at the end of the
growing season. The common types of herbaceous biomass’s sources are cereal crops, grasses, oil seed
crops, root crops, legume crops and flowers. It should be noted that stems of fruit trees and energy crops
like poplar and willow relate to woody biomass. Herbaceous biomass is usually used for the production of
non-woody pellets (like straw pellets) and briquettes.
The most tradable forms of herbaceous biomass will be added to the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange’s
product list soon. However, if you wish to start trading any of herbaceous biomass products urgently -
please submit your application.
3 FRUIT BIOMASS
Fruit biomass derives from parts of a plant, which holds seeds. The common types of herbaceous biomass
are nuts, olives, and oil palm fruits.
The most tradable forms of fruit biomass will be added to the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange’s product
list soon. However, if you wish to start trading any of fruit biomass products urgently - please submit your
application.
4 AQUATIC BIOMASS
Aquatic biomass derives from so-called hydrophytic plants or hydrophytes, which are plants that have
adapted to living in or on aquatic environments. The examples are of aquatic biomass are algae and
seaweeds.
The most tradable forms of aquatic biomass will be added to the Graceful Globe Biomass Exchange’s
product list soon. However, if you wish to start trading any of fruit biomass products urgently - please
submit your application.
5 BIOMASS BLENDS & MIXTURES

Solid biofuels, which cannot be classified as the woody, herbaceous, fruit or aquatic biomass is listed in the
group called Biomass blends and mixtures. The examples from that group are straw or energy grass with
wood, dried bio sludge with bark and so on. It should be noted that all animal-based biomass (manure, meat
and bone meal and other such-like materials) and demolition timber are excluded from Biomass blends and
mixtures category as well as from solid biofuels.
The most tradable forms of biomass blends and mixtures will be added to the Exchange and listed in that
handbook soon. However, if you wish to start trading any of biomass blends and mixtures urgently - please
submit your application.
6 Bibliography
[1] DIN CERTCO: http://www.dincertco.de/en/dincertco/home.jsp
[2] DINplus certification scheme:

http://www.dincertco.de/media/dincertco/dokumente_1/certification_schemes/Holzpellets_wood_pel
lets_certification_scheme.pdf
[3] European Biomass Association (AEBIOM): http://www.enplus-pellets.eu/
[4] National pellet associations that license ENplus: http://www.enplus-pellets.eu/about-enplus/national-

contacts/
[5] ENplus certification scheme: http://www.enplus-pellets.eu/wp-

content/uploads/2016/03/ENplusHandbook_part3_V3.0_PelletQuality_EPCinternational.pdf
[6] Pellet Fuel Institute (PFI): http://www.pelletheat.org/pfi-standards#Quality_Mark
[7] PFI certification scheme:

http://www.pelletheat.org/assets/docs/2015/Standards/standard%20specification%20july%209%2020
15.pdf
[8] Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC): https://www.pellet.org/CANplus/downloadcp.html
[9] International Organization of Standardization (ISO): https://www.iso.org/standard/71915.html
[10] DINplus wood briquettes certification scheme:

http://www.dincertco.de/media/dincertco/dokumente_1/certification_schemes/Holzbriketts_wood_br
iquettes_certification_scheme.pdf

Biomass - Products Wood Pellet Specification

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Specifications of biomass products

(Edition 2: July 2017)

1.4 Wood Chips ................................................................................................................................................................... 28

1.1 Wood Pellets

Figure 1 – Dimensions of wood pellets

1.1.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood pellets

1.1.1.1 Wood Pellets A1

1.1.1.2 Wood Pellets A2

1.1.1.3 Wood Pellets B

Table 1. Specification of Wood pellets A1, A2 and B

Diameter (Figure 1) mm 6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1 ISO 17829

Arsenic mg/kg 3) ≤1 ISO 16968

1.1.1.4 Wood Pellets I1

1.1.1.5 Wood Pellets I2

1.1.1.6 Wood Pellets I3

Table 2. Specification of Wood pellets I1, I2 and I3

Diameter (Figure 1) mm 6 ± 1 or 8 ± 1 or ISO 17829

Fines (< 3,15 mm) w-%2) ≤ 5.0 ≤ 6.0 EN 15210-1

Arsenic mg/kg 3) ≤2 ISO 16968

1.1.2 Accredited wood pellets

1.1.2.1 Wood Pellets DINplus A1

1.1.2.2 Wood Pellets DIN B

Table 3. Specification of wood pellets DINplus A1 and B [2]

Mechanical durability as received w-% ≥ 97.5 ≥ 96.5

Fines at the end of production line 2) Small bags (up to 20 kg):

1.1.2.3 Wood Pellets ENplus A1

1.1.2.4 Wood Pellets ENplus A2

1.1.2.5 Wood Pellets ENplus B

Table 4. Specification of wood pellets ENplus A1, A2, B [5]

1.1.2.6 Wood Pellets PFI Premium

1.1.2.7 Wood Pellets PFI Standard

1.1.2.8 Wood Pellets PFI Utility

Property PFI Premium PFI Standard PFI Utility

Inorganic Ash, % ≤ 1.0 ≤ 2.0 ≤ 6.0

1.1.2.9 Wood Pellets CANplus A1

1.1.2.10 Wood Pellets CANplus A2

1.1.2.11 Wood Pellets CANplus B

Table 6. Specification of wood pellets CANplus A1, A2 and B [8]

1.1.3 Thermally treated wood pellets

1.1.3.1 Torrefied Wood Pellets 1H

1.1.3.2 Torrefied Wood Pellets 1L

1.1.3.3 Torrefied Wood Pellets 2H

1.1.3.4 Torrefied Wood Pellets 2L

1.1.3.5 Torrefied Wood Pellets 3H

1.1.3.6 Torrefied Wood Pellets 3L

Table 7. Specification of Torrefied Wood Pellets [9]

1.2 Wood Briquettes

Figure 2 – Shape and dimension of briquettes.

1.2.1 Lab tested, but not accredited wood briquettes

1.2.1.1 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A1

1.2.1.2 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) A2

1.2.1.3 Wood Briquettes (NESTRO) B

1.2.1.4 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A1

1.2.1.5 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) A2

1.2.1.6 Wood Briquettes (NIELSEN) B

1.2.1.7 Wood Briquettes (RUF) A1

1.2.1.8 Wood Briquettes (RUF) A2

1.2.1.9 Wood Briquettes (RUF) B

Particle density, as received g/cm3 ≥ 1.0 ≥ 0.9

Additives 1) w-%, ≤ 4 Type and amount to be stated

1.1.3 Stem wood

1.1.1 Whole trees without roots