BS EN ISO 21645:2021

What is ISO 21645 - Sampling solid recovered fuels about ?

ISO 21645 specifies methods for taking samples of solid recovered fuels for example from production plants, from deliveries, or from stock.  

ISO 21645 includes manual and mechanical methods. 

Note: ISO 21645 is not applicable to solid recovered fuels that are formed by liquid or sludge, but ISO 21645 includes dewatered sludge. 

Who is ISO 21645 - Sampling solid recovered fuels for ?

ISO 21645 on the methods for sampling is beneficial for: 

• Waste recycle management 
• Manufacturing plant 
• People who work for magnetic and refining separation  

Why should you use ISO 21645 - Sampling solid recovered fuels ?

The testing of solid recovered fuels (SRF) enables informed decisions about their subsequent handling and use. In order to carry out a test on solid recovered fuel, a sample of the material is required. Before any sampling operation is devised, it is important that the objectives for sampling are clearly identified and subsequently well executed to ensure that the expectations of any involved parties are recognized and satisfied. The identification of objectives helps to define the level of testing required, e.g. thorough examination or routine testing, and in addition, desired reliability of testing/assessment and frequency of testing. The sampling objectives, along with the sequence of operations required to fulfil them, are detailed in an overall sampling plan. After a sampling plan has been prepared, the sampling of SRF itself can be implemented. 

The main characteristic that makes solid recovered fuels samples significantly different from other kinds of waste is that solid recovered fuels are very often solid, but neither "granular" nor monolithic; it often happens that solid recovered fuels samples are fibrous-like materials. 

Sampling procedures are provided for a range of process streams and common storage conditions. The sampling technique adopted depends on a combination of different characteristics of the material and circumstances encountered at the sampling location.  

The determining factors are: 

• The type of solid recovered fuel 
• The situation at the sampling location / the way in which the material occurs (e.g. in a stockpile, on a conveyor belt, in a lorry) 
• The (expected) degree of heterogeneity (e.g. mono streams, mixed fuels, blended fuels) 

ISO 21645 is primarily geared toward laboratories, producers, suppliers, and purchasers of solid recovered fuels, but is also useful for the authorities and inspection organizations. 

Overall, ISO 21645 is helpful as it provides guidance to the methods for sampling of solid recovered fuels which can be beneficial for the business of the user. The sampling plan identifies the procedure(s) selected for packaging, preservation, storage, and transport of the laboratory sample. The test results for measurement on solid recovered fuels are usually applied for the enforcement of a regulation or for contract execution.