Frequently Asked Questions – Renewable Carbon Testing

  • Is it better to send CO2 or solid samples?
  • Can ASTM D6866 testing be done onsite?
  • How does ASTM D6866 account for variability in feedstock used as fuel?
  • Why does the ASTM D6866 correction factor change over time?
  • What is the difference between ASTM D6866 and BS EN ISO 21644:2021?
  • How often should we test our emissions or waste-derived fuels?

FAQ on Beta Analytic’s Renewable Carbon Testing Services

  • How much sample do we need to send?
  • Where should we send the samples? Where is the analysis performed?

1. Is it better to send carbon dioxide (CO2) or solid samples?

It depends on the materials being incinerated to generate the emissions. Gas samples are more homogeneous and less complicated to subsample than waste-derived samples like municipal solid waste. 


2. Can ASTM D6866 testing be done onsite?

The sampling is done onsite but the analysis is done in an ISO 17025-accredited lab.


3. How does ASTM D6866 account for variability in feedstock used as fuel?

The variability is not accounted for by ASTM D6866 but by the sampling method ASTM D7459. Given that the feedstock proportions will continually change, continuous collection of CO2 (via a controlled flow meter at the exit of a continuous emission monitoring system or stack probe) will give the true running average for a specific collection period (e.g. 1 week, 1 month).


4. Why does the ASTM D6866 correction factor change over time?

ASTM adjusts the correction factor periodically to make its D6866 standard more accurate relative to the current global atmospheric carbon measurement. 


5. What is the difference between ASTM D6866 and BS EN ISO 21644:2021?

The US standard ASTM D6866 is more flexible in terms of applicable samples. It can be used for solid, liquid, and gas samples. Europe’s BS EN ISO 21644:2021 is only applicable to solid recovered fuels.


6. How often should we test our emissions or waste-derived fuels?

The testing frequency depends on the prevailing regulations in your state or region or the greenhouse gas initiatives selected for application.


Beta Analytic’s Renewable Carbon Testing Services

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7. How much sample do we need to send?

You may submit as little as 2 cc of CO2 in a gas collection bag if the sample is not diluted. If the sample is diluted, send five liters of gas. The gas sample should be collected according to the ASTM D7459 standard. For solid samples like RDF, SRF, tires, waste, and sludge, a minimum of 5 grams is sufficient (25 grams max). For more details, please see our submission guidelines.


8. Where should we send the samples? Where is the analysis performed?

We have several forwarding facilities around the world but testing is only done in the Miami, Florida headquarters. If you are in Europe, please send your samples to our Madrid office. For China, please send them to our Xiamen address. For Japan, send the samples to our agent in Nagoya. 

We also have other forwarding offices in the UK, Brazil and South Korea, please see here – choose your location on the leftmost column to view the mailing address and customs declaration, if any.


Page last updated: September 2022