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 EN 15440?
• 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?
• Do you provide gas bag containers?
• Do you offer onsite sample collection?
• Where should we send the samples? Where is the analysis performed?
• How many samples do we need to send to obtain one report?

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

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 EN 15440?

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 EN 15440 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

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. Do you provide gas bag containers?

No. You can buy Tedlar gas bags from any supplier. 

9. Do you offer onsite sample collection?

No, gas sampling is not part of Beta Analytic’s services.

10. 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 Dublin 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.

11. How many samples do we need to send to obtain one report?

Beta Analytic publishes one report with a unique certificate number for each sample submitted.

We have no minimum number of samples required. If you are submitting samples for regulatory compliance or greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes, please consult the governing agencies regarding the testing frequency and the number of samples required for each collection period.

Page last updated: July 2020