ASTM E2817-11

This test method is used for determining emission factors and emission rates for cordwood or other densified, binder free biomass fuel burning masonry heaters.

The emission factor is useful for determining emission performance during product development.

The emission factor is useful for the air quality regulatory community for determining compliance with emission performance limits.

The emission rate may be useful for the air quality regulatory community for determining impacts on air quality from masonry heaters, but must be used with caution as use patterns must be factored into any prediction of atmospheric particulate matter impacts from masonry heaters based on results from this method.

The reporting units are grams of particulate per kilogram of dry fuel (emissions factor), grams of particulate per hour of heating cycle (heating cycle emissions rate, based on the builder or manufacturer’s specified firing interval), and grams of particulate per hour of test run (combustion period emissions rate, based on the tested combustion period).

Warning—Use of masonry heater emissions rate reporting numbers (grams per hour) for comparative purposes with other solid fuel burning appliances will require careful study of each of the appliance’s comparative operating characteristics in the given application. Intermittently fired appliances such as masonry heaters and continuously fired appliances such as wood and pellet stoves are not accurately compared by their respective emissions rates.

1.1 This test method covers the fueling and operating protocol for determining particulate matter emissions from solid fuel biomass (cordwood or other densified, binder free biomass fuels) fires in masonry heaters. It may also be used to test other similar appliances (see 3.2.20).

1.2 This test method is applicable to the operation and fueling of masonry heaters during particulate emissions measurement test periods. The prescribed methods and procedures of these protocols are performed on masonry heaters installed and operated in accordance with the builder or manufacturer’s specifications.

1.3 In conjunction with Test Method E2515, this test method provides a protocol for laboratory emissions testing of masonry heaters that is intended to simulate actual use in residential homes and other consumer applications. Since such actual use involves almost solely cordwood fueling, Annex A1, Cordwood Fuel, provides as close a simulation as is currently possible of consumer use, and is recommended for predicting actual consumer emissions performance. For regulatory and other potential uses in comparing relative emissions of various masonry heater products and designs, Annex A2, Cribwood Fueling, and Annex A3, Cribwood Fuel, Top-Down Burn, provide optional additional fueling protocols that substitute dimensional lumber cribs for the cordwood fuel. Data that establish the relationships between the emissions results generated by Annex A2 and Annex A3 and the emissions results generated by Annex A1 are not currently available.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.