ASTM D6866-12 Biobased content determination of solid, liquid and gaseous samples using radiocarbon analysis

Scope:

ASTM D6866-12 method is carried out for gaseous samples generated from electrical utility boilers and waste incinerators to produce carbon-based components.. These standard test methods are used and practised in laboratories to trace the primary carbon isotope standards, and the stated uncertainties are valid. 

Test Procedure:

There are three methods to perform this test:-

Method A by using CO₂ Absorption: – Carbon dioxide is released from the sample and absorbed into a Counting solution.

Method B uses Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) & Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) techniques: – The sample produces CO₂ within a vacuum manifold system where it is ultimately distilled, quantified in a calibrated volume, transferred to a quartz tube, and torch sealed and delivered the stored CO₂ to AMA facility for final processing and analysis. 

Method C uses Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) techniques: – The sample produces CO₂ using LSC and then converted to benzene. The test methods described here directly discriminate between product carbon resulting from contemporary carbon input and derived from fossil-based inputs.

Specimen size:

Any product containing carbon-based components.

Data:

An acceptable SI unit deviation (tolerance) for the practice of these test methods is ±5%.