12-11: Biomass Compositional Analysis Method Errors

Biomass analysis methods are used to quantify the various components found in lignocellulosic feedstocks.  Tracking of the carbohydrates, lignin, and other components is needed to compare different feedstocks, determine feedstock variability, and measure pretreatment yields.  The National Renewable Energy Lab has adapted wood compositional analysis methods to herbaceous feedstocks such as corn stover.  We will report the method errors associated with the analysis of a corn stover sample by eight analysts running 14 batches of a dozen replicates in two laboratories.  We will also present error data of significant steps in the analysis methods and compare to the overall error.  Suggestions for method improvement will be offered.