6-13: Biomass compositional analysis - Summative mass closure and method uncertainties

Accurate compositional chemical analysis of biomass feedstocks and process intermediates is central to the success of the biofuels industry.  NREL has developed a suite of Laboratory Analytical Procedures (LAPs), many of which have been accepted as ASTM standards, for the summative compositional analysis of feedstocks and intermediates from dilute acid pretreatment.  The results of repeated, controlled internal analyses are offered as a measure of the uncertainties associated with the methods, and to provide a guideline for those wishing to utilize the methods.  Differences associated with analysts, equipment, and laboratories are examined using statistical analyses. New summative guideline methods are presented, as well as suggestions for continuing improvement to the suite of analyses.