ASTM E3181-20

4.1 In 2014, the U.S. EPA published the final rules adding renewable fuel pathways under the RFS Program. The rules qualified kernel fiber as a cellulosic feedstock meeting the 60 % greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and qualifies for the generation of D3 RINs. These rules allow for two approaches for kernel fiber conversion (CFR 40, Part 80 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0401; FRL-9910-40-OAR):

4.2 Producers that wish to gain approval to the pathway that claims simultaneous conversion of feedstocks that are predominantly cellulosic and feedstocks that are not predominantly cellulosic are required to quantify the amount of renewable fuel that is derived specifically from cellulosic content and from starch. To accomplish this, the producer needs to quantify the amount of cellulosic content and starch present before the conversion process begins and after the conversion process is complete. These measurements of cellulosic content and starch content before and after conversion are used to calculate a converted fraction of each, which is then used to ratio the renewable fuel produced accordingly and assign those respective gallons the D6 or D3 RIN code (CFR 40, Part 80 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2012-0401; FRL-9910-40-OAR).

1.1 This practice provides criteria for the sampling, testing, and calculation methodologies used for the quantification of the converted fraction of starch and cellulosic content. Furthermore, this practice covers procedures for the management of the standard error associated with the sampling and testing of before conversion and after conversion samples from a fuel ethanol production facility.

1.2 This practice covers the collection and testing of heterogeneous material, including, but not limited to: corn, sorghum, wheat, mash, beer, whole stillage, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and dried distillers grains.

1.3 This practice is intended to be used in renewable fuel production facilities designed to produce renewable alcohols. Use of this practice in any other type of process has not been reviewed.

1.4 This practice can be utilized using either manual or automatic sampling techniques, so long as the criteria of this practice are followed.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.