INSIDE THE TESTING FACILITY
I’m looking at two lab reports. They look identical at first glance—both have the fancy logos, both say "Wood Pellets." But look closer. One is a ticket to a profitable trade; the other is a trap.
The "Red Flags" in an SGS/BV Report
"As Received" (AR) vs "Dry Basis" (DB):
This is the most common trick in the book. A report might show a GCV of 4800 kcal/kg on a "Dry Basis." That sounds great! But in the real world, your pellets have 10% moisture. The "As Received" GCV would actually be around 4300 kcal/kg.
The Rule: You pay for the energy you can actually burn. Always negotiate based on AR values.
Chlorine and Sulfur Content:
If you see Chlorine above 0.05%, watch out. Chlorine causes massive corrosion in boiler tubes. I’ve seen pellets made from "sea-salted" driftwood ruin a boiler in months.
Mechanical Durability (DU):
This measures how much the pellets crumble during a "tumbler" test. You want a DU of >97.5%. Anything less, and by the time your pellets reach the buyer, 20% of the bag will just be useless dust (fines).
How to Verify a Report
The QR Code:
Most modern SGS/BV reports have a QR code. Scan it. If it doesn't lead to the official lab database, the report is a "Photoshopped" fake.
The Sample Method:
Look for the phrase "SGS took the sample." If it says "Sample submitted by client," the lab is only testing what the seller wanted them to test—likely the best 1kg out of a 100-ton pile.
| Parameter |
What to Look For |
The "Red Flag" |
| Basis |
Always demand "As Received" (AR). |
"Dry Basis" (DB) values used for pricing. |
| Sampling |
"Witnessed and Sampled by Lab" |
"Sample submitted by client." |
| AFT |
Should be > 1150°C for agri-pellets. |
AFT below 1050°C (Guaranteed Clinkers). |
| Chlorine |
< 0.03% (Standard) |
> 0.07% (High Corrosion Risk). |