PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
1 
 Introduction  
Wood Charcoal is made from wood and wood residue s. The use of wood residues for 
charcoal provides an effective means of improving the utilization of timber. Wood charcoal 
can be produced by a wide variety of methods, ranging from simple eart h covered kilns to 
the beehive kiln and modern retorts for continuous carbonization.  Charcoal may be made 
from any kind of wood, or any cellulose or carbohydrate material such as bark, offcuts, 
briquette (from compressed saw dust, shavings).  
With the incre ase in the use of charcoal for household, commercial and industrial purposes, 
the need has arisen for the development  of a National S tandard for comparison and testing.   
Charcoal could be unsuitably stored an d transported, therefore, charcoal marked in 
accordance with Clause 7  of this standard cannot be assumed to comply with all the relevant 
requirements at any time other than the time of dispatch from the factory where it was 
produced.  
 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
2 
  
_________________________________________________ _________ _________  
 
DRAFT GHANA STANDARD               GS 1346 -1 
__________________________________________________ _________________  
 
General Requirements f or Charcoal  - Part 1: Wood Charcoal  
 
 
1.0   Scope  
This draft document  specifies requirements for charc oal that is derived entirely from wood, in 
lump or briquette form,  intended for household, commercial and industrial use.  
 
 
2.0   Normative Reference s 
 
The following standards contain provisions which, though reference in this text, constitut e 
provisions of this standard. All standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements 
based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most 
recent editions of the standards indicated below.  
 
2.1 GS ISO 4470 Sawn timber - Determination of the average moisture content of a lot .  
 
2.2 GS EN 13183 -1 Moisture content of a piece of sawn timber Part 1: Determination by 
oven dry method . 
2.3 ISO 18125  Solid biofuels — Determination of calorific value . 
2.4 ISO 3310 -2: Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing – Part 2: Test sieves of 
perforated metal  plate . 
2.5 GS ISO 9001 : Quality Management Systems . 
 
3.0   Terms and Definitions  
 
For the purposes  of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
 
3.1 
acceptable  
acceptable to the parties concluding the purchase contract, but in relation to the certification 
mark and to inspections carried out by  G.S.A/E.C/E.P.A, acceptable to  G.S.A/E.C/E.P.A or 
any relevant institution.  
 
3.2 
ash content  
residue when charcoal or charcoal briquette  are incinerated in air under standardized 
conditions . PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
3 
 3.3  
carbonisation  
the term used when complex carbonaceous substances such as wood or agricult ural 
residues are broken down by heating in the absence of air into elemental carbon , liquid and 
gaseous products.   
 
3.4 
charcoal  
carbonaceous residue of the incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of untreated wood . 
 
3.5 
charcoal briquette  
compact bloc ks produced by compressing charcoal granules together with a suitable binder . 
 
3.6 
charred  
burnt and blackened . 
 
3.7 
conchoidal  
denoting a type of fracture in a solid (such as flint) which results in a smooth rounded 
surface resembling the shape o f a scallop shell . 
 
3.8 
defective  
lump  charcoal  and charcoal briquette  that fail, in one or more respects, to meet relevant 
requirements of this standard . 
 
3.9 
fixed carbon content  
carbon content that remains af ter the removal of the ash content and volatile matter content 
from dry charcoal . 
 
3.10 
foreign matter  
any materials apart from the pro duct.   
 
3.11 
Hardwood  
A wood from trees classified botanically as angiosperm, which are broad leaved and pored. 
The term does not denote the relative hardness of the wood.   
 
3.12 
lot 
quantity of lump  charcoal or charcoal briquette  of the same form, packed in containers of the 
same type and size, and bearing the same batch identification or date of packing, from one 
manufacturer, and submitted at anyone time for inspection and testing . 
 
3.13 
lump charcoal  
charcoal, of size rangin g from approximately 25 mm to 150 mm . PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
4 
 3.14 
moisture content  
water contained by charcoal or charcoal briquette  and that could  be removed by heating 
under specif ic condition ( refer to clause 6 .5). 
 
3.15 
non-lustrous  
dull in appearance and do not have a ny shining surface . 
 
3.16 
pyrolysis  
the thermochemical decomposition of organic matter into non condensable gases, 
condensable liquids, and a solid residual coproduct, biochar or charcoal in an inert 
environment . 
3.17  
seasoned   
Wood made suitable for us e as timber by adjusting its moisture content . 
 
3.18 
softwood  
A wood from trees classif ied botanically as gymnosperm, which are all conifers. The term 
does not denote the relative softness of the wood . 
 
 
3.19 
untreated wood  
wood that has, since felling, not been in contact with  wood preservative . 
 
3.20 
volatile matter content  
loss of mass when dry charcoal or charcoal briquettes are heated out of contact with air 
under standardi zed conditions . 
 
 
4.0   Requirements of Wood for Charcoal Manuf acture  
4.1   General  
The wood used to produce charcoal shall be  softwood or hardwood  which may be of low, 
medium and high densities .  
Wood shall be seasoned or dried to moisture content not more than 30% before 
carbonization . The moisture content shall b e determined according  to GS ISO 4470, GS EN 
13183 -1.  
Note  1: Best results are obtained if softwood and hardwood  are not mixed in the same charge since the more porous softwood 
and less porous "hardwoods" coal quicker and will be consumed if mixed w ith the heavy dense woods.  Best results are 
obtained when low and high density woods are not mixed together during carbonisation.  
Note 2:  Charcoal shall not be produced from rotten wood  because  it doesn't carbonize well, i t results in much ash and waste 
and the lumps are soft and break down easily into "fines" or dust.  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
5 
 4.2   Species for Charcoal Production  
4.2.1   Sources of Raw Materials  
Raw material s for charcoal production shall be obtained from woo dlots and sawmills and 
logging  residues of any species that are sustainable and approv ed by the F orestry 
Commission . 
 
5.0   Specificatio ns for Charcoal  
5.1   General  
Charcoal shall be made by charring hard or soft wood. Not more than 1 per cent, by weight, 
of poorly charred wood, trash, or other materials foreign to charcoal produced in retorts, pits, 
heaps, or hives from a batch shall b e permitted.  
 
5.2   Type of Products  
The charcoal shall be in lump or briquette form, as required . The lump form shall be black, 
non-lustrous, with glossy concho idal fracture. The briquet te form shall be charcoal, 
pulverized or granulate d and thermally compressed . 
 
5.3   Additives and Foreign Matter  
Lump charcoal and charcoal briquette shall be free from  foreign matter . In the case of 
charcoal briquette , a binder that is approved by the regulator shall  be used.  
  
5.4   Physical  /Chemical  Requirements   
 
5.4.1   General  
 
The shape and size of briquette  shall be acceptable (shape and size should be uniform).  
 
5.4.2   Sieve Analysis  
 
5.4.2.1   Lump Charcoal  
 
When lump charcoal is tested in  accordance with clause 6.2, not more than 5 % (by mass) 
shall pass through a  test sieve of aperture size 12  mm. 
 
5.4.2.2   Charcoal Briquette  
 
When charcoal briquette  is tested in accordance with clause 6.3, the amount that passes 
through a test s ieve of aperture size 9.5 mm shall not exceed 2.5 % (by mass).  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
6 
 5.4.3   Resistance to Dropping  
 
When an unopened container of lump charcoal or charcoal briquette  is tested in accordance 
with clause 6.4, the proportion of the contents that passes throug h a test sieve of aperture 
size 12 mm shall not exceed 7.5 % (by mass) in the case of lump charcoal, and a test sieve 
of aperture size 9.5  mm shall not exceed 5 % (by mass) in the case of charcoal briquette . 
 
5.4.4   Moisture Content  
 
When determined in  accordance with clause 6.5, the moisture content of charcoal an d 
charcoal briquette  shall not  exceed 7%. 
 
5.4.5   Volatile Matter Content  
 
When determined in accordance with clause 6.7, the volatile matter content of charcoal shall 
not exceed 15% in the case of lump charcoal, and 1 2% in the case of charcoal briquette . 
 
5.4.6   Ash content  
 
When determined in accordance with clause 6.8, the ash content of charcoal shall not  
exceed 3% in the case of lump charcoal, and 5% in the case of charcoal brique tte. 
 
5.4.7   Fixed Carbon Content  
 
When determined in accordance with clause 6.9, the fixed carbon content of charcoal shall, 
unless otherwise agreed upon , be at least 75 % in the case of lump charcoal, and 60 % in the 
case of charcoal briquette . 
 
5.5   Energy Requirement  
5.5.1   Gross Calorific Value 
When determined in accordance with  ISO 18125,  the gross calorific value  shall not be less 
than 20  MJ/kg.   
 
 
6.0   Inspection and Methods of Test 
6.1   Inspection  
Visually inspect each container in the sample drawn in acc ordance with clause B.2 (see 
Annex B ) for compliance with those requirements of the standard for which tests to assess 
compliance are not given in clause 6.2 to 6 .9 (inclusive).  
6.2   Sieve Analysis for Lump Charcoal  
6.2.1   Apparatus  
6.2.1.1  
Two balances  of suita ble capacit ies that have scale divisions at intervals not exceeding 1 g 
and 20 g, respectively.  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
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 6.2.1.2  
Two round test sieves  that comply with the requirements of ISO 3310 -2 each equipped with 
a cover and a receiver, and that have squar e apertures of nominal siz e 12 mm. 
6.2.2   Test Specimens  
Take, at random, two containers from the sample under  test ( see clause  B.2.1.3 of Annex 
B). 
6.2.3   Procedure  
Determine the mass of the contents of one container to the nearest 20 g. Using a horizo ntal 
to and fro movement s, sieve the contents of the container on the 106 mm test sieve ( see 
clause  6.2.1.2 ) in such increments as to ensure that, on completion of the sieving of each 
increment, each piece in the increment has been in direct contact with t he sieve plate. Then 
turn each piece of lump charcoal retained on the sieve to determine whether it passes, in 
any position (without applying force), through the sieve. Before the next increment is sieved, 
remove all the pieces retained on the sieve and ke ep them for the determination of their 
mass.  
Using the 12  mm test sieve, sieve, as above, the lump charcoal that passed through the 50 
mm test sieve, but do not turn each piece retained on the sieve. Retain the char coal that 
passed through the 12  mm test s ieve. Determine the mass of this quantity and the pieces 
retained on the 50 mm test sieve separately to the nearest 1 g.  
Repeat the test on the second container. After completion, retain all the fractions from each 
container ( see clause  6.5.3 and 6 .6). 
6.2.4   Expression of Results  
6.2.4.1  
For each container , calculate, to the neares t 0.1%, the retention on the 12  mm test sieve, as 
follows:  
 
Where: 
m1 is the mass, in grams, of the pieces passing through the 12  mm test sieve . 
m2 is the mass,  in grams, of the total contents of the container before sieving.  
Record the mean of the two results.  
6.2.4.2 
Check for compliance with clause  5.4.2. PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
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 6.3   Sieve Analysis for Charcoal Briquette  
6.3.1   Apparatus  
6.3.1.1  
Balances , as in clause  6.2.1.1 . 
6.3.1.2  
Round test sieve  that complies with the requirements of ISO 3310 -2, and is equipped with a 
cover and a receiver, and that has square ap ertures of nominal size 9.5 mm.  
6.3.2   Test Specimens  
Take, at random, two containers from the sample under t est (see clause  B.2.1 .3 of Annex 
B). 
6.3.3   Procedure  
Determine the mass of the contents of one container to the nearest 20 g. Separate all the 
unbroken briquette  from the broken briquette  and fines. Using a horizontal to and fro 
movement s, sieve the b roken briquette  and fines on the test sieve in such increments as to 
ensure that, on the completion of the sieving of each increment, each piece in the increment 
has been in direct contact with the sieve plate. Determine the mass of the quantity that 
pass ed through the test sieve to the nearest 1 g.  
Repeat the test on the second container. Retain all the unbroken briquette  from each 
container (see clause  6.5.3 and clause  6.6). 
6.3.4   Expression of Results  
6.3.4.1  
For each container , calculate , to the nearest 0.1 %, the quantity that passed through the test 
sieve, as follows:  
 
Where: 
m4 is the mass, in grams, of the quantity that passed through the 9.5 mm test sieve . 
m5 is the mass, in grams, of the total contents of the container.  
Recor d the mean of the two results.  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
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 6.3.4.2  
Check for compliance with clause  5.4.2. 
6.4   Drop Resistance of Container Content  
6.4.1   Apparatus  
6.4.1.1  
Dropping device , comprising a divided table (or single -leaf device), fitted with a release 
mechanism, th at is so spring -operated as to produce, from a height of 750 mm, free fall of 
the container without rotational or sideways motion of the container . 
6.4.1.2  
Impact surface , comprising a rigid and level concrete surface (or a steel plate embedded in 
concrete ) of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand repeated impacts of test material 
without significant deflection or movement . 
6.4.2   Test Specimens  
Take, at random, two of the remaining containers from the sample under test ( see clause  
B.2.1 .3 of Anne x B). 
6.4.3   Procedure  
Position one of the containers upright that, when released, it will fall on its base. Operate the 
release mechanism and drop the container. Unless the container has failed, invert it, gently 
distribute the contents as symmetrica lly as possible and repeat the drop. Repeat this 
procedure with the container positioned on its right  side and on its left  side.  
Repeat the test on the second container. If a container fails, take a new container from the 
remainder of the sample under test (see clause  B.2.1 .3 of Annex B ), and repeat the 
procedure.  
For each container , determine, as in clause  6.2 or clause  6.3 (as relevant), the percentage 
(by mass) of the contents that passed through a 9.5 mm test sieve.  
6.5   Moisture Content  
6.5.1   Principle  
A test specimen is heated to a constant mass in an air -oven at a temperature of 105 °C and 
the percentage moisture content is calculated from the loss in mass of the test specimen.  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
10 
 6.5.2   Apparatus  
6.5.2.1  
Air oven , capable of maintain ing a substantially uniform temperature of 105 °C, and such 
that the rate of atmosphere change is sufficiently rapid for the test . 
6.5.2.2  
Balance , accurate to 1.0 g  
6.5.2.3  
Tray, of area approximately 0.1 m2 and of depth 25 mm, made of non -corrodible mate rial 
such as stainless steel, tinned steel or aluminum . The tray shall be clean, dry and accurately 
tarred.  
6.5.3   Test Specimen  
A test specimen of lump charcoal or charcoal briquette  shall weigh approximately 500 g. For 
the test on briquett e, take at random a similar number of unbroken briquettes from each 
container retained in terms of clause  6.3.3 until approximately 500 g is obtained and, for the 
test on lump charcoal, take a test mass of 250 g from the contents of each container 
retained  in terms of clause  6.2.3. 
6.5.4   Procedure  
Determine the mass  m1 of the dry empty tray. Transfer the specimen as completely as 
possible to the tray and spread the specimen evenly. Determine the initial mass  m2 of the 
tray and contents. Place the charged  tray in the oven, preheated to 105°C, until constant 
mass is obtained. Determine the mass  m3 of the heated tray and contents while they are still 
hot, to avoid absorption of moisture during cooling.  
6.5.5   Expression of Results  
6.5.5.1  
The moisture cont ent M, of the charcoal, expressed as a percentage (by mass), is given by 
the equation : 
 
Where: 
m1 is the mass, in grams of the empty tray;  
m2 is the initial mass, in grams of the tray plus the test specimen;  
m3 is the mass, in grams of the tray plus the  test specimen after heating.  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
11 
 Report the result (preferably the mean of duplicate determinations) to the nearest 0.1 % (by 
mass).  
6.5.5.2  
Check for compliance with clause  5.4.4  
6.5.6   Precision of Results  
The results of duplicate determinations shall n ot differ by more than the approximate of the 
values given in Table 1.  
Table 1 — Precision of results  
Moisture content (by mass)  
% Same laboratory, repeatability  
< 5 0.5 % absolute  
≥ 5 0.5 % absolute  
NOTE : Limits for reproducibility (different laboratories) have not yet been established because results obtained in different 
laboratories depend on the humidity conditions, which can vary from laboratory to laboratory.  
 
6.6   Preparat ion of Test Material for Volatile Matter Content and Ash Content  
Take, at random, eight of the unbroken briquettes (four from each container) retained in 
terms of clause  6.3.3 or, in the case of lump charcoal, a specimen of mass at least 200 g 
from the contents of each container retained in terms of clause  6.2.3. Quickly (to avoid heat 
build -up) pulverize or grind the specimen such that it passes through a 250 µm sieve, mix 
well, and store in an airtight container.  
 
6.7   Volatile Matter Content  
6.7.1   Principle  
A test specimen, from which the moisture content has been extracted, is heated for 7 min at 
900 °C out of contact with air. The percentage of the volatile matter is calculated from the 
loss in mass of the test specimen.  
 
6.7.2   Apparatus  
6.7.2.1  
Muffle furnace , heated by electricity, in which a zone of adequate size is maintained at a 
constant and uniform temperature of 900  ± 10 °C. The furnace may be of the stop -ended 
type, or fitted at the back with a flue of diameter approximately 25  mm and of length 
approximately 150 mm.  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
12 
 The heat capacity of the furnace is such that, with an initial temperature of 900 °C, a 
minimum temperature of 885 °C is regained within 4 min (and preferably within 3 min) of the 
insertion of a cold stand and its cr ucible(s), the temperature being measured with the 
unsheathed thermocouple (see clause  6.7.2.2 ) by inserting its thermo junction midway 
between the floor of the furnace and the base of the crucible in its stand. If the stand holds 
more than one crucible, t he temperature under each crucible is checked in the same 
manner.  
Normally, the furnace will have been designed specifically for receiving either one crucible 
and its stand or a number of crucibles in one stand.  
NOTE 1 : The position of the crucible stand i s chosen within the zone of uniform temperature and this position is used for all 
determinations.  
NOTE 2 : The temperature of 900 °C is attained as closely as possible and the tolerance of ± 10 °C is specified to compensate 
for inherent errors in the temper ature measurement and lack of uniformity in the temperature distribution.  
6.7.2.2  
Pyrometer , with an unsheathed thermocouple, of wire of diameter not exceeding 1 mm, for 
checking the temperature characteristics of the muffle furnace  
NOTE 1 : A sheathed ther mocouple can be permanently installed in the furnace with its thermo junction as close as possible to 
the centre of the zone of uniform temperature. In this case, its temperature readings are correlated at frequent  intervals with 
those of the unsheathed th ermocouple. (Because of the thickness of the sheathed thermocouple, it cannot be inserted under a 
crucible ) 
NOTE 2 : The temperature/electromotive force relationship of a thermo junction maintained at elevated temperatures gradually 
changes with time.  
6.7.2.3 
Cylindrical crucible , with a well -fitting lid, both made of fused silica. The crucible and lid have 
a combined mass of between 10 g and 14 g, and their dimensions approximate those shown 
in Figure 1.  
The fit of the lid to the crucible is critical for t he determination and a lid is so selected to 
match the crucible that the gap between the lid and the crucible does not exceed 0.5 mm. 
After selection, the crucible and the lid are ground together to give smooth -fitting surfaces 
and are thereafter used sole ly as a matched pair.  
NOTE : Crucibles of other refractory materials or of platinum may be used, provided that they give, within the presc ribed limits of 
precision ( see clause 6 .7.6), the same results as the silica crucibles.  
 
6.7.2.4  
Suitable stand , in which to place the crucible(s) in the muffle furnace, and such that the 
appropriate rate of heating can be achieved . 
6.7.2.5  
Desiccant , of fresh or freshly regenerated self -indicating gel . PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
13 
 6.7.2.6  
Desiccator , of suitable dimensions, that contains the desicc ant. 
6.7.2.7  
Analytical balance , accurate to within 0.1 mg . 
6.7.2.8  
Stop-watch  
 
Figure 1 — Silica crucible and lid  
6.7.3 Test Specimen  
A test specimen taken from the materi al prepared in 
accordance with clause  6.6. Ensure that the prepared 
material is th oroughly mixed (preferably by 
mechan ical means) for at least 1 min.  
6.7.4 Procedure  
Heat the crucible and lid (or the set of crucibles and 
lids (as relevant) in the muffle furnace at 900 °C ± 10 
°C for 7 min. Remove the crucible(s) from the 
furnace, allow to cool on a thick metal plate for 10 
min and then for 15 min in the desiccator located 
next to the balance.  
When cooled to room temperature, determine (in 
turn) the mass  m1 of each clean empty crucible and 
lid, to the nearest 0.1 mg, and return the lid to  the 
desiccator. Weigh, to the nearest 0.1 mg, into each 
crucible, 1.00 g to 1.01 g of the test specimen, and 
heat the crucible and test specimen, withou t the lid, 
in an air oven (see clause  6.5.2.1 ) at 105 °C for 1 h. 
(This initial action is critical, sin ce the result has to be 
expressed on a dry basis.) Cool the crucible and test 
specimen in the desiccator for 15 min. Replace the 
lid and determine, to the nearest 0.1 mg, the initial 
mass  m2 of each crucible plus lid plus dried 
specimen.  
Tap each crucible on a clean, hard surface until the 
specimen forms a layer of uniform thickness at the 
bottom of the crucible.  
Place the charged crucible(s) in the stand and, in the case of multiple determinations, fill the 
vacant places in the stand with empty crucibles. Place the stand within the zone of uniform 
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
14 
 temperature in the furnace, preheated to 900 °C, for exactly 7 min, remove the crucible(s), 
allow to cool on a thick metal plate for 10 min and then in the desiccator for 15 min. When 
the crucible(s) has (have) co oled to room temperature, determine the mass of each charged 
crucible to the nearest 0.1 mg and record the final mass  m3 of each.  
NOTE : Precisely similar treatment of a crucible before and after determination minimizes the effect of any film of water 
absor bed on its surface, and the rapid cooling reduces absorption of moisture by the charcoal residue.  
6.7.5   Expression of Results  
6.7.5.1  
The volatile matter content  V, expressed as a percentage (by mass), is given by the 
equation . 
 
Where: 
m1 is the mass, in grams, of the empty clean crucible plus lid;  
m2 is the mass, in grams, of the crucible plus lid plus specimen after drying at 105 °C for 1 h;  
m3 is the mass, in grams of the crucible plus lid plus residue after heating.  
Report the result (preferably the mean of duplicate determinations), to the nearest 0.1 % (by 
mass).  
6.7.5.2  
Check for compliance with clause  5.4.5 . 
6.7.6   Precision of Result  
The results of duplicate determinations shall not differ by more than the appropriate  of the 
values given in  Table 2 . 
Table 2 — Precision of Results  
Volatile matter content 
(by mass),  
% Same laboratory, 
repeatability  Different laboratories, reproducibility  
< 10 0.3 % absolute  0.5 % absolute  
≥ 10 3 % of the mean result  The greater of 0.5 % absolute and 4 % 
of the mean result  
 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
15 
 6.8   Ash Content  
6.8.1   Principle  
A test specimen, from which the moisture content has been extracted, is heated in air at a 
specified rate up to a temperature of 710 ± 10 °C and maintained at this temperature until 
constant in ma ss. The percentage of the ash is calculated from the mass of the residue after 
incineration.  
6.8.2   Apparatus  
6.8.2.1  
Analytical balance , accurate to within 0.1 mg  
6.8.2.2  
Muffle furnace , capable of giving a zone of substantially uniform temperature at th e 
temperature levels required by the procedure and of reaching these levels in the specified 
times. The ventilation through the muffle furnace should be such as to give more than five air 
changes per minute.  
NOTE : The number of air changes per minute can b e assessed by measurement of the air flow from the muffle furnace flue, 
using a pilot -static tube and a sensitive manometer.  
6.8.2.3  
Dish, of silica, porcelain or platinum, of depth 8 mm to 15 mm. The diameter of the dish is 
such that the surface (mass) de nsity of the specimen layer does not exceed 0.15 g/cm2. 
6.8.2.4  
Insulating plate , of silica of thickness 6 mm, or of heat -resistant steel of such size as to be an 
easy sliding fi t into the muffle furnace (see clause  6.8.2.2 ). 
6.8.2.5  
Desiccant , of fresh or  freshly regenerated self -indicating gel . 
6.8.2.6  
Desiccator , of suitable dimensions, that contains the desiccant . 
6.8.3   Test Specimen  
A test specimen taken from the materi al prepared in accordance with clause  6.6. Ensure that 
the prepared material is t horoughly mixed (preferably by mechanical means) for at least 1 
min. PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
16 
 6.8.4   Procedure  
Heat the dish ( see clause  6.8.2.3)  in the muffle furnace to 710  ± 10 °C and maintain it at this 
temperature for 15 min. Remove the dish from the furnace and allow the  dish to cool on a 
thick metal plate for 10 min and then for 15 min in the desiccator located next to the balance. 
When cool, determine the mass  m1 of the dish to the nearest 0.1 mg.  
Spread ± 1 g of the test specimen evenly in the dish and heat the dish an d tes t specimen in 
an air oven (see clause  6.5.2.1 ) at 105 °C for 1 h. This initial action is critical, since the result 
has to be expressed on a dry basis. Cool the dish and test specimen in the desiccator for 15 
min. determine the initial mass  m2 of the dish plus dried specimen to the nearest 0.1 mg.  
Place the dish, plus test specimen, in the cold muffle furnace and raise the temperature to 
250 °C within 30 min, then from 250  to 500 °C within another 30 min, and finally from 500 C 
to 710  ± 10 °C wit hin 60 min.  
When incineration is complete, remove the dish plus test specimen from the furnace, and 
allow to cool on a thick metal plate for 10 min and then in a desiccator for 15 min. When the 
dish and test specimen have cooled, determine the mass  m3 of the dish plus incinerated test 
specimen to the nearest 0.1 g.  
Reheat at 710  ± 10 °C for further 15 min periods, allow to cool and determine the mass until 
any change in mass does not exceed 1 mg.  
6.8.5   Expression of Results  
6.8.5.1  
The ash content A, expressed as a percentage (by mass), is given by the equation  
 
Where: 
m1 is the mass, in grams, of the dish;  
m2 is the mass, in grams of the dish plus specimen after drying at 105 °C for 1 h;  
m3 is the mass, in grams of the dish plus ash after incinerat ion. 
Report the result, as the arithmetic mean of duplicate determinations, to the nearest 0.1 % 
(by mass).  
 
6.8.5.2  
Check for compli ance with  clause  5.4.6 . PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
17 
 6.8.6   Precision of Results  
The results of duplicate determinations shall not differ by more tha n the appropriate of the 
values given in Table 3.  
Table 3 — Precision of Results  
Ash content (by 
mass)  
% Same laboratory, 
repeatability  Different laboratories, 
reproducibility  
< 10 0.2 % absolute  0.3 % absolute  
≥ 10 2 % of the mean  3 % of the mean  
6.9   Fixed Carbon Content  
6.9.1   Principle  
The fixed carbon is the carbon that remains after the removal of volatile matter content and 
the a sh content in accordance with clause  6.7 and clause  6.8 respectively.  
6.9.2   Expression of Results  
6.9.2.1  
The fixed carbon content  FC, expressed as a percentage (by mass), is given by the equation  
FC = 100 – (A+V)  
Where: 
A is the ash content, as a percentage (by mass), det ermined in accordance with clause  6.8; 
V 
  is the volatile matter content, as a percentage ( by mass),  determined in accordance with 
clause  6.7. 
  
6.9.2.2  
Check for compliance with clause  5.4.7 . 
 
6.10   Test Report  
The test report shall contain the following particulars:  
a. the identification of the product or sample tested;  
b. a reference to this standard;  
c. the test results;  
d. any deviations from the test methods in this standard;  
e. any unusual features noted during the determinations; and  PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
18 
 f. the date(s) of the tests.  
 
7.0   Pack aging and Marking  
7.1   Packing  
Lump charcoal and charcoal briquette  shall be packed and sealed  
a. in multi -wall paper bags , multi-wall poly propylene  or in corruga ted board containers, 
as acceptable ; and  
b. in units of 2 kg,  5 kg, 10 kg , 20 kg , 25 kg , 30 kg and 50  kg as required .  
7.2   Marking  and Labelling  
Each container shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information:  
a. the manufa cturer’s name, trade name or trade mark;  
b. the description of the contents of the container, that is, “Lump charcoal” or “Charcoal 
briquette ”; 
c. the number and date of this Ghana standard DGS 1346 -1 ( or equivalent  
international standard)  
d. the batch id entification or the date of packing (which may be in code);  
e. the net mass of the contents;  
f. Ghana standards certification mark (or quality mark of an accredited certification 
body)  and 
g. any additional information, as required . 
 
9.0   Transport and storage  
9.1   During transportation, the packaged products shall be handl ed with care to avoid 
moisture, sunlight and damag e of w ood charcoal packages.  
9.2   The products shall be stored in a dry, cool place ( at ambient t emperature) away from 
sunlig ht, moisture and ignition.  
9.3   For additional information on  transport  and storage, please refer to Annex C . 
 
 
 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
19 
 Annex A  
Notes to purchasers  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
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20 
 Annex B  
(Normative)  
Quality Verification of Lump  Charcoal and Charcoal Briquette  
B.1   Quality Verification  
B.1.1    Product and System  Verification  
When a purchaser requires ongoing verification of the quality of lump  charcoal and charcoal 
briquettes produced to this standard, it is suggested that instead of concentrating solely on 
the evaluation  of the final product, he also direct s his attention to the manufacturer’s quality 
system. In this connection it should be noted that GS ISO 9001 covers the provision of an 
integrated quality system.  
B.1.2    Purchasers Verification of Quality  
If lump  charcoal or charcoal briquette  do not bear  the certification mark and no information 
about the implementation of quality control or testing during manufacture is available to help 
in assessing the quality of a lot, and a purchaser wishes to establish, by  inspection and 
testing of samples of the final product, whether a lot of the product complies with this 
standard, use the sampling plan given in clause  B.2.1. 
NOTE 1 : The sampling plan applies to the final product only.  
NOTE 2 :  A lot that in terms of th e sampling plan is deemed to comply with the standard, could contain defective lump charcoal 
and charcoal briquette . 
In cases of dispute, the lot shall be available for inspection by the Ghana Standards 
Authority  and Energy Commission . 
B.2   Assessme nt of Compliance  
B.2.1    Sampling  
B.2.1 .1   General  
The following sampling procedure shall be used to determine whether a lot complies with the 
requirements of this standard. The sample so taken shall be deemed to represent the lot for 
the respective prop erties.  
B.2.1 .2   Sample for Inspection  
From the lot, draw at random the greater of the following numbers of containers:  
12 containers or the number of containers calculated (to the nearest whole number) by the 
following equation:  
√ (A/2)  
Where: PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
21 
 A:  is the number of containers in the lot.  
Note : container represent  the package type as seen in clause 7 .1. 
B.2.1 .3   Sample for Testing  
After inspection of the sample taken in accordance with  clause  B.2.1.2, take from it, at 
random, 10 containers.  
B.3   Criteria of Compliance  
The lot shall be deemed to comply with the relevant requirements of the standard if, after 
inspection and testing of the sample taken in accordance with clause  B.2.1, no defect is 
found.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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22 
 ANNEX C 
(Informative)  
Transport and Storage  
C.1 Intermediate storage is necess ary when large amounts of wood  charcoal shall await 
transportation because of irregular availability of transport, such as road or rail trucks or poor 
road conditions in remote areas.  
C.2 The following requirements should be observed when laying out an intermediate storage 
station:  
a) It shall be sufficiently large to accept the quantity of charcoal to be stored under abnormal 
conditions, e.g. during a prolonged rainy  season, or a period of scarcity of  transportation.  
b) The storage house should be divided in to sections, of approximately 2000 m3 each, 
separated by walls.  
c) It shall be covered and shall have sufficient facilities for easy and fast handling of the 
charcoal on its arrival and departure.  
d) Unloading into the storing house can be done from the outside through wooden or metall ic 
chutes and loading of vehicles  through manually operated wooden or metallic trapdoors.  
e) Vehicles  should not be allowed insid e the storehouse because of fire hazards from 
internal combust ion engines and smoking by vehicle  drivers.  
f) Conveyor belts may also be used but mechanization should be minimized because it is 
expensive.  
g) Height of the heaped charcoal should be less th an six meters  to avoid spontaneous 
ignition.  
h) Incoming charcoal should be dropped as little as possible  (two meters  maximum) to 
reduce formation of fines.  
i) The charcoal should be unloaded onto a naturally formed slope of charcoal and hand ling 
should be reduced to a minimum as each movement produces some fines.  
j) The building shall be well ventilated and open on all sides to give rapid and easy access in 
case of fire. It should have no intermediate columns across the roof span.  
k) The building structure may be of brick, concrete or steel. The roof should preferably be 
galvanized sheet but asbestos , clay roof tiles, microfiber roof tiles may be used.  
l) The floor may be brick, stone, and concrete or even rammed earth.  
m) Water p ipes with hose connections should be available at different points but, in case of 
fire, the best method of saving the charcoal is to push the unburnt charcoal out of the  
building with  tractors equipped with shovel blades .  
n) Avoid moisture , sunlight, and  damage to wood  charcoal  and the packages during 
transportation.  
o) Store the products in dry and cool place  (at ambient temperature) . 
 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTDGS 1346 -1 
23 
 Bibliography  
1) US 765: 2007 : Wood Charcoal and Charcoal Briquettes for Household Use — 
Speci fication  
2) Henry I. Baldwin , The New Hampshire  charcoal kiln , New Hampshire Forestry and 
Recreation Commission, 1958 . 
3) Hassan Gomaa and Mohmed Fathi, A Simple Charcoal Kiln for Hardwoods or Other  
Dense Biomass (Quick, Efficient, Economi c with Low Environmental Impact) , 2000, pp.  167- 
174.