ASTM E869-93(2006)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of performance characteristics of fuel ethanol manufacturing facilities.

1.2 This test method is applicable for all starch, sugar, and combination starch/sugar based fermentable feedstocks.

1.3 This test method is applicable to both batch and continuous fuel ethanol manufacturing processes.

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

This test method shall yield data that will form a “performance profile” for a fuel ethanol manufacturing facility. The significance of this profile is that it can be compared directly to another facility’performance profile and yield a relative measurement and shall provide a measure of expected facility performance under field conditions. Based on the four main parameters highlighted above, facilities of significantly different designs can be compared relatively.

The single black box technique applied to performance evaluation examines only the overall input/output relationship. This implies that the operation of the facility during the tests shall be conducted to achieve design conditions in accordance with established procedures.