CBG quality-control guide
CBG Feedstock Quality Specifications and Acceptance Plan
Raw feedstock does not have one universal acceptance specification across all CBG plants. Each plant should define a feedstock- and process-specific quality envelope with a repeatable sampling method. IS 16087:2016 concerns the final CBG product; it should not be presented as a universal raw-biomass specification.
Lot-level QC
Identity, sampling, measurement, acceptance and corrective action for every delivery.
Best fit
Procurement, laboratory, operations and supplier teams creating a shared receiving standard.
Watch closely
Unspecified test methods, single-point samples, visual-only moisture calls and using final-gas standards for raw feedstock.
Ask the supplier
Will the supplier accept the same documented sampling, calibration and dispute process used by the plant?
Create a specification for each feedstock class
Dry residues, wet by-products and dung have different commercial and operating risks. The specification should reflect how the material is purchased, transported, prepared and fed.
- Define identity, physical form, allowed source and prohibited mixing.
- Select moisture/solids, contamination and other plant-critical parameters with the laboratory and operations team.
- State units, test method, sample location, frequency and decision rule for every parameter.
Make sampling representative and auditable
A number is only useful when the sample represents the lot. Supplier and buyer should understand how increments are taken, combined, labelled, retained and tested.
- Use multiple increments across the load or lot where appropriate, not only the easiest visible surface.
- Record instrument ID, calibration status, operator, timestamp and lot ID.
- Retain samples or digital evidence for disputes according to an agreed period.
Connect acceptance to action
Specifications need clear consequences. Define acceptance, price adjustment where legally and commercially appropriate, hold, re-test and rejection pathways before the truck arrives.
- Separate safety or prohibited-material failures from commercial quality deviations.
- Document who authorizes deviation and how material is segregated while on hold.
- Feed recurring source issues into supplier scorecards and corrective-action reviews.
Evidence before commitment
Decision and proof matrix
Convert each commercial claim into evidence that procurement, operations and finance can review together.
| Decision factor | Operating guidance | Minimum proof |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Confirm feedstock, source and physical form. | PO, lot ID, source record and receiving inspection. |
| Moisture/solids | Use a defined method and representative sample. | Calibrated test, sample log and retained result. |
| Contamination | Set prohibited and measurable foreign-material rules. | Inspection, sorted sample or agreed test method. |
| Disposition | Predefine accept, hold, re-test and reject authority. | Signed SOP and digital decision record. |
Execution checklist
Before this feedstock enters the production plan
Assign an owner and evidence date to every item. A verbal supplier assurance should not close a readiness check.
- 1Create separate specification schedules by feedstock class.
- 2Name every test method, unit and sampling frequency.
- 3Calibrate and identify receiving instruments.
- 4Train supplier and plant teams on the same acceptance process.
- 5Preserve evidence for re-test and dispute handling.
- 6Review limits against plant performance and update only through change control.
Sources and limits
These sources support sector context and planning references. Figures are indicative, not a supplier guarantee or plant design specification. Validate local supply, laboratory characteristics, process compatibility and applicable legal requirements with qualified professionals.
Continue the decision
Related CBG feedstock guides
Decision guide
Feedstock Selection
Compare CBG feedstocks using supply security, delivered cost, quality variability, storage, preprocessing, seasonality and plant-trial evidence.
Read guideDecision guide
Procurement Guide
Build a bankable CBG feedstock procurement programme with source verification, pilots, quality schedules, delivery SLAs, supplier scorecards and contingency planning.
Read guideDecision guide
Storage & Logistics
Design CBG feedstock storage and logistics around seasonality, density, moisture, fire risk, inventory ageing, routes, weighment and delivery reliability.
Read guideBuild from evidence
Turn this guide into a plant-specific sourcing plan.
Share plant capacity, location, preferred feedstocks and storage constraints with the URJA SETU procurement team.