Residential Pellet Fuel Standards (April 1995)

The Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) has established national standards for residential pellet fuel. Fuel quality certification is the responsibility of the pellet manufacturer.

Two fuel grades have been established: Premium and Standard. Four fuel characteristics are prescribed in the grades. The only difference between the two grades is in the inorganic ash content.

	Premium Grade	Standard Grade
Bulk Density/Cubic Ft.	Not less than 40 lbs. .	Not less than 40 lbs
Dimensions	Diameter ¼ inch to 5/16 inch	Diameter ¼ inch to 5/16 inch
Fines	Not more than 0.5% by weight shall pass a 1/8 screen	Not more than 0.5% by weight shall pass a 1/8 screen
Inorganic Ash	Less than 1%	Less than 3%
Length	None longer than 1.5 inches	None longer than 1.5 inches

Sodium (salt) may cause unacceptable corrosion if present in elevated levels. Natural wood uncontaminated with salt will have less than 300 ppm of water soluble sodium. Certain fuel made from plywood, particleboard, some ag residues, some paper and other materials, and wood contaminated with salt may have elevated sodium levels. Producers should identify sodium level in their guaranteed analysis.

It is recommended that PFI member manufacturers label their product as meeting PFI Standard or Premium Grade. They are asked to disclose the type of material (e.g. wood, paper, agricultural residues). It is also recommended that manufacturers include on their bags the membership logo and in a printed block a guaranteed analysis with at least the following parameters:

Keeping that warm feeling alive is our business