Evac is a global leader in water and waste management, specializing in the development of advanced systems for challenging environments such as large marine vessels and building complexes. Committed to mitigating emissions and conserving resources, Evac’s technology converts difficult-to-recycle waste fractions into sterile biochar, a valuable resource in several industries.
Laboratory testing is vital when developing and optimizing waste management systems, as a range of measurements is needed to characterize the input materials and evaluate the effectiveness of the purification process at different stages. For the past three and a half years, Measurlabs has been a trusted partner for Evac, providing fast and reliable results for its often complex sample matrices.
Tailored solutions for unconventional sample matrices
One of the key services Measurlabs has provided to Evac is the analysis of total fat content and free fatty acids in biowaste, biochar, and sludge samples. These tests were difficult to source elsewhere, as even though fat analyses are commonly offered by food laboratories, the unusual matrix meant that few laboratories were able or willing to accommodate Evac’s samples.
“Untreated waste is understandably difficult to deal with for many laboratories, while the issues with treated samples are more technical. Since Evac’s goal is to remove fat from the material as effectively as possible, most established methods are not sensitive enough to achieve reliable results for samples with such a low fat content,” explains Measurlabs’ Testing Expert, Mirva Hirvi.
A laboratory able to analyze Evac’s challenging samples was found through Measurlabs’ extensive partner network. While fat analyses remain at the center of the collaboration, Measurlabs has also supported Evac with a range of additional testing needs, including microbiological testing, particle size distribution analyses, biochar quality measurements, and air permeability tests for filter cloths.
“Measurlabs’ experts have prepared custom analysis packages for the different sample matrices we need testing for, including untreated waste, mid-process biochar solutions, and the ready-to-use biochar. It really streamlines my work to have consistent, high-quality results from one trusted testing partner on which to base decisions,” says Clara Mendoza, R&D Process Specialist at Evac.
Seamless access to expert support
As Evac is a valued partnership customer for Measurlabs, two testing experts have been assigned to oversee their analysis projects. This means that support is always available at short notice, even during holiday periods and occasional unplanned absences. Rather than just providing the tests, experts Mirva Hirvi and Meeri Rantanen also offer guidance on method selection and other practical aspects.
“We have received a lot of support from Measurlabs’ experts with our analysis needs. I can send them samples whenever we need testing and be confident that we’ll get the results quickly,” Clara Mendoza says.
Over the years, Measurlabs’ responsive service and technical expertise have become an integral part of Evac’s R&D efforts. With the capacity to swiftly handle complex samples from all stages of the waste management process, Evac gets all the information it needs to optimize its products further.