Biochar: basic quality analysis

This metal screening analysis includes the semi-quantitative determination of 70 elements. The method can be used, for example, to determine the background concentrations of metals in environmental samples or to study the elemental distribution of unknown samples. Screening is also often performed to assess which metals should be analyzed by a quantitative method. The measurement is performed using a high-resolution ICP-MS technique (ICP-SFMS), which can identify very low elemental concentrations. A semi-quantitative determination of the following elements is included: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, Ir, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Os, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr. However, please note that some elements may not be determinable due to matrix interference. During this semi-quantitative analysis, the instrument is calibrated for about 30 elements. The rest of the analytes are quantified using sensitivity factors for calibrated elements with similar mass and first ionization potential, considering isotope abundances. Quantitative analysis is also available at an additional price. During this analysis, all elements are calibrated (excluding halogens and Os). Please ask for an offer for this service.

Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). By default, TOF is analyzed as total fluorine (TF). If required, total inorganic fluorine (TIF) can be measured as well, and TOF calculated as the difference between TF and TIF. TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to evaluate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the material, even though individual PFAS compounds can't be analyzed with this method. The analysis is suitable for many different materials. Please describe the sample in detail when requesting an offer to help us prepare a quote quickly.

Determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of an organic sample. CHNS analysis (”LECO analysis”) is performed using a flash combustion method, where the sample is combusted under 25 kPa of O2 at an elevated temperature (1,000 °C), followed by gas chromatography separation and detection using a thermal conductivity detector. Oxygen is analyzed by reduction on granulated carbon at 1480 °C, utilizing high-temperature thermal decomposition and conversion of oxygen into carbon monoxide before gas chromatography separation and detection with a thermal conductivity detector. The sample can be either solid or liquid, but water in the sample affects the results. In the case of aqueous samples, it is possible to dry the sample before analysis. The displayed price includes the full CHNOS package with two parallel measurements and applies to conventional organic samples. The results are reported as wt-% of the initial sample. The addition of ash, drying, and dry loss measurements will increase the minimum required sample material to 300 mg. The analysis gives the total carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen content of the material, but it does not identify any chemical structures. The measurement can be combined with other methods, such as GC-MS, 1H, and 13C NMR, to perform substance structure identification. Analysis can be split into the following packages: CHN, O, and S.

This analysis provides quantitative information about the crystalline and amorphous phases within your sample using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). A standard analysis includes: Quantification of crystalline phases as weight percentages, Quantification of the total amorphous content, High-resolution powder diffraction data and the resulting diffractogram, A comprehensive test report detailing the findings. For more advanced needs, we also offer total scattering/pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to reveal the local atomic structure in amorphous or nano-structured materials. Do not hesitate to ask for a quote.

Our δ13C stable isotope analysis determines the ratio of 13C to 12C in a given sample material by a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Results are expressed in per mille (‰) as the deviation of the isotope ratio from a standard reference material. We have more than 30 IAEA, USGS, and in-house isotopic standards available to accommodate a wide range of expected ratios. The price and turnaround time displayed apply to conventional sample matrices. The analysis is suitable for a wide range of sample materials, including, but not limited to, those listed in the table below. All of our stable isotope analyses are conducted at ISO 17025-accredited facilities. Please contact us using the form below to arrange testing on your samples.

Particle size distribution (PSD) is determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The method is most suitable for small particles of 50 nm or smaller. Depending on particle shapes, the method includes calculating the diameters or lengths and widths of particles. In addition to size, TEM provides qualitative information about the surface morphology of the particles. TEM is a good option for irregularly shaped and non-spherical particles such as fibers, rods, and crystals that cannot be characterized meaningfully with traditional methods, including laser diffraction (LD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). As a result of the analysis, TEM images and the determined particle size distribution for diameter (or length and width) are delivered. Dry samples are suitable for TEM as is. If the particles are wet or dispersed in a solvent, the sample may be dried with a suitable sample preparation method before imaging.

This analysis is used to determine the gross calorific value (the heating value) of a solid biofuel at constant volume and the reference temperature of 25°C in a bomb calorimeter calibrated by combustion of certified benzoic acid. The heating value (calorific value or energy value) of fuel is the amount of heat released during the combustion of a specified amount of it. The package includes the calorimetry measurement and the measurement of C, H, and N content, which are needed to calculate the results. Please note that this method is available only for solid biofuels. If you require testing for any other material, please contact Measurlabs experts.

Analysis package methods: The following analyses are performed by an ISO 17025 accredited service provider: Moisture content - LOR 0.5%, Ash content @ 550 °C - LOR 0.1%, Gross Calorific Value Q(V/gr/d) - LOR 0.5 MJ/kg, Net Calorific Value Q(V/net/d) - LOR 0.5 MJ/kg, CHNOS - LOR 0.1%, Elements (ICP): As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tl, V, Zn - LOR 0.01 - 10 mg/kg DW, Chlorine Total Cl - LOR 0.01%, Fluorine Total F - LOR 0.01%. Report: Analysis results will be reported as numerical values in respective units

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is an additive used in diesel-powered vehicles to help the catalytic reduction of nitrous oxides. Thus, the use of AdBlue and other exhaustive fluids improves ambient air quality. DEF testing package according to ISO 22241:2019 includes the measurements listed below: Urea content (ISO 22241-2C), Density at 20 °C (EN ISO 12185) , Refractive index at 20 °C (ISO 22241-2C), Alkalinity as NH₃ (ISO 22241-2D), Biuret (ISO 22241-2E), Aldehydes (ISO 22241-2F), Insoluble matter (ISO 22241-2G), Phosphate (ISO 22241-2H), Determination of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, and Zn content (ISO 22241-2I).

Analysis of the specific surface area of porous, solid materials according to the BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) theory. Analysis can be performed with N2 or Kr gases, depending on the expected surface area of the material. BET curve and the specific surface area (in m2/g) are reported. The required sample amount depends on the expected surface area. As a rule of thumb, at least 5 m2 of surface area should be available for measurement. The following gas adsorption devices are used for this measurement: Micromeritics Gemini VII 2390, Micromeritics ASAP 2020, Micromeritics TriStar II 3020, Anton Paar Nova 800.