Laboratory testing services

Measurement of biogenic or biobased carbon in the material or product as a percent of the total carbon or total organic carbon in the product. ASTM D6866 outlines two ways of expressing the proportion of material that originates from renewable resources. Biogenic carbon content indicates the proportion of total carbon (TC) originating from renewable resources. Alternatively, inorganic carbon can be removed before testing, and the result is then expressed in relation to total organic carbon (TOC), giving the biobased carbon content. An additional cost applies to the removal of inorganic carbon. The price is for non-volatile samples. If your sample is volatile, please discuss the suitability of your sample type with our experts. Please also note that we cannot accept samples that contain artificial carbon-12, carbon-13, or carbon-14 isotopes because they will cause damage to the equipment. Note! The results obtained for gaseous emissions should always be expressed as "biogenic carbon content" because the initial step of converting carbon to gaseous CO2 cannot be done when the carbon is already in gaseous form. Biobased carbon content determination by ASTM D6866 does not reveal how much of the sample's total weight originates from renewable sources. This can be estimated, however, by combining data on biobased carbon content with information on the total carbon content of the product. Biobased content measurement by EN 16785-1 may also be considered as an alternative.

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 (1000 °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 price includes two parallel measurements. The results are reported as wt-% of the initial sample. The ash, drying and dry loss measurements will increase the minimum required sample material need 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. Possible element packages: O, CHNS, and CHNOS.

Qualitative identification of chemical groups in solid samples by Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Results will be delivered as an FTIR spectrum. In addition, a comparison to an FTIR library will be provided. The method is not quantitative, but it can be used to identify the main chemical components of the sample.

Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials by combustion ion chromatography (CIC). 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.

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 and 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.

Chemical components of a solid sample material are identified using Raman spectroscopy. The analysis is suitable for inorganic and organic samples, excluding metals and alloys.

Simulated distillation (SimDist or Simdis) according to the ASTM D7169 standard helps determine the boiling point of petroleum fractions. Sample needs to be soluble to CS2. The method will provide a boiling point distribution of n-C9 to n-C100 (or up to 720 °C) as mass percent yields.

Classic stable isotope analysis of carbon (13C) with isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The results are reported in the unit VPDB, ‰. The analysis is suitable for various sample materials. Please contact the Measurlabs expert for more detailed information on the analysis.

Lignin sample ash content measurement at 525°C. The result is expressed as a mass percentage of the ash from the initial sample on a dry matter basis.

Measurement performed by the EN 16640 standard, using the radiocarbon method to determine the biobased carbon content of a product. The proportion of biobased carbon (also known as biogenic carbon) is expressed in relation to the total carbon content (TC). The displayed price applies to non-volatile samples, but it may be possible to analyze volatile samples upon request. Please note that we cannot accept samples that contain artificial carbon-12, carbon-13, or carbon-14 isotopes because they will cause damage to the equipment.

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).

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.

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.

Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique used for the identification of chemical components in a sample. This analysis is suitable for inorganic and organic liquid samples.

Standard EN 590 outlines the testing requirements and methods for diesel fuel quality testing. The following tests are included in the package: Standard Parameter Requirements EN 5165 Cetane number Min. 51 EN ISO 4264 Cetane index Min. 46 EN ISO 12185 Density at 15 °C 820 - 845 kg/m3 EN 12916 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) Max. 8 m% EN ISO 20846 Sulfur content Max. 10 mg/kg EN 16576 Manganese content Max. 2.0 mg/l EN ISO 2719 Flashpoint Min 55 °C EN ISO 10370 Carbon residue Max. 0.30 m% EN ISO 6245 Ash content Max. 0.010 m% EN ISO 12937 Water content Max. 200 mg/kg EN 12662 Total contamination Max. 24 mg/kg EN ISO 2160 Copper corrosion Class 1 EN 14078 FAME content Max. 7.0 v% EN ISO 12205 Oxidation stability Max. 25 g/m3/min. 20 h EN ISO 12156-1 Lubricity at 60 °C Max. 460 µm EN ISO 3104 Viscosity at 40 °C 2000 - 4500 mm2/s ISO 3405 Distillation characteristics E250 max 65 v%, E350 min. 85 v%, T95 360 °C EN 116 Cold filter plugging point Different grades* EN ISO 23015 Cloud point Different classes** * Temperate climates: Grade A: max. +5 °C, B: max. 0 °C, C: max. -5 °C, D: max. -10 °C, E: max. -15 °C, and F: max. -20 °C. Arctic or severe winter climates: Class 0: max. -20 °C, 1: max. -26 °C, 2: max. -32 °C, 3: max. -38 °C, and 4: max. -44 °C. ** Arctic or severe winter climates: Class 0: max. -10 °C, 1: max. -16 °C, 2: max. -22 °C, 3: max. -28 °C, and 4: max. -34 °C. For individual tests and their prices, please contact us through the form below.

Volumetric (static) or dynamic (pulse) chemisorption analysis by CO or H2. The method is mainly used to determine catalyst activity and active sites. When coupled with TPX (temperature programmed experiments, TPO, TPR, TPD), this method can give information about adsorbed species and surface species. Chemisorption can also be conducted with other reactive gases, please contact us for more information.

Determination of the hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) content of natural gas or biogas samples. Please contact Measurlabs experts to check the suitability of other sample vessels for the analysis.

Effective utilization of pyrolysis oil as a replacement for fossil fuels or as feedstock for recycled plastic requires it to meet certain quality specifications. This basic analysis package includes the determination of the following pyrolysis oil quality parameters: Density at 20 °C – ISO 12185, Kinematic viscosity at 20 °C – ASTM D7042, Kinematic viscosity at 80 °C – ASTM D7042, Calorific value, upper & lower – DIN 51900-1 (mod.), Acid value – EN 12634, Ash content (775 °C) – ISO 6245, Sulfur content – ASTM D4239, Sediment content – ISO 3735, Water content – ISO 3733.

Measurement of the refractive index of powder samples with the Becke line microscopic method. The analysis is suitable for transparent crystalline materials with a particle size larger than 40 μm. Measurements are performed at 589.3 nm wavelength. Refractive index values from approximately 1.40 to 1.70 are reported.

The biobased carbon content is either reported as a fraction of the total organic carbon (TOC) or total carbon (TC). The price is for non-volatile samples. If your sample is volatile, please discuss the suitability of your sample type with our experts. Please also note that we cannot accept samples that contain artificial carbon-12, carbon-13, or carbon-14 isotopes because they will cause damage to the equipment.

Determination of the biomass fraction of CO₂ emissions generated from mixed fuel incineration, as required by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). CO₂ originating from non-fossil sources like biomass has an emission factor of zero under EU ETS and is therefore not counted towards carbon emissions. This means that the biomass fraction of mixed fuels, such as municipal waste or solid recovered fuel (SRF), must be determined to calculate reportable emissions accurately. In this analysis, the proportion of biogenic carbon dioxide in total emitted CO₂ from the incineration process is measured using the radiocarbon (¹⁴C) method. The measurement is based on the ASTM D6866 standard. This standard is equally rigorous and based on the same methodology as EN ISO 13833, which is mentioned in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Testing is relevant for industrial plants that use mixed fuels and participate in emissions trading, as well as for municipal waste incineration (MWI) plants, which have been required to monitor and report emissions according to EU ETS since the beginning of 2024.

Standard EN 228 outlines the testing requirements and methods for gasoline quality testing. The following tests are included in the package: Standard Parameter Requirements EN ISO 5164 RON Min. 95 EN ISO 5163 MON Min. 85 EN 237 Lead content Max. 5 mg/l EN ISO 12185 Density at 15 °C 720–775 kg/m3 EN ISO 20846 Sulfur content Max. 10 mg/kg EN 16136 Manganese content Max. 2 mg/l EN ISO 7536 Oxidation stability Min. 360 minutes EN ISO 6246 Washed gum content Max. 5 mg/100ml EN ISO 2160 Copper corrosion Class 1 ASTM D4176 Appearance Bright and clear EN ISO 22854 Hydrocarbon composition Benzene max. 1 v%, aromatics max. 35 v%, olefins max. 18 v%, oxygenates* EN 13016-1 Vapor pressure at 37.8 °C (DVPE) Depends on volatility class** EN ISO 3405 Distillation characteristics Final boiling point max. 210 °C, distillation residue max. 2 v%, evaporated volumes*** * For gasoline with max. 3.7 m% of oxygen, allowed oxygenate contents are methanol 3 v%, ethanol 10 v%, iso-propanol 12 v%, iso-butanol 15 v%, tert-butanol 15 v%, ethers with five or more carbon atoms 22 v%, and other oxygenates 15 v%. For gasoline with max. 2.7 m% of oxygen, allowed oxygenate contents are methanol 3 v% and ethanol 5 v%. ** For volatility class A: 45–60 kPa, B: 45–70 kPa, C: 50–80 kPa, D: 60–90 kPa, E: 65–95 kPa, and F: 70–100 kPa *** Percentage evaporated at 70 °C (E70): winter 22–50 v%, summer 22–48 v%, at 100 °C (E100): 46–71 v%, and at 150 °C (E150): min. 75 v%

Analysis of gaseous samples using Raman spectroscopy.