Solid recovered fuel (SRF) 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 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.

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 (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.

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.

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.

The Herzberg staining test by the ISO 9184-3 standard is used to determine the main fiber content of paper and board. In the test, a saturated solution of zinc chloride, iodine, and potassium iodide is used to color the paper. The solution affects fibers differently and enables the qualitative and quantitative analysis of mechanical, rag, chemical, and semi-chemical pulps, regenerated cellulose fibers, and synthetic fibers in paper and board.

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.

Gravimetric determination of extractives content in solid biomass. Non-volatile extractives soluble in organic solvents (acetone, n-heptane, ethanol) can be quantified. Other solvents can also be used upon request. The analysis can be performed according to standard ISO 14453 (acetone) or TAPPI T204 (other solvents).

Determination of the biomass fraction of CO₂ emissions generated from mixed fuel incineration, as required by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and Monitoring and Reporting Regulation (MRR). CO₂ originating from sustainably sourced 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 the MRR. 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 report emissions under EU ETS since the beginning of 2024.