Metals and elements in biochar and coke (ICP-OES)

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.

This ash content test is conducted according to ASTM D482 or EN ISO 6245, and is typically used for pyrolysis oil, fuels, crude oils, lubricating oils, waxes, and related petroleum matrices where ash-forming material is considered an undesirable impurity. In the test, the sample is ignited under controlled laboratory conditions at 775 °C, and the remaining ash residue is determined gravimetrically. Results are reported as numerical values in w%, with a typical quantification limit of 0.001 w%.  Both ASTM D482 and EN ISO 6245 are generally applicable in the approximate ash range of 0.001 to 0.180 w% for petroleum products that do not contain intentional ash-forming additives; products with such additives may require a different method. Please note that the displayed price applies to small sample sets, while larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume-based discounts.

The bromine index indicates the amount of bromine-reactive unsaturated compounds in petroleum products and is used as a measure of olefinic reactivity and product stability. This analysis is primarily intended for pyrolysis oils and is performed according to DIN 51774-1, which determines bromine-reactive content by titrimetric measurement.  Results are reported in g/100 g. Samples must be liquid, homogeneous and particle-free, or easily filterable. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are typically eligible for volume discounts.

Measurement of carbonyl content in pyrolysis oils and other thermochemically derived liquid biomass products. Elevated carbonyl levels can cause instability during storage and processing, making this measurement relevant for quality control and feedstock assessment. The analysis is performed according to the ASTM E3146 method, in which carbonyl compounds react by oximation and are quantified by potentiometric titration. Results are reported in mol/kg. The displayed price applies to small sample sets, while large batches and recurring orders are eligible for discounts. Please request a quote from our testing experts using the form below.

Measurement of mercury in pyrolysis oil, crude oil, and other petroleum products according to ASTM D7623. In the test, the sample is thermally decomposed by combustion at approximately 700 °C; mercury is selectively trapped on a gold amalgamator and quantified by cold vapor atomic absorption. Samples must be acidic or neutral; basic samples cannot be analyzed. Results are reported in µg/kg, with a typical LOQ range of 20-400 µg/kg, depending on the sample matrix. The displayed price applies to small sample sets. Larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for discounted pricing, so please disclose the number of samples upon requesting an offer.

Determination of biobased carbon content by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) or liquid scintillation counting (LSC) according to EN 16640, a horizontal European standard applicable to any product containing carbon — including paints, adhesives, solvents, detergents, composites, and raw materials. Results are reported as biobased carbon content (%) relative to total carbon (TC) of the sample. EN 16640 is the default standard for substantiating biobased carbon content claims for non-plastic products intended for the EU market. It was developed by CEN/TC 411 as part of a suite of horizontal standards for biobased products, and is technically almost identical to ISO 16620-2, although the latter applies specifically to plastic products and additives. Any other differences between the two reflect editorial conventions of the respective standardization bodies rather than methodological differences.  Both standards are also technically similar to ASTM D6866, which follows the same radiocarbon principle. The displayed price applies to non-volatile samples. If your sample is volatile, please discuss the suitability of your sample type with our experts. Samples containing artificially enriched carbon isotopes (¹²C, ¹³C, or ¹⁴C) cannot be analyzed, as these will damage the instrument.

Determination of elemental impurities in pyrolysis oil by microwave digestion (in-house method) followed by ICP-OES analysis according to EN ISO 11885.  The following elements are quantified after microwave digestion: Al, Ag, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn, S, Si, and P. Results are reported in mg/kg. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume discounts.