Fields of application:

• Ageing of oils
• Agein of EPDM
• Self-heating and lagging fires
• Self-heating of biomaterials
• Substance losses during storage
• Decomposition
• Reaction kinetics
• Heat capacity

Parameters:

• Temperature: 0-150 °C
• O₂-conc.: 0-21 vol-%
• Moisture

Examples of methods we offer:

• Classical microbiology (culture-based methods and microscopy)
• PCR, qPCR
• DNA sequencing (whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, 16S rDNA sequencing)
• Flow cytometry
• Biofilm reactors and rigs

Examples of sample types:

• Food
• Water of various types
• Other biological samples
• Medical technology products
• Building materials

We provide chemical analysis services to identify the composition and origin of unknown samples. In many cases, investigations can begin immediately, without the need for extensive planning or preparation.

Our chemical analysis and troubleshooting services help answer a wide range of questions, such as:

• What is the origin of a stain?
• What is the composition of a deposit or residue?
• What additives are present in a material or product?
• How does the material change during aging?

Understanding, characterizing, and identifying the chemical composition of a sample is often essential for solving technical challenges or improving processes. Common issues we help investigate include:

• Process‑related problems
• Deposits and residues
• Defects in products
• Complaints and customer inquiries
• Types and levels of additives
• Comparison of products on the market
• Presence of hazardous or regulated substances
• Identification of plastic materials

Using a systematic and structured approach, we determine the material’s composition, identify substances, interpret the results, and pinpoint potential sources. The outcome includes both qualitative and quantitative information about the components present in the sample or material.

We employ a range of analytical techniques selected according to sample type and problem statement. Investigations can often start immediately, without the need for lengthy planning or preparation.

We often use several different methods that combine organic analysis, inorganic analysis and microscopy analysis to characterize the unknown sample.

Examples of techniques:

• Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS)
• Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy -Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP)
• Ion chromatography (IC)
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
• Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS)
• Size Exclusion Chromatograph (SEC)
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
• Total organic carbon (TOC)

Results are compiled in an analysis report.

Normally within 1-2 weeks, quicker if urgent.

What is the quality of your routine analyses? Are your procedures fit for purpose? Participating in proficiency tests is a convenient way to find out! RISE annually organizes tests for a number of chemical analyses used in pulp, paper and packaging applications. Also, this year, we are broadening the service by adding a third round for lignin.

Proficiency tests are interlaboratory comparisons that give you regular and objective determination of the accuracy of your analyses and assesses the quality of your routine work.

For chemical analysis of samples from the biorefinery, reference material or standard substances are often lacking. By testing in several laboratories a robust assigned average value is obatined that can be used for the evaluation.

Proficiency tests are interlaboratory comparisons that give you regular and objective determination of the accu­racy of your analyses. It also assesses the quality of your routine work, stimulates technical improvement, and offers comparative overviews of the methods you are using. For accredited laboratories, partitioning in proficiency tests is an essential part of the quali­ty management system.

 Since several years, RISE annually organizes comparative tes­ting for a number of chemical analyses used in pulp and paper production and control. Up to 50 labora­to­ries take part in the testing of different properties. In order to arrange a statistically relevant com­parison at least five laboratories are required. The re­sults are compiled in a report, having the identity of the participating laboratories coded. At least three rounds are offered annually. In Round 1, the tests include analyses for pulp, in Round 2 liquid samples like white liquor, black liquor and effluents are distributed and Round 3 will focus on analysis of kraft lignin.

RISE offers proficiency testing for pulp, process liquors and lignin. More than 40 parameters are optional. The samples are distributed by RISE and analyzed by each participant using their regular procedures.

In order to assess the quality of your routine work, you should use the procedures that are normally used in your laboratory. We do however always recommend procedures based on standard methods, and in order to assess differences in reported values, we encourage you to specify any deviations between your procedure and the standard method.

The results are compiled in a report, where the identities of the participants are confidential. Each participant is assigned a unique participation code in order to identify their results in the report.

The samples will be distributed in early fall and results are reported in December.

See section "more information"

For each property, an assigned value (robust average) will be calculated using robust statistics (Algorithm A in ISO 13528). By using this method, outliers do not need to be removed since all values are scaled based on their deviation from the median value. By using the same algorithm, the uncertainty of the assigned value (robust standard deviation) will be determined.

Subsequently, each participant will be assigned a performance score (z-score) for each tested property based on the deviation from the assigned value and the uncertainty of the assigned value.

Samples and fragments of unknown material that may be glass are analyzed and identified. It can for example concern customer complaints where glass splinters or glass fragments were found in foodstuff.

The purpose is to verify whether splinters, fragments, pieces are of glass, to identify the type of glass, and to give an opinion on possible origin.

The result can be used as a basis for dialogue with customers in complaints cases, and to determine whether the source can be derived from their own production.

The examination begins with a visual and light microscope review. We can often determine at an early stage if it is not glass, but for example plastic. Depending on the size and appearance, it can sometimes be seen how the glass broke and some information about how it was manufactured. The next step is to analyze the sample using X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in scanning electron microscope (SEM). For the analysis, we need to cut out and prepare a small piece. If the sample is very small, it all goes to the analysis.

We compare with known glass samples and get a quantitative chemical analysis of the main components. We can then decide what type of glass it is and give comments about what such glass is usually used for. Many glasses are chemically quite similar, but if you have samples of a possible original glass to compare with, it can be determined whether it can be the same source or not.

A report with photo, chemical composition, and expert opinion on glass type and possible origin.

The result is normally reported within three working weeks from the time that the sample has arrived at RISE, Glas in Växjö, Sweden. Urgent handling can be arranged when needed.

Price is given on request for quotation.

Pack the sample so that it cannot be damaged in transport. Avoid using adhesive tape that adheres to the surfaces.