During the biological treatment of organic material, digestion, and when upgrading biogas to vehicle fuel, emissions of methane gas to the atmosphere can occur. Since methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, it is of the utmost importance to reduce these methane emissions.

Keywords: biogas, reduction of methane emissions.

In addition to the negative climate impact, there are also several safety and work environment reasons. Methane gas is combustible and can be ignited at a concentration of about 4-16% by volume in air. Methane itself is an odorless gas, but methane leakage can also mean emissions of other foul-smelling gases, which affects employees and nearby residents. Finally, there is also an economic aspect, as methane gas has a commercial value and emissions mean lost revenue. Avfall Sverige and Svenskt Vatten work together to ensure that industry members reduce their methane emissions. More and more gas plants are voluntarily joining the Self-Control Methane Emissions program, also called EgMet. The voluntary commitment includes having an independent measurement consultant carry out leak detection and emission measurements at the facility every three years. For many years, RISE, as an independent measuring institute, has carried out sampling and leakage tests on many different types of emission sources. With adequate process knowledge and advanced analysis technology, RISE can help you gain better control of your methane emissions. 

Leak detection

Part of the voluntary commitment is to regularly and systematically carry out leak detection at the facility. With an optical OGI (FLIR) methane camera, RISE can detect gas leaks that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The leaks are clearly visualized in the form of films or still images. With the help of the camera, the leak detection can be done quickly and efficiently, both indoors and outdoors.

Emission measurements and advanced analysis technology

The methane content is analyzed in a FID, ie a flame ionization detector. Measurements are performed continuously over a certain period of time or as individual samples. The emissions are quantified by also measuring the flow. Measurement methods used are based on Avfall Sverige's handbook for methane measurements. The methods are developed from international standards e.g. how to measure flows in channels. The results are presented in a clear report with individual emission sources described and proposals for measures to support the own improvement work. The results can also be used in sustainability declarations.

Longest experience of EgMet measurements

RISE has for many years built up a solid knowledge of the entire process and can today quickly identify so-called hot-spots, where leakage usually occurs, which saves time in the search. RISE has a broad network in the area, not only in Sweden, but also internationally. For example, we have conducted a comparative study of several different measurement techniques in Europe. Work is also underway to standardize emission measurements from biogas plants in Europe. We have also helped to produce world-unique statistics on methane emissions from various processes and technologies.

Avfall Sverige's handbook for methane measurements

The results are presented in a clear report with individual emission sources described and proposals for measures to support the own improvement work. The results can also be used in sustainability declarations.

It is of great importance that the quality of the metallic powder that is used in additive manufacturing is high, why it is important to be able to analyze and quality assure the raw material prior to the manufacturing.

The properties of metal powders intended for powder bed-based processes such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ), and Directed Energy Deposition (DED), etc, are critical to the process functionality as well as final material quality. There are several methods for characterizing the metal powder, which with the right interpretation provides a support in predicting or verifying the impact on the functionality. RISE provides a number of methods for characterizing the physical properties of a powder, flowability and packing ability, which affects the result in powder bed-based additive manufacturing (AM).

Powder density is measured by heliumpycnometry (AccuPyk 1330, Micromeritics).

Particle size distrubution (PSD) is measured by laser diffraction (Mastersizer 3000, Malvern).

Specific surface area (SSA) is measured by gas adsorption using BET-methodology (Gemini II, Micromeritics).

Morphology (particle shape) is measured by image analysis in SEM.

The powder flowability is decisive for how feeding, spreading, and packing in a powder bed process work. A powder rheometer (FT4, Freemantech) is used to measure flow energy, bulk density in a conditioned and tapped state, cohesion and other flow-related parameters for correlation to processability. Traditional Hall flow is usually performed as complementary.

The results are delivered according to agreement, usually in the form of a written report, which can be supplemented with an oral presentation via PowerPoint.

The test can be used to assess the effectiveness of finishing procedures to make fabrics water-repellent and to assess the ability to absorb and resist water penetration.
At our Textile Laboratory we can offer testing of water repellency properties by Bundesmann.

The method is applicable to use for garments and materials with water repellency or which are to be waterproof, for the purpose of analysing its ability to wet, absorb and let water through in rain.

The Bundesmann equipment consists of specimen holders in the form of circular cups with a rotating element that rubs the back of the fabric during the test. Artificial rain is produced to imitate rain in a natural environment. The water falls from a height of 150 cm for a defined time.
The samples are then evaluated in three steps.
1. Visual assessment of water repellency by comparing the appearance of the sample against reference photographs, scale 1-5, where 5 is best.
2. The amount of water absorbed. The specimen is weighed before and after the test and the amount of water absorbed in % is calculated.
3. The amount of penetrated water is measured and stated in ml.

Four test specimens are required for the test

A report in Swedish or English with the received results.

Normal delivery time is 5-10 working days. A more accurate delivery time is stated in the order confirmation which is sent after received order and test material.

SS-EN 29865

SS-EN ISO 6330

SS-EN ISO 15797

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) allows for studying nanoscale surface and interfacial properties of your product or application. For example, surface morphology, topography, nanomechanical surface properties, intermolecular and surface forces, adhesion, nanotribology i.e. friction, lubrication and wear.

Properties and behavior at the micro- and nanoscale influence the performance of your product or application.  By utilizing AFM-techniques and our extensive knowledge in the field we can support you in research and development processes.

RISE offer different types of AFM-techniques depending on your needs and the materials/surfaces and/or interfacial properties to be studied: 

Nano Mapping of Surface Properties

- Surface morphology, topography and roughness.

- Nanomechanical surface properties (e.g. dissipation, adhesion, modulus, deformation).

- Electrical surface properties (i.e. mapping of conductivity).

- Surface potential mapping (Kelvin probe force microscopy).

Nano Indentation and nano scratching

- Contact mechanics and wear resistance.

AFM – Colloidal Probe Technique

- Intermolecular and surface forces between different materials at the micro- and nanoscale.

- Nanotribology (friction, lubrication and wear).

After the end of the project the results will be delivered according to the agreed method described in the quotation.  For example, as a report or presentation and a meeting to discuss continuation projects.

According to quotation.

According to quotation.

In our large climate chambers, we can expose products to a variety of climates. This is to verify function and service life.

Climate simulation with extreme climates accelerates development and ensures function to quickly reach the market. At RISE, we have extensive experience of just such tests and can be your support throughout the project. Tests we normally perform in our climatic chambers is:

• High Temperature
• Low Temperature
• Solar Radiation / Solar simulation
• Humidity
• Immersion
• Icing/Freezing Rain

Examples of test methods that can be performed:

IEC

MIL 810

Stanag

Results and analysis are delivered in a report if the customer wishes.

Information about necessary preparations is sent out before the test

RISE performs inspections and tests trusses and helps with certification and CE marking according to EN 14250. As a manufacturer of wooden houses and wooden house components, you can be certified against RISE certification rule CR065, and you can also test your constructions at our facilities.

We usually thinks of the standard EN 14250 as the "Roof truss standard", but EN 14250 also covers other load-bearing structures that are joined together with punched metal plate fasteners and are prefabricated. This enables easy CE marking of even those products.

RISE has a broad competence in the field and can help with the following:

• The process leading up to CE marking of constructions
• Inspections in the production stage, which is a requirement for CE marking
• We educate designers and carpenters / operators in collaboration with the Swedish Roof Truss Association STAK
• Testing of trusses and other products (see Related at the bottom of the page)

EN 14250 - Roof trusses and punched metal plate connected structures

EN 14545 - Punched metal plates

EN 14081 - Graded timber

Technical report

Certifikate

Delivery time is defined in the quotaion stage

The products must be able to withstand a fully developed fire and prevent the fire from spreading between, for example, an apartment and a staircase.

Testing is performed according to EN 1634-1 which describes a method for determining the fire resistance of doors, openable windows, gates, and shutters which are mounted in vertical constructions. The standard must be read together with EN 1363-1. To get the most out of tests, RISE is happy to help you choose what to test to reach as wide field of application as possible. By studying extended field of application standards such as EN 15269-2 for steel doors and EN 15269-3 for wooden doors, we can cover a range of doors with as few tests as possible.

The test specimen is mounted in a supporting construction which is selected based on the door construction and how the door is to be used in practice. For doors that must meet the requirements for insulation, thermocouples are mounted on the non-fire-exposed side of the door. For doors where the temperature on the non-fire side can exceed 300 °C, the radiation can also be measured.

The door with the supporting construction is placed on a vertical furnace which is then heated according to the standard fire source curve which is described in EN 1363-1. The test then lasts as long as you wish to get it approved for. You can also extend the test time slightly and then get better conditions for subsequent assessments of similar constructions. During testing, the following requirements for the product are investigated:

E = Integrity (tightness) i.e. flames, openings and hot gases

I₁ and I₂ = Thermal insulation

W = Radiation

Testing takes place in Borås or Trondheim.

After testing, a test report with the results is delivered in Swedish/Norwegian or English. The report can be used as a basis for a classification according to EN 13501-2, which in turn can be used in declaring fire performance in connection with CE-marking or a Swedish type approval. Read more about CE-marking of doors here.

The classification standard EN 13501-2 defines the classes that can be used in Europe and the classes in the table below can be applied to doors, openable windows, gates, and shutters. National authorities in the member states can choose not to use all classes, which is why it is important to check which classes are of interest before testing.

EN 1363-1

EN 1363-2

EN 1634-1 

EN 13501-2

EN 15269-1

EN 15269-2

EN 15269-3

EN 15269-5

EN 15269-7

EN 15269-10

EN 15269-11

EN 16034

Meet the fire requirements in the BBR for facade systems in multi-storey buildings through the method SP FIRE 105. A full-scale method where the facade is exposed by an apartment fire that escapes out through a window opening. RISE offers testing at our fire lab in Borås, where our world-leading smoke cleaning system takes care of all emissions.

Fire test according to SP FIRE 105 evaluates the fire properties of a facade system regarding flame spread, falling parts, temperature at the eaves and radiation towards the floor above the burning apartment. The general recommendation in National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's building regulations, the BBR, refers directly to the method in the case of external walls in building class BR1 and the requirements are described in the recommendation.

Examples of facade systems that can be tested in this method are wooden facades, rough casted cellular plastic facades, board facades, concrete elements etc.

The facade system is mounted on our rig, either directly against the steel frame or on a cover of lightweight concrete blocks. The rig is 4 meters wide and 6 meters high and contains two fictitious window openings that represent two floors.

The thing to keep in mind is that assembly should be performed as close to reality as possible. Window frames should be used around the fictitious windows and along the lower edge of the system, the edge first exposed by the fire. It is important to determine which substrate(s) the system is usually applied to and how the various components are to be mounted. Any air gaps or similair should be considered.

During testing, the rig is placed over a fire room that will simulate an apartment that is on fire. A fire with 60 liters of Heptane is the source of the fire and creates an flash over ignition of the apartment that pushes flames out of the window opening and the flames expose the surface of the facade. The test lasts around 17 minutes. During this time, falling parts are observed and temperature measurements at the eaves and radiation measurements against the floor above the burning apartment are performed. After the test, the specimen is inspected to determine how far the flame base has reached.

After testing, a test report is delivered in Swedish or English with the results. The report can be used as a basis for an assessment from RISE or a Swedish type approval that facilitates reaching the market.

Discuss test setup with us.

In our top modern test bed we conduct testing of ballistic resistance. Our shooting range is flexibel and can easily be adapted towards applicable ballistical demands and standards with high security and secrecy. RISE are accredited by SWEDAC and used to work with safety protected procurements.

RISE experts offers companies and society functions a uniqe possibility to test and evaluate products in a customized ballistic test bed. We also offer a possibility to develop new standards and methods in collaboration with customers to increase services at RISE.

Our experts develop and build test equipment to meet customer requests. We use a top modern facility north of Varberg, strategically placed close to E6 highway. 

The shooting range is flexible and can handle up to caliber 50, bigger test object is no limit and the range can easily be adapted to ballistical demands and standards with high security and secrecy for both lab and personnel. We are accredited by SWEDAC and used to work with safety protected procurements.

Our experts collaborate with companies, defence industries as well as governments.

SS-EN 1063: Buildning glass – Safety glass – Testing and classification of ballistic resistance

SS-EN 1522: Windows, doors, jalusier och sun protection– Ballistic protection – Demands and classification 

SS-EN 1523: Windows, doors, jalusier och sun protection– Ballistic protection – Test methods

We offer accredited reports and perform testing. 

The work include both accredited and non-accredited testing methods. The scope of accreditation is available upon request – please feel free to contact us for more information.

According to agreement between customer and RISE, our short leadtimes is a competetive advantage.

SS-EN 1063: Buildning glass – Safety glass – Testing and classification of ballistic resistance

SS-EN 1522: Windows, doors, jalusier och sun protection– Ballistic protection – Demands and classification 

SS-EN 1523: Windows, doors, jalusier och sun protection– Ballistic protection – Test methods