DSC is mainly used for analysing plastics, polymer fibers and coatings. Determination of melt temperature (Tm), glass transition temperature (Tg), Oxidation Induction Temperature- or Time (OIT) are very common. OIT is an indirect measure of the ability of a material to resist degradation by oxidation in air. Also curing reaction may be analysed.

Most polymers have specific melt temperatures, or glass transition temperatures. Therefore DSC is often used to identify plastics and plastic mixtures. For identification of un-known samples DSC-analysis is often  combined with FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectroscopy. 

Degree of crystallinity, miscibility of different polymers, curing reactions as well as heat capacity may be analysed. A very common analysis is oxidation stability of polyethylene or polypropylene. A sample is heated in air/oxygen and the time to thermal oxidaton or degradation is measured.

In DSC thermal properties in an material  are measured as a function temperature. A small test sample, typically 5-10 mg is placed in sample holder and heated at a constant rate or is held at constant tempererature. An empty crucible is placed in the instrument oven together with the test sample. Sample and reference are exposed to the same temperature program and the difference in temperature at thermal transitionis is registered. Melting of the sample needs more energy compared to the reference and causes a temperature difference, which is recorded in a thermogram. 

The instrument temperature measure samples from -50°C up to 1100 °C and the heating rate varies between 0,1 till 100°C per minute. 

DSC instruments are found at several locations at RISE and we collaborate to give our clients the best service and delivery time. In Mölndal the core comtenece is recycling and material formulation and processing  in Borås our expertise is focused on polymer constructon materials and accelerated ageing , in Göteborg plastic pipes are analysed and in Stockholm/Kista we have competence on polymers used in chemical process industry.

Test results are delivered in a technical report including thermogram, where method used is described and results are explained.  

Results are delivered within two weeks after samples have arrivet at RISE:s laboratory.  

ISO 11357

The EU Commission has recently proposed a new sewage treatment directive for the measurement of emitted greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide contributes about 300 times more to global warming than carbon dioxide, as well as to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Studies show that regular measurements can lead to a reduction in nitrous oxide emissions. With the help of accurate and reliable data, the staff of sewage treatment plants can take actions, both for an environmental impact in the right direction and also for the plant's efficacy. By measuring and mapping its nitrous oxide emissions, the plant's capacity can also be used more efficiently.

Keywords: Greenhouse gas emissions, nitrous oxide emissions, sewage treatment plants.

RISE offers measurements of nitrous oxide according to a standardized process based on accredited methods developed by  the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The gas emitted is quantified by a gas meter and a specially adapted equipment (dome) is used to capture the emissions.

The measurement takes place directly at the plant and the results are delivered in the form of a report that shows the concentration of nitrous oxide per time unit at different measurement positions. With the help of the results, the plants get a much clearer picture of their nitrous oxide emissions and a concrete basis for their action plan to reduce these emissions. The report can also be used for environmental reports and sustainability declarations.

The measurement can be ordered a few weeks in advance and the report can be delivered a few days after the measurement.

The P-mark is a certification for air filters intended for ventilation systems within the classification groups ISO ePM1, ISO ePM2.5 and ISO ePM10. The P-mark is RISE own quality label, which is found on many products and services, of which air filters are one.

The P-marking is a way of showing how requirements in Swedish building regulations and in voluntary requirements are fulfilled. P-marking of air filters is a voluntary commitment which means that the quality of the filters is controlled by an independent party, which contributes to increasing customers’ confidence in the product.

The P-marking is based on certification rule CR 055 ”Air filter for ventilation plants”. In order for an air filter to be P-marked, it must first be tested with regard to: initial pressure drop and filter class according to ISO 16890, energy consumption according to Eurovent 4/21 and long-term characteristics that are evaluated over three months with regard to degree of filtration efficiency.

In addition, the manufacturer is required to have a functioning quality system for its production. The manufacturer’s factory production control is monitored; an agreement is signed with RISE on continuous inspections and thereafter RISE performs external inspection every year at the production site, including sampling for test in accordance with ISO 16890.

If the requirements of the certification rule are fulfilled, a certificate may be issued and the filter could then be marked with the P-mark. Certificates can include a product group, also called a product family, and can thus include more articles than the one being tested. The certificate is valid for five years and can then be renewed for further five-year periods.

According to tender, normally within 6 months

Certification rule 055

ISO16890

SP-method 1937

EN 16755 - Durability of reaction to fire performance - Classes of fire-retardant treated wood products in interior and exterior end use applications.

Multi-storey buildings with wooden facades need to fulfil the requirements in SP FIRE 105 in Sweden. The requirements should be fulfilled also when the wood has been exposed to the surrounding climate.

To ensure that your product is up to standard during its life cycle, the product shall be tested according to EN 16755 - Durability of reaction to fire performance.

This means that your product is undergoing the hygroscopicity test and accelerated weathering. Before and after accelerated weathering it is fire tested according to the SBI method.

EN 16755 - Durability of reaction to fire performance - Classes of fire-retardant treated wood products in interior and exterior end use applications.

EN 13823 - Single Burning Item (SBI).

In accordance with EN 16755:2017, the SBI method (EN 13823) is the preferred evaluation method to validate the durability of reaction to fire performance of products meant for exterior applications. Alternatively, it is possible to use the cone calorimeter (ISO 5660-1). However, due uncertainties regarding the achieved level of safety when using the cone calorimeter, RISE has chosen to NOT offer this alternative testing method until further notice. EN 16755:2017 is currently under revision and the cessation will apply at least until the new standard is ratified. Henceforth, RISE will only offer validation trough the SBI method.

RISE guides you with our knowledge and expertise in the field and performs tests and accredited reporting.

The results will be presented in an accredited test report. 

RISE has many years of experience in testing and classifying wood products. We also have a history where we have actively participated in the development of both test systems and classification systems at an international level.

Today it is common to use prefabricated wet room modules as an alternative to a in site-built bathroom in new building projects. It is then important to set the right requirements for the design and that the entire wet room module is tested and approved according to our Swedish rules.

It is of course extremely important that the finished wet room module is waterproof and there is no leakage of water at penetrations, wall and floor angles, floor drain, fixings or linking. It is also important that the different materials are compatible with each other and do not cause corrosion or other damage.

RISE has extensive expertise and services in the prefabricated wet room area, some examples include:

• Watertight and load tests according to ETAG 022. Water spray of floors, walls, penetrations that is, everything where there is a risk of leakage. Load of pipe penetrations and suspension devices, all to mimic real use.
• Corrosion resistance and compatibility between different materials
• Moisture calculations of different design designs
• Damage investigations

We work with type approval of prefabricated wet room modules. Type approval is a national system for assessing and verifying the conformity of construction products with requirements in Swedish building regulations. This means that the construction product is assessed in the aspects expressly stated in the type-approval, by references to the Planning and Construction Act and sections of  – The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's Building Regulations.

A type-approval helps the developer to certify that the construction product meets the requirements of the Swedish building regulations. RISE publishes type approval and the associated document, usually the installation instructions.

The holder may refer to type approval to show that the product is tested and certified by a third party and complies with Swedish building regulations.

A test method used for function testing of wet room modules is: EAD 030352-00-0503 combination of Annexes A and E (former ETAG 022).

Type approval of wet room modules takes place according to CR 136 Certification rule for type approval of prefabricated wet room modules.

Tests are presented in a test report.  In the case of type-approval, a certificate is issued. 

Follow the link below to see list of type-approved prefabricated wet room modules

https://publiccert.extweb.sp.se/en/Product/905/Search/badrum

EAD 030352-00-0503 combination of Annexes A and E (former ETAG 022)

CR 136 Certification rule for type approval of prefabricated wet room modules

We have a long experience in jet fire testing and has been involved in the development of several jet fire test standards used by the industry and the authorities today. Our facility enables testing of complex combinations of one or several jet fires with varying heat flux levels.

Jet fires represent a major fire risk in installations with pressurized hydrocarbons. Jet fires may vary with respect to flame length, heat flux and velocities, and important influencing factors are the type and nature of the fuel, pressure and amount of fuel, geometry of the rupture, and surrounding conditions. The geometry of the structure may also be an important parameter with respect to the resistance of the passive fire protection exposed to a jet fire.

We can offer jet fire tests to document the resistance capabilities of passive fire protection materials against jet fires. We offer single tests or test series comprising of one or several jet fires, as well as jet fires in combination with varying heat flux levels, for example fires following the HC curve. Jet fires can be conducted with heat flux up to 350-400 kW/m². 

Standard jet fire

The objective of a standard jet fire test is to determine the resistance of passive fire protection materials and systems to jet fires. It gives an indication of how passive fire protection materials behave in a jet fire. The test methods ISO 22899-1 and OTI 95634 cover: 

- Tubulars
- Panels
- Structural steel
- Pipe- and cable penetrations

High heat flux jet fires

Our extended jet fire furnaces can be used where standard jet fires are insufficient: 

- higher temperatures (1300 – 1400 °C)
- higher heat fluxes (350 kW/m²)
- for larger test specimens (Ø ~1 m)

HC - Jet combination test series

Used for certification of different specifications, with the possibility to interpolate between tests. This enables us to test variations of the fire protection in multiple test subjects in a single horizontal furnace HC-test, and then compare this to a selection of variations subjected to a jet fire test. 

- HC fire (pool fire), horizontal furnace
- Jet fire
- Jet fire addition

Sequential jet and pool-fire test

The extended jet fire furnace can be used to simulate the exposure inside a HC fire furnace. This gives us the ability to perform a combination of jet fire directly followed by a simulated HC-fire in the same test. For example: 

- 350 kW/m² jet fire for 15 minutes + 2 hours pool fire.

Pressurized pipes, valves and end connections

We offer testing of pressurized pipes, valves and end connections according to API standards.

Mini jet-fire

This is a smaller-scale test set-up mainly developed for product development and realistic screening tests. The mini jet uses a premixed flame of air and propane to obtain similar temperature as in a standard jet fire according to ISO 22899-1. The flame temperatures are similar, but the erosion effect on the test subject is not comparable.

The results will be summarised and presented in a report.

ISO 22899-1 Determination of the resistance to jet fires of passive fire protection materials — Part 1: General requirements

ISO 22899-3 Determination of the resistance to jet fires of passive fire protection materials — Part 3: Extended test requirements

OTI 95634 Jet-fire resistance test of passive fire protection materials

As the first laboratory in the world, we now offer testing of insulation materials that have been exposed to cryogenic spillage. We offer customized tests documenting the materials' resistance.

In case of a cryogenic spillage, the low temperatures of the fluid can damage structures, instruments and equipment and degrade insulation materials protecting them. The purpose of the test is to document the material's insulation and resistance capabilities.

In addition, a cryogenic release of LNG represents a fire and explosion hazard, which means that insulation materials ought to withstand both the cryogenic release and jet fire. We offer customized tests to document the materials' resistance against cryogenic spill and a sequential jetfire.

We offer tests according to ISO 20088-1 “Determination of the resistance to cryogenic spillage of insulation materials - Part 1: Liquid phase” and ISO 20088-3 “Determination of the resistance to cryogenic spillage of insulation materials - Part 3: Jet release".

The results will be summarised and presented in a report.

ISO 20088-1 “Determination of the resistance to cryogenic spillage of insulation materials - Part 1: Liquid phase” 

ISO 20088-3 “Determination of the resistance to cryogenic spillage of insulation materials - Part 3: Jet release"

RISE can test the hardness on surfaces of different materials and according to different standards.

To know how easily you get marks in, for example, floors and countertops, they can be tested for hardness.

Brinell testing takes place according to EN 1534 and Janka testing according to ASTM D143.
Materials and surface layers can, for example, be different types of floors such as laminate or parquet, but also wet room panels, countertops or other wood-based panels.

Technical report

Delivery time is determined at the quotation stage

EN 1534

ASTM D143

Print-through is an unwanted effect when you see some of the ink from the opposite side of a paper in a magazine. It is a combination of the show-through (=effect from opacity) and the strike-through (=effect from ink penetration), both properties are closely related to the paper structure

Print-through is an often-encountered print quality problem mainly caused by ink penetration and insufficient opacity of the paper.
Non uniformity in substrate structure relates closely to print-through. Therefore, spatial variations of print-through provide a probe to the substrate’s structure.

The print through measurement can be used to:

• Check if the print through is acceptable and stable over time
• Benchmark to competitors
• Monitor how new settings in the productions affect the print through
• Check if new products are better or not

The measurement gives:

• Assessment of the print quality and it's relationship with paper’s structure in an effective, reliable, fast and intuitive way, using an affordable standard flatbed scanner
• Quantitative characteristics of print-through over a big area, both in average and in detail
• Quantitative evaluations of print-through and its components:  show-through, strike-through, the relationships between the print-through phenomenon and the underlying physical properties and quantities

Histograms of reflectance, light absorption, light scattering, and depth of ink penetration. The calculated numbers are saved as ASCII-files for import to Excel or another spread sheet software.

3 weeks

Send samples consisting of printed areas of size at least 10 x 10 mm (preferebly larger), and also unprinted areas. The printed samples should preferably be printed using black ink since this is more decisive. The sample size should be at least 100 x 100 mm. Note: Printed text can't be analysed using this method.

ARAMIS is a non-contact optical 3D measuring system. The system analyses, computes and documents object deformations, rigid body movements and the dynamic behavior of measuring objects. This type of measurement provides deformation data over entire surfaces unlike conventional strain gauges.

Optical strain analysis is used to advantage to monitor changes in entire surfaces during, for example, load tests

Some areas of use:

For statically and dynamically loaded structures ARAMIS can determine:
- 3D coordinates and 3D offsets
- 3D speeds and accelerations
- Strain computations up to 1500°C

ARAMIS can also be used for:
- Examination of non-linear behavior
- Characterization of creep and aging processes
- Determination of Forming Limit Curves (FLC)
- Verification of FE models
- Determination of material characteristics
- Analysing the behavior of homogeneous and inhomogeneous materials
during deformation

ARAMIS is a non-contact 3D optical measuring system.
The system analyses, calculates and documents object deformations, rigid body movements and the dynamic behavior of the measuring objects. The system determines the 3D coordinates of discrete points over a certain period of time. The temporal resolution depends on the frequency used for image recording.

The measurement is made with two cameras on a stochastic pattern that is applied to the detail being examined. It is also possible to combine with or separately measure movements for pasted reference points in all directions and then also be displayed as "live data" directly online to the customer if not present at the measurement site.
Unlike extensometers and strain gauges, you get measured values over an entire surface that can be presented in a very illustrative way. In addition, other values such as speeds and accelerations can be deduced from the measured movements.

ARAMIS is portable and packed in transport-safe bags for measurement on site at the customer.

A report describing the measurement with results according to customer requirements is delivered. In addition, raw data from the measurements can also be delivered if desired.

The measurement can usually be performed within a week from first contact and the result is normally delivered a day or two after measurement.