Waste Fuel Testing
Waste and biomass fuel testing is an important component of the UK energy industry. It ensures that all fuel sources comply with industry standards and regulations and helps to reduce emissions from burning these types of fuels.
Our UKAS accredited laboratory is fully equipped to provide comprehensive waste fuel testing services designed to meet your specific needs and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
We offer analysis and consultancy for various types of waste fuels, including:
- Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)
- Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF)
- Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
- Solid Biomass
We offer the full range of tests covered in the SRF standard BS EN 15359. These tests are adopted and applied to MSW and RDF.
In addition, to waste fuel analysis, we also carry out sames tests on solid biomass samples – the required tests are the same, but the analytical standards differ.
How are Waste and Biomass Fuels Tested?
ACS specialises in providing rapid and reliable sampling, analysis, and testing of waste and biomass fuels with high-quality results that assure a safe, efficient, and compliant fuel supply.
The testing process involves several steps:
Step 1: Sampling
Samples are collected from various locations to assess the characteristics of biomass fuel and waste products. This includes analysing their chemical composition, physical properties, and other factors.
Step 2: Testing
A variety of tests are used to determine the suitability of the material for use as fuel or waste disposal. These may include ash content tests, calorific value tests, moisture content tests, particle size distribution tests, bulk density and porosity measurements, and other specific analyses.
Step 3: Quality Control
After all the samples have been tested, the results are monitored and evaluated to ensure they meet the desired specifications. This includes checking for any contaminants, such as heavy metals, which could be detrimental to human health or the environment.
Finally, all data gathered from testing is compiled into a report.
This document can then be used to inform decisions about biomass fuel production, waste management, and other related activities.
Benefits of Waste Fuel Testing
There are several benefits to having your waste fuel tested by an external, independently accredited laboratory like ACS, including:
1. Cost Savings
By having your fuels tested and verified, you can minimise costs associated with using substandard waste or biomass fuel. This means higher efficiency and lower energy bills for your business operations.
2. Reduced Environmental Impact
By ensuring your waste fuels are of the highest quality, you can help reduce emissions and improve air quality in your area. This makes for a healthier working environment and better global practices.
3. Improved Productivity
Having reliable waste fuel means more reliable operations and better efficiency overall. With improved productivity comes greater profits which can benefit any business.
4. Safety
Using only tested and approved waste fuels can minimise the safety risks associated with using substandard or dangerous materials. This is beneficial to your employees and customers.
Sampling Protocols and On-site Sampling
In support of our analytical capabilities, we also carry out independent site surveys for the provision of site-specific sampling protocols. We provide documentation which corresponds to the BS EN 15442 standard and allows customers to demonstrate a level of compliance to an in-house document.
Possession of a site sampling protocol can be a particularly important document should a waste fuel supplier have to defend its position regarding supply of fuels, sampling methods, and results.
Should customers wish to devolve the sampling processes to an outside agency, our competitive on-site sampling service will be of interest.
We provide independent sampling services carried out to a strict, pre-agreed protocol and followed up with the necessary analysis and reporting to suit the application and needs if required.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Contamination and WAC Testing
At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.
Chemical Testing
The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.
Leachate and Water Analysis
Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.
Energy From Waste
Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.
RoHS Compliance Testing
At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.
Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation
Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.
Contact us today and take advantage of our deep knowledge and experience to ensure you achieve the best possible mix of waste streams to provide a fuel that sits securely within a required specification.