Enabling Progress in Recycling and Sustainability
Biomass and Biochar
CO2 Capture
Green Cement
Battery Recycling
Recycling is a crucial process for sustainable resource management, and having the right equipment is essential to ensure efficient and effective recycling of various materials. Materials like biomass, textiles, wood, batteries, and general waste have to be efficiently processed for proper reuse. This not only helps in reducing waste but also contributes significantly to environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
Audrey vertelde me dat het goed is om de link van de recyclingpagina naar de microtrac-uitdagingspagina te maken. Het beste zou zijn als je rechtstreeks met Flourent praat en me laat weten wat je nodig hebt.
Biomass and Biochar are important resources in several processes. The first refers to organic material derived from plants and animals, such as wood, agricultural residues, and animal manure. It is used as a renewable energy source through processes like combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion.
The second is a carbon-rich product obtained by heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis. It is primarily used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, increase water retention, and sequester carbon.
While the biomass is the raw organic material, biochar is a processed form of biomass with specific applications in agriculture and environmental management.
Carbon, Hydrogen, and Sulfur determination in biomass is crucial for understanding the composition and potential value of this product. The biomass can be used in different ways such as, for example biofuel. The best solution to provide precise and reliable determination of carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur in biomass is ELEMENTRAC CHS-r analyzer by ELTRA. It is primarily used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, increase water retention, and sequester carbon. This system can assure:
To evaluate the content of Nitrogen and Carbon in biomass or either in biochar the Dumas Method can provide high-throughput, fast and reliable results.
The analyzer ensures complete combustion of all sample components, thanks to the use of a pure oxygen atmosphere and a highly efficient, chromium-free catalyst. This prevents the formation of soot and liquid tin, contributing to the stability and accuracy of the results.
The analyzer is designed to be economical, with intelligent gas-saving functions and efficient use of consumables, leading to low costs per sample.
Interested in additional information?
Determining the moisture content in biomass or in biochar samples is crucial for several reasons. The moisture content directly affects the energy content of biomass. Higher moisture levels reduce calorific value, meaning less energy is produced when the biomass is burned.
Moisture content influences the storage and handling of biomass. High moisture levels can lead to microbial growth, decomposition, and spoilage, making the biomass less suitable for energy production. Not less important, for efficient combustion, biomass needs to have an optimal moisture content.
In industrial processes, knowing the moisture content helps in optimizing drying and processing steps, leading to better efficiency and cost savings.
Thermogravimetric analyzer TGA Thermostep is designed to measure the weight loss of a sample as it is heated, providing valuable data on various parameters such as moisture, volatiles, and ash content in biomass and biochar as well.
Recycling biomass involves converting organic materials like wood, leaves, and agricultural residues into valuable products such as biochar. Pyrolysis reactors are essential for this process, heating biomass at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to produce biochar.
Would you like to read our article regarding this topic? Here you can find the article:
Ashing biomass is a process where organic material is burned to produce ash. This ash contains valuable nutrients and minerals that can be recycled and used in various applications. The temperature at which the biomass is ashed can significantly affect the properties of the resulting ash. Higher temperatures tend to increase the ash’s slagging and fouling tendencies, while lower temperatures may retain more carbon content.
Ball mills, like PM series from Retsch (link instrument: Ball Mills - Suitable for every application | Retsch) , are widely used for milling biochar and biomass to produce fine particles. Ball milling is particularly effective for creating nano-sized biochar, which has a larger surface area and improved adsorption capabilities. This makes it highly suitable for environmental applications such as pollutant removal from water and soil. Additionally, ball milling can enhance the reactivity and stability of biochar, making it more efficient for use in soil remediation and carbon sequestration. Cutting mills, like the SM series from Retsch (link instrument: Cutting Mills from RETSCH - safe and convenient operation ), use rotors to cut and shear biochar and biomass into smaller particles. This method is generally used for initial size reduction and can produce larger particles compared to ball milling. Cutting mills are effective for processing a wide range of biomass materials, including wood chips, straw, and agricultural residues. Both ball mills and cutting mills offer unique advantages and are chosen based on the specific requirements of the biochar or biomass application. <br/><br/> Ball mills are preferred for producing fine, nano-sized particles and even suitable to activate surfaces, while cutting mills are suitable for initial size reduction and larger particle sizes. More information about milling the waste materials
Pore size range and analysis method
Surface area and pore distribution are critical properties of biochar that significantly influence its effectiveness in various applications. The high surface area of biochar is primarily due to its porous structure, which is developed during the pyrolysis process.
Microtrac Belsorp Series is designed to measure the specific surface area and pore size distribution of materials like biochar. These instruments use gas adsorption techniques to provide accurate and detailed analyses. For example, the BELSORP MINI X is a highly precise analyzer that measures specific surface area, pore size distribution, and pore volume with extreme accuracy. It is equipped with multiple measurement ports and advanced software, making it ideal for characterizing the porous structure of biochar.
Particle size and shape of different biomass are crucial factors in evaluating waste materials. Depending on the final purpose, understanding either the shape or the size of the particles may be more important.
2D dynamic imaging is a highly convenient method for particle characterization, providing detailed information on both shape and size. Additionally, size distribution is essential for understanding the physical properties of biomass, which are critical for processes such as combustion, gasification, and biofuel production
Interested in particle size and shape?
CO2 capture is crucial for achieving a carbon-neutral society. It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which is essential for mitigating climate change.
By capturing CO2 from fossil fuel power plants, we can transition more smoothly to renewable energy sources without disrupting energy supply. This technology is also vital for industries like cement and steel production, where emissions are difficult to eliminate through other means.
CO2 can be stored safely underground, preventing it from contributing to global warming for thousands of years. Overall, CO2 capture is a vital technology for reducing emissions and supporting the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
Our products cover various analytical aspects related to Carbon Capture, from pore size distribution to heat treatment.
The Adsorption breakthrough curve (BTC) measurement is widely used as an assay method to examine design parameters and adsorption rates for adsorption process. Aiming at single component gas recovery of CO2, which is one of the greenhouse gases. CO2 breakthrough curve measurement and helium purge and Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) measurement are conducted simultaneously with BELCAT II to observe the regeneration treatment process.
Water vapor is present as a raw material or byproduct in many processes, and when using adsorption process, it is known that the adsorption performance of the target component changes depending on the presence or absence of water vapor. This is due to the competitive adsorption of each component into the adsorbent, and by evaluating adsorbents under the coexistence of multiple components, it is possible to evaluate their performance more closely under practical conditions. With BELCAT II is possible to measure the adsorption breakthrough curve of CO2 in the presence of low and high concentrations of water vapor and using CO2 and humidity sensors as detectors.
Elemental analysis helps in measuring the total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC) in samples to assess the efficiency of carbon capture technologies and better understand the properties of materials used in carbon capture, such as absorbents and catalysts.
Is essential an accurate elemental analysis for optimization of carbon capture processes by identifying the most effective materials and conditions for CO2 adsorption and storage.
Would you like to learn more?
CCUS involves capturing CO2 from power plants and industrial facilities, then either utilizing it in various applications or storing it in deep geological formations. This process helps reduce emissions from sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.
CCU focuses on the reuse of captured CO2 in products such as concrete, fuels, and chemicals. By incorporating CO2 into these products, CCU can reduce the need for additional fossil fuels and lower overall emissions. Both CCUS and CCU are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and supporting the transition to a sustainable future.
Particle size and shape can significantly affect the efficiency of carbon capture. Smaller and more uniform particles generally have a higher surface area, which can enhance the adsorption of carbon dioxide. Particle size distribution influences the flow behavior of powders used in carbon capture. Proper control of particle size ensures smooth flow and prevents blockages in the system. The shape, as well, can have a big effect in impact reaction rates. Irregularly shaped particles may have different surface properties, affecting how quickly they react with carbon dioxide. Would you like to learn more?
Heat treatment plays a crucial role in the activation and regeneration of adsorbent materials used in carbon capture technologies. Adsorbent materials like zeolites and activated carbon undergo thermal activation to enhance their adsorption properties. This process involves heating the materials to remove moisture and other volatile components. As already mentioned Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) and Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), heat treatment is used to regenerate the adsorbent materials. There are also some advanced methods like Temperature Vacuum Swing Adsorption (TVSA) utilize the CO2 product gas itself as the heating medium for the adsorbent bed, improving efficiency and enabling high-purity CO2 production. For example, for zeolite the process typically occurs at temperatures above 600°C. For calcium carbonate (CaCO3), heat treatment, also known as calcination, involves heating it to high temperatures (usually around 900°C to 1000°C) to decompose it into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Interested in Heat Treatment?
Green cement represents a revolutionary approach in the construction industry, focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility. This innovative material is developed by incorporating recycled materials and utilizing advanced techniques such as heat treatment, surface area analysis, grinding, and elemental analysis characterization to determine the characteristics of these materials.
The production of green cement involves replacing traditional carbon-rich limestone with alternative materials like calcined clays, slags, manufactured sands, and fly ash. These materials not only reduce the carbon footprint but also enhance the properties of the cement.
As Verder, we strive to support research and industrial laboratories to enable the progress in the production of innovative and sustainable materials.
The construction industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, and one promising approach is the use of waste materials in cement production.
Hardened cement, a key component of concrete, can benefit significantly from the incorporation of various waste materials, both in terms of environmental impact and performance.
The evaluation by the mercury intrusion method revealed that as the setting time became longer, the pore size decreased and the pore volume also became smaller.
We may consider that during the early stage of cement setting, voids (macro-spores) between particles are primarily formed and that during the later stages of setting, the voids and micro-spores are increasingly filled, resulting in a smaller pore size. In addition, the He true density and pore rate also tended to decrease as the setting time became longer.
Thus, data important for evaluation of the strength and durability of hardened cement may be collected by measuring the voids between cement particles and the pore size/volume using the mercury intrusion method and the gas substitution density measurement method.
Interested? Read our application note:
Heat treatment enables the effective use of waste materials in cement production. For instance, fly ash and blast furnace slag can be treated at high temperatures to enhance their reactivity and performance as SCMs (Supplementary Cementitious Material). This not only reduces waste but also conserves natural resources.
Calcination is one of the process that are important in the production of Cement that involves heating a substance to high temperatures in the supply of air or oxygen.
Would you like to learn more? Have a look to our page:
If you are interested in Cement Testing Compliance Control read our article.
Mechanochemical activation of clays is a process that involves intensive grinding to induce structural disorder and increase the chemical reactivity of the clay minerals. This method is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional thermal activation, as it avoids high calcination temperatures. The process start with an intensive grinding to create structural disorder and amorphization, which enhances their reactivity. Combining thermal and mechanochemical activation can further enhance the reactivity of clays. For example, integrating mechanochemical activation with prior thermal treatment can significantly increase the specific surface area and reactivity levels of heterogeneous clays. Mechanochemistry with ball mills is highly effective for clay activation due to the high energy impact that induces structural changes, increasing reactivity. The process amorphized clay minerals, enhancing their chemical reactivity, and reduces particle size, increasing surface area for better interaction. As Verder we can provide optimized process combining different technique as Carbolite furnace, Retsch milling systems and Microtrac Surface Area analyzers.
The particle size distribution of Portland green cement is a critical factor that influences its performance and properties. Accurate measurement and control of particle size are essential for optimizing the cement's reactivity, strength, and durability.
Particle size can affect the efficiency of process grinding and quality of the final product. While there is continuing progress in automated process control, many plants throughout the world control grinding manually and measuring particle size by Blaine air permeability, Wagner photo-sedimentation, and sieve particle size techniques.
Would you like to learn more?
Surface area analysis, particularly through BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) specific surface area measurements, plays a crucial role in understanding the reactivity and strength of green cement. This analysis helps in optimizing the mix design and ensuring the desired properties of the final product.
BET analysis provides accurate measurements of the specific surface area of cementitious materials. A higher surface area indicates more reactive sites, which can enhance the hydration process and improve the strength and durability of the concrete.
Would you like to learn more?
Sulfur content strongly influences the aging of clinker brick, because the production of acid (in combination with water) might result in a degeneration of the material.The powerful induction furnace of the carbon sulfur analyzer CS-I melts all kinds of construction material in a pure oxygen atmosphere at temperatures above 2.000 °C while up to four independent infrared cells with flexible measuring ranges precisely determine the sulfur (and optionally also carbon) content.
The efficient combination of induction and resistance furnace in one analyzer (ELTRA Dual Furnace Technology) results in an economical solution for the elemental analysis of carbon and sulfur in construction materials.
In addition to the induction furnace for the elemental analysis of green construction materials, the CS-d is also equipped with a resistance furnace, which allows temperatures up to 1,550°C. The resistance furnace is ideal for analyses of combustible materials like coal, coke or secondary fuels.
The effective calorific value depends on their respective carbon and especially hydrogen content. When secondary waste material are combusted, for example, a significant amount of water is formed from the hydrogen content, which must then be vaporized through a rotary tube furnace. This procedure significantly reduces calorific value.
Elemental analysis and the reliable determination of carbon, hydrogen and sulfur content is therefore essential – the CHS-r with its resistance furnace is the ideal analyzer for this task. For a high throughput of samples, the CHS-580A is available with an autoloader for 36 or 130 crucibles.
The conventional determination of thermogravimetric parameters such as moisture, ash or LOI (Loss On Ignition) with muffle furnaces and an external balance is in many cases time-consuming and involves high operational costs in terms of personnel.
The TGA Thermostep is a programmable thermogravimetric analyzer with an integrated balance, which determines various parameters such as moisture, volatiles and ash in fuels or the LOI in cement at user-defined temperatures and atmospheres in a single analysis.
Recycling batteries and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is essential for sustainability. Recycling batteries and WEEE not only reduces the environmental impact of waste but also conserves natural resources and reduces the need for raw material extraction. By recovering valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper, recycling supports the circular economy and contributes to the sustainability of the technology sector.
True to our guiding principle ENABLING PROGRESS, Verder Scientific can assist you in the development, production and recycling of batteries.
Lithium-based batteries can incorporate silicon nitride as part of an electrode. The nitrogen content is measured to indicate the purity of the silicon nitride, while the oxygen content is determined to evaluate electrical properties. Recycling this components is crucial and with ONH-p2 instrument you will get precise and reliable results.
Sulfur measurement by combustion analysis is used for final quality control of charged lead-based batteries. Determination of these 2 components is really important also in the recycling process. The electrodes consist of lead and lead oxide and need to be free of sulfur. The properties of the battery paste have an impact on the performance and life span of the battery and the contained lead sulfate determines its qualities.
In the recycling process, shredding dismantled or complete batteries is one of the initial steps. RETSCH cutting mills are used to shred batteries or components on a laboratory scale which helps researchers to develop new recycling routes. RETSCH sieving machines are employed to separate the different material fractions, for example black mass from polymeric and metallic parts.
In a battery recycling process, the exhausted batteries are assorted in different material fractions. To evaluate the efficiency of a recycling process and to investigate the purity of each fraction, samples are homogenized and analyzed. The market value of the black mass, for example, depends on its content of valuable metals, like lithium or cobalt. Black mass can be homogenized in a ball mill. To avoid cross contamination, metallic or ceramic grinding tools should be chosen, respectively. The polymeric material fraction and metallic foils are first pre-cut with a cutting mill and then pulverized, usually at cryogenic temperatures, for example with RETSCH’s CryoMill.
Carbonaceous material is converted into uniform, stacked layers by subjecting it to high-temperature processing. The resulting nanostructures are held together by Van der Waals forces, which are weak intermolecular forces that occur between molecules or atoms. The HTK and GLO furnace series are specifically designed to optimize temperature control for the production of consistent and uniform materials and can be used also in case of recycling material.
Thermal processing is one process step that can be used in research applications for processing batches of material to recover recyclable elements and precious metals under modified atmosphere and in air. Off gas handling systems are available to ensure environmental impact is minimized. Under European Directive 2013/56/EU 50% by mass of battery materials need to be recycled.
The density (g/cm³) is a crucial factor in characterizing and evaluating battery active materials. A gas pycnometer determines the density of electrode materials by measuring the amount of displaced gas (helium).
Interested?
The particle size of anode, cathode, and separator material affects the electrochemical performance of batteries. A smaller particle size will lead to shorter pathways in solid materials and decreased over potential leading to improvements in the charge/discharge rate.
Also in the process of recovery battery compound the Particle characterization is one of the most important factor.
Interested?
The specific surface area and a pore size distribution of electrode materials can be derived from the measured gas sorption isotherm. The surface area related to the mass as specific surface area (m²/g) is an important parameter in the characterization and evaluation of battery active materials, as their morphology has a direct impact on the battery performance.
Met toegewijde teams van experts over de hele wereld staan wij voor u klaar – altijd en overal.
Om u een hoogwaardige service te bieden, beschikt Verder Scientific over een breed netwerk van dochterondernemingen en lokale verkoopkantoren. We kijken ernaar uit om u productdemonstraties, applicatieondersteuning en uitgebreide diensten te bieden.
