LABORATORY

With an analytical capacity of over 5,000 samples per year, POLYECO’s ISO 17025 accredited Quality Control Lab has extensive experience in sampling and analyzing waste.

Through the use of cutting-edge analytical instruments and highly qualified scientists, various chemical parameters can be detected in various types of waste samples. Inorganic crystalline compounds are identified by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), while organic compounds can be detected by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

 

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzers and thermal analyses (ash and volatiles) determine the amount of organic and inorganic content in waste samples. In conjunction with anion (Ion Chromatography) and elemental (ICP-OES – Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy) analyses, Bomb Calorimeters can evaluate additional potential uses of waste as secondary raw materials. A recently accredited method for evaluating the self-heating properties of solid waste samples is also available, as are Flash Point Testers for determining the flammability of liquid waste samples. Finally, the lab’s strong analytical capacity supports waste classification assessments performed by specialized and trained scientists.

Waste evaluation and valorization pathways

POLYECO's incoming waste acceptance procedure is divided into two stages: pre-assessment prior to delivery and assessment upon delivery at the POLYECO plant. The pre-assessment stage entails obtaining all available data on the waste production process and the substances involved, as well as visiting the waste producer's premises.

Representative samples of the waste under assessment are delivered to the quality control lab, where chemical analyses and data review are used to determine the suitability of the waste for the production of alternative fuels or raw materials.

In addition to analyzing parameters related to alternative fuels and raw material specifications, composition analyses (X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), as well as compatibility tests, are performed to ensure that no safety issues arise during waste use in production due to adverse effects or reactions. The acceptance procedure concludes with the upon-delivery assessment stage, which includes confirmation of the key physical and/or analytical qualities identified during the pre-assessment stage.

Quality Control of alternative raw materials & fuels

On a daily basis, the quality control lab inspects the POLYECO plant production lines to ensure that predefined specifications of the produced secondary materials are met.

 

Alternative solid and liquid fuels generated from organic industrial waste can be used as substitutes for conventional fuels, whereas alternative raw materials produced from inorganic industrial waste can be used as substitutes for natural mineral raw materials by industrial plants.

Based on representative samples, a range of analytical parameters are checked to confirm that the produced alternative fuels and raw materials can be used downstream.

 

An array of accredited methods are used to achieve this, including the use of high-tech analytical equipment (Bomb Calorimeters, Spectrometers, Ion Chromatographers, TOC Analyzers, Flash Point Testers, Automatic Titrators, Distillation Units, and Furnaces).

 

A well-trained quality control lab staff collaborates closely with production line managers to ensure that quality deviations are addressed and corrected promptly.

Waste Classification

POLYECO's quality control lab also assists in the compilation of waste classification assessments conducted by POLYECO experts in accordance with applicable legislation.

This includes composition analyses and testing of various parameters that have been identified as potentially related to hazardous waste properties.

Special properties, ranging from flammability measurements and reactivity testing to studies of waste samples’ self-heating behavior, can also be evaluated.

Third-party analyses

POLYECO’s accredited quality control lab can also conduct third-party sample analyses.

 

Various analytical measurements, ranging from routine environmental parameters to special ones, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on insulating liquid samples, have been performed on behalf of state organizations and private companies over the last 15 years.

Accreditation

POLYECO’s quality control lab has been ISO 17025 accredited since 2006 (Accreditation Certificate).

 

The range of accredited analyses (Accreditation Fields) is regularly expanded so as to effectively meet the ever-changing needs of the waste sector.