The Laboratory of Organic Compounds Analysis, which has been operating since 2000, is one of the five organizational units of the Department of Environmental Monitoring in the Central Mining Institute. The Laboratory, together with other laboratories and the rest of the Institute, is working by a certified Integrated Management System that meets the requirements of PN-EN ISO 9001, PN-N-18001 and PN-EN ISO 14001.
We are a group of qualified chemists with years of experience and professionalism is our advantage. We have constantly developed perfecting research team over the years. We have created many innovative analytical solutions. The management system is according to PN-EN ISO / IEC 17025: 2005. Our credibility and unquestionable competence are confirmed by a testing laboratory accreditation No. AB 145 by the Polish Centre for Accreditation. We guarantee reliable results for the most demanding customer.
The Laboratory is also involved in the work of the Polish Committee for Standardization section.
Laboratory makes difficult environmental studies. We can determinant various types of organic compounds in samples. We research to the chemical industry, waste management, mining, environmental engineering, construction, energy, food industry and agriculture. We also make non-commercial researches which are require a scientific approaching to the problem.
We worked with chromatographs equipped with detectors, such as detector mass spectrometry (GC-MS), flame ionization detector (GC-FID), electron capture detector (GC-ECD) detector, thermo-Conductive (GC-TCD) detector, UV-VIS spectrophotometer (HPLC / UV-VIS), a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD), fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD).
We use extraction for sample preparation. We have equipment for solid phase extraction (SPE) and the accelerated solvent extraction (ASE).
The laboratory makes tests on various types of matrices, including:
- groundwater and surface water;
- drinking water, mineral water, medicinal water and spring water;
- rain water (waste rain);
- waste water (industrial and municipal landfill leachate);
- ground and soil;
- wastes;
- building materials, aggregates, sediments, dusts;
- liquid mixtures of solvents and diluents;
- plants and food products.
The laboratory performes researches the following parameters (research in the scope of the accreditation PCA):
a) in water and wastewater:
- trihalomethanes THM: trichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromometan, tribomomethane and carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene (TRI ), tetrachlorethylene (PER), 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC), dichloromethane (DCM);
- index of mineral oil (petroleum hydrocarbons);
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH);
- trichlorobenzenes (TCB);
- volatile aromatics (BTEX) in water and waste water;
- organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides, organonitrogen pesticides.
b) in grounds and soils:
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH);
- mineral oil (C10-C40);
- volatile aromatics (BTEX and styrene).
The Laboratory also performes researches out of accreditation scope:
- gasoline in environmental samples;
- extraction yield of solid samples polar and non-polar solvents;
- composition of solvents and diluents;
- polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, wastewater, soil and grounds.
- Energy wastes, coal mining wastes, industrial and municipal wastes;
- Grounds;
- Soils;
- Mineral aggregates;
- The binders;
- Solid fuels;
- Alternative fuels;
- Solid biofuels.
We also have huge experience in working with other objects which are not in scope of the accreditation yet:
- Brown coals, cokes, atmospheric dust, dust filters with drown air, mineral resources, different types of sediments and other environmental samples.
The Laboratory performes tests in scope of accredited by the Polish Center for Accreditation:
- Moisture content analysis and total dry matter;
- Ash content and volative matter;
- Nitrogen, chlorine, chlorides, sulfur, hydrogen;
- Total organic carbon and inorganic carbon;
- Heat of combustion and calorific value;
- Chemical compositons: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, SO3, TiO2, P2O5;
- Trace elements: arsenic As, barium Ba, cadmium Cd, cobalt Co, chromium Cr, copper Cu, Hg mercury, manganese Mn, molybdenum Mo, nickel Ni, lead Pb, antimony Sb, selenium Se, tin Sn, and Zn
- Free CaO;
- Ammonium compounds (ammonium nitrogen);
- Size distribution by sieving and laser diffraction;
- The pH of the aqueous extracts.
Tests out of scope an accreditation are:
- True density, bulk density, water absorption, resistance to frost, specific surface area;
- Moisture of the distillation, volatile components;
- Available phosphorus, reactive silicon dioxide, sulfates soluble in acid and water;
- Fluorine, free cyanide and fixed cyanide, phenols, sulfides;
- Trace elements: boron B, bromine Br, beryllium Be, vanadium V, Sr strontium, thallium Tl;
- Rare earth metals: scandium Sc, yttrium Y, lanthanum La, cerium Ce, praseodymium Pr, neodymium Nd, samarium Sm, europium Eu, gadolinium Gd, terbium Tb, dysprosium Dy, holmium Ho, erbium Er, thulium Tm, ytterbium Yb , lutetium Lu;
- Stearin, microspheres;
- The chemical resistance of the materials used in the production;
- Other according to customer.
The Conformity Assessment Body conducts complex activities in the field of evaluation of products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Conformity Assessment Body conducts activities based on the requirements of the “ATEX” Directive and the International Electrotechnical Commission IECEx.
An important element of the assessment is the research conducted by the Laboratory of Explosion-Proof Systems and Protection and Explosimetry which operates within the structure of the Department. The Laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the scope of research covered in the harmonised standards for the “ATEX” Directive. Employees of the Conformity Assessment Body also carry out scientific research in this area of expertise.
Certification in accordance with the requirements of the ATEX Directive (Directive 2014/34 /EU, formerly Directive 94/9/EC) for the following product types:
- Electrical equipment;
- Combustion engines;
- Non-electrical equipment;
- Components;
- Safety, control and regulation equipment;
- Protection systems.
Implemented conformity assessment modules:
- EU type examination (Module B);
- Conformity to type based on quality assurance of the production process (Module D);
- Conformity to type based on product verification (Module F);
- Conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised product testing (Module C1);
- Conformity to type based on product quality assurance (Module E);
- Conformity based on unite verification (Module G).
R & D work on prospective chemical technology for coal, biomass and waste processing, and in particular:
- The process of underground coal gasification of pressure and non-pressure, aimed at obtaining synthesis gas with high hydrogen content and gases for energy applications;
- Pressurized gasification of solid fuels under surface conditions;
- The process of direct liquefaction of coal aimed at the production of liquid fuels and chemical raw materials;
- Production of liquid fuels and chemical raw materials from biomass and waste materials by hydrothermal method;
- Processes of hydrogenation and refining of carbonaceous substances;
- Utilization of gases from gasification processes for energy purposes;
- Generation and storage of hydrogen for energy and chemical synthesis;
- Performing expertise and studies on the technical and economic aspects and environmental technologies of chemical processing of coal and methods of hydrogen production and storage;
- Feasibility studies and process design of coal gasification and liquefaction technologies and process gas purification.
The Department of Environmental Monitoring performes environmental researches for industry, mining, environmental protection agencies, local government units, the broad market of small medium enterprises (SMEs), including:
- reports of environmental impact assessments with participation in administrative proceedings in order to obtain the environmental decision;
- initial reports;
- environmental reviews;
- integrated permits;
- expertise, evaluation and opinions on the protection and opportunities for environmentally safe use of waste on the surface and underground mining excavations and recovered raw materials;
- environmental opinions on binder materials and formulations used in underground mines in the area of voluntary certification for safety mark ""B"";
- research (identification), and disposal of hazardous waste, eligibility codes corresponding to the hazardous waste or non – hazardous waste;
- physicochemical analysis of materials, including waste used as an additive for fuels, alternative fuels and renewable fuels;
- comprehensive monitoring of landfills in the full range of phases resulting from their operation – pre-operational, the operational and the after-closure;
- a comprehensive studies of soil quality and the ground quality to making decisions about way of using or remediation in accordance with applicable standards, together with an assessment of their chemism and their health risks;
- monitoring the state of environment before investments and also monitoring the state of the degraded post-industry environment (and post-mining) to make decisions about restoration or further use;
- evaluates corrosivity of water against concrete and steel (on the basis of physical and chemical analysis) and performs tests of water used to prepare concrete, etc.
Highly qualified scientific or technical staff and modern equipment ensure high quality and reliability of research.
Division of Ecological Researches performs field works including:
- collecting of environmental samples of grounds, soils, water and wastewater;
- descriptions of geological profiles;
- researching of permeability index (filtration);
- researching of the flow of watercourses and filtration coefficient of ground surface;
- study stability of landfill slopes.
Collecting and transport of samples is carried around whole Poland. A team of experienced employees, who are equipped with specialized sets, guarantees high quality of services provided under all conditions.
- Reports of environmental impact assessments with participation in administrative proceedings in order to obtain the environmental decision;
- Initial reports;
- Environmental reviews;
- Integrated permits;
- Expertise, evaluation and opinions on the protection and opportunities for environmentally safe use of waste on the surface and underground mining excavations and recovered raw materials;
- Environmental opinions on binder materials and formulations used in underground mines in the area of voluntary certification for safety mark ""B"";
- Research (identification), and disposal of hazardous waste, eligibility codes corresponding to the hazardous waste or non - hazardous waste;
- Physicochemical analysis of materials, including waste used as an additive for fuels, alternative fuels and renewable fuels;
- Comprehensive monitoring of landfills in the full range of phases resulting from their operation – pre-operational, the operational and the after-closure;
- A comprehensive studies of soil quality and the ground quality to making decisions about way of using or remediation in accordance with applicable standards, together with an assessment of their chemism and their health risks;
- Monitoring the state of environment before investments and also monitoring the state of the degraded post-industry environment (and post-mining) to make decisions about restoration or further use;
- Evaluates corrosivity of water against concrete and steel (on the basis of physical and chemical analysis) and performs tests of water used to prepare concrete, etc.
- Environmental analysis using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), using commercial versions of SimaPro, Umberto and Ecoinvent;
- Eco-efficiency analyzes including LCA analyzes;
- Lifecycle Costs Assessment (LCC);
- Financial analysis of investment projects in environmental protection, together with sensitivity and risk analysis;
- Economic-social analyzes of investment projects, products and technologies by Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA);
- Evaluation of the environmental, economic and social effectiveness of investment projects, products and technologies using multi criteria analysis using MATLAB software.
The scope of activities at the Department of Underground Research and Surface Maintenance comprises all the issues related to the excavation of raw materials. The main direction of the research is new mining technologies, the testing of prototype equipment in underground conditions and problems connected with hazards in the underground mining environment.
Department is not only dedicated to some mining projects but also undertakes complex tasks in almost all branches of industry, especially if the specific environment or process requires some research in the field of explosives and fire hazards.
The site of our research activity, located on two levels of the "Barbara" Experimental Mine, is fundamental for the department. The Subterranean infrastructure of the structure allows for the research of new technologies, solutions and prototypes of machinery and equipment in underground mining.
As regards industrial safety tests, research tunnels equipped with a modern measurement system make it possible to obtain various parameters of physical phenomena, dust and gas explosions and fires. There is also an integrated monitoring system on the surface and visualization of the development of the experiments.
The Department of Underground Research and Surface Maintenance is currently working on some new technologies and machinery to obtain methane from coal deposits.
Future activity of the department will be related to public safety issues such as gas and explosion hazard research in enclosed areas and underground (subway tunnels, etc.) as well as military research.
The Conformity Assessment Body conducts complex activities in the field of evaluation of products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Conformity Assessment Body conducts activities based on the requirements of the “ATEX” Directive and the International Electrotechnical Commission IECEx.
An important element of the assessment is the research conducted by the Laboratory of Explosion-Proof Systems and Protection and Explosimetry which operates within the structure of the Department. The Laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the scope of research covered in the harmonised standards for the “ATEX” Directive. Employees of the Conformity Assessment Body also carry out scientific research in this area of expertise.
Development of expert opinions and opinions on the following issues in industrial plants (e.g. chemical industry, petrochemicals, light industries, mining: underground, surface and oil, storage and transmission of gas and fuel) in which explosives atmospheres may occur:
- Explosion safety of equipment and installations;
- Protection systems;
- Non-electrical explosion-proof devices;
- Explosimetry and methanometry;
- Evaluation of repair shops;
- Assessment of lightning protection installations;
- Protection against static electricity.
The Conformity Assessment Body deals with wide-range explosion safety by providing the following services:
- Expertise concerning:
- Comprehensive assessment of explosion protection of industrial equipment and installations;
- Evaluating the correctness of selection of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive areas;
- Assessment of the correctness of the use of protective systems.
- Receipts of explosion-proof installations;
- Execution of crash reports, identification of the explosion cause;
- Assessment of the ability of repair factories to repair explosion-proof equipment.
The Conformity Assessment Body is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA), number AB005, in the scope of testing covered by harmonized standards for the "ATEX" Directive.
We also conducts non-accredited testing in which it can use explosive mixtures of gases and vapours of flammable liquids including oxygen-enriched mixtures.
The Conformity Assessment Body conducts complex activities in the field of evaluation of products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Product Certification Team conducts activities based on the requirements of the “ATEX” Directive and the International Electrotechnical Commission IECEx.
An important element of the assessment is the research conducted by the Laboratory of Explosion-Proof Systems and Protection and Explosimetry which operates within the structure of the Department. The Laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the scope of research covered in the harmonised standards for the “ATEX” Directive. The Conformity Assessment Body also carry out scientific research in this area of expertise.
Full-scale testing of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres:
- Flameproof enclosures ‘Ex d’;
- Intrinsic safety ‘Ex i’;
- Increased safety ‘Ex e’;
- Pressurized enclosures ‘Ex p’;
- Protection by enclosure ‘Ex t’ housing;
- Intrinsically safe design and structure ‘i’;
- Protection of type ‘n’;
- Protection by encapsulation ‘Ex m’;
- Protection by powder filling ‘Ex q’;
- Protection by oil immersion ‘Ex o’;
- Flame arresters;
- Test of degree of IP protection;
- Test of degree of IK protection.
- Identification of radioactive pollutants in the natural environment and an assessment of the radiation hazard;
- Measurements of radon in soil gas concentration and radon exhalation rate;
- Measurements of radon in buildings;
- Measurements of air pollution caused by radionuclides;
- Environmental dosimetry;
- Measurements of aerosol's size distribution in range 3 nm – 20 µm;
- Monitoring of radiation hazard at nuclear facilities and their vicinity;
- Monitoring of radiation hazard at radioactive waste disposal sites and their vicinity.
- Research on the technology of production and use of alternative fuels (briquettes, pellets, process gas from gasification);
- Research on technology of production, modernization and construction of boilers;
- Research on the improvement of fuel quality for heat production processes in power equipment;
- Thermal and balance studies of energy equipment (boilers, fans, pumps) and production lines in terms of energy efficiency of energy production and use.
The Laboratory of Mineral Processing and Waste Management conducts research and service on the wide mineral engineering. Researches covers issues related to the identification of the chemical composition and mineral compositions and technological characteristics of the mineral and waste.
Experience of the staff of the laboratory and the technical equipment allows research and optimization following processes on a laboratory scale:
- froth flotation of suspended coal and other raw materials;
- sedimentation and refining of the suspensions;
- conditioning and optimization of the quality parameters of mineral suspensions and sewage sludge for drainage;
- dewatering mineral suspensions and sludge using method of pressure filtration and vacuum.
We have the technical capabilities to carry out verification tests dewatering processes suspended sediment in the centrifuge and in the filter press in the full industrial scale.
We develop and consult:
- Concepts of enrichment technology of mineral raw materials;
- Programs of the mining wastes management;
- Instructions for the conduct of landfills;
- Applications for licenses / permits connected with waste management;
- Technologies water treatment out of mineral suspensions;
- Expertise in terms of achieving the environmental benefits of investments;
- Tools supporting the waste management.
Laboratory of Solid Waste Analyses performes tests content of harmful environmental inorganic contaminates. According to the scope of accreditation the tests concern the following objects:
- Energy wastes, coal mining wastes, industrial and municipal wastes;
- Grounds;
- Soils;
- Mineral aggregates;
- The binders;
- Solid fuels;
- Alternative fuels;
- Solid biofuels.
We also have huge experience in working with other objects which are not in scope of the accreditation yet:
- Brown coals, cokes, atmospheric dust, dust filters with drown air, mineral resources, different types of sediments and other environmental samples.
The Laboratory performes tests in scope of accredited by the Polish Center for Accreditation:
- Moisture content analysis and total dry matter;
- Ash content and volative matter;
- Nitrogen, chlorine, chlorides, sulfur, hydrogen;
- Total organic carbon and inorganic carbon;
- Heat of combustion and calorific value;
- Chemical compositons: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, SO3, TiO2, P2O5;
- Trace elements: arsenic As, barium Ba, cadmium Cd, cobalt Co, chromium Cr, copper Cu, Hg mercury, manganese Mn, molybdenum Mo, nickel Ni, lead Pb, antimony Sb, selenium Se, tin Sn, and Zn;
- Free CaO;
- Ammonium compounds (ammonium nitrogen);
- Size distribution by sieving and laser diffraction;
- The pH of the aqueous extracts.
The laboratory conducts research and service on the wide mineral engineering. Researches covers issues related to the identification of the chemical composition and mineral compositions and technological characteristics of the mineral and waste. The laboratory is equipped with modern digital scanning electron microscope Hitachi Model SU-3500N included with the EDS and the sputter device and Morphologi G3S-ID Malvern to analyze the size, shape and number of particles of the Raman adapter to identify the chemical composition. Laboratory is working on identification and optimization technical and technological conditions of valorization and acquisition of commercial products from minerals and waste.
We make the following laboratory tests about the technological characteristics of minerals and waste:
- Analysis of grain composition in the range of 0 - 200 mm;
- Analysis of density (density scan) coals in the full range of granulation;
- An assessment of the suitability of waste materials for hydraulic filling, road construction and hydro-technical and production of ceramics building;
- Physico - mechanical researches of binding materials (curing time, bulk density, fluidity, compressive strength and flexural strength, coefficient of softening);
- Technology research ashes and slogs from electrical power engineering to row material recovery;
- Assessment the morphological composition of municipal waste;
- Analysis of the hopper materials to liquidation coal pits;
- Research on new technologies using wastes;
- Research the materials using advanced microscopic techniques.
Experience of the staff of the laboratory and the technical equipment allows research and optimization following processes on a laboratory scale:
- Froth flotation of suspended coal and other raw materials;
- Sedimentation and refining of the suspensions;
- Conditioning and optimization of the quality parameters of mineral suspensions and sewage sludge for drainage;
- Dewatering mineral suspensions and sludge using method of pressure filtration and vacuum;
- We have the technical capabilities to carry out verification tests dewatering processes suspended sediment in the centrifuge and in the filter press in the full industrial scale.
We develop and consult:
- Concepts of enrichment technology of mineral raw materials;
- Programs of the mining wastes management;
- Instructions for the conduct of landfills;
- Applications for licenses / permits connected with waste management;
- Technologies water treatment out of mineral suspensions;
- Expertise in terms of achieving the environmental benefits of investments;
- Tools supporting the waste management.
- Physical-chemical analyses of deposit and sortment hard coals as well as of other solid fuels, such as lignite, coke, semi-coke, hard coal and lignite briquettes, solid biofuels, solid secondary fuels and mixtures of solid biofuels and a solid secondary fuels with coal;
- Technical analysis:
- Transient moisture determination Wexr,
- Moisture determination in the analytical sample Wa, (1)
- Calculating the total moisture Wtr (using Wexr and Wa),
- Determination of ash content Aa, (1)
- Determination of total sulphur content Sta (2)
- Determination of total sulphur content with the EschkiSta method, (3)
- Determination of combustion heat and the calorific value Qsa, Qir (4).
- Physical-chemical analysis:
- Determination of volatile elements Va, (1)
- Calculation the content of combustible elements (using Wa and Aa),
- Actual density determination dra, (5)
- Calculation of the fixedcarbonCfixed indicator (using the Wa, Aa and Va),
- Hardgrove's indicator of grinding susceptibility determination HGI, (6)
- Determination of the ash characteristic fusibility temperature, (7)
- Determination of the maximum capacity of the moisture absorption Wmax. (8)
- Elemental analysis:
- Determination of total carbon content Cta, (9)
- Calculation of the organic carbon content (using Cta and WCO2),
- Determination of total hydrogen content Hta (9)
- Determination of the nitrogen content Na, (9)
- Calculation of the oxygen content Oda (using the Wa, Aa, Cta, Hta, SCa),
- Determination of the carbonate CO2 content WCO2, (10)
- Calculation of the carbonate carbon content WC (using WCO2),
- Determination of sulphate sulphur (VI) SSO4a (11)
- Determination of the pyrite sulphur content Spa, (12)
- Calculation of organic sulphur in hard coal AND lignite Soa (using Sta, SSO4a and Spa),
- Determination of the ash sulphur content SAa (also using the Aa), (2)
- Calculation of combustible sulphur SCa (using the Sta and SAa),
- Determination of the chlorine content Cla, (13 and 14)
- Determination of the biodegradable fraction content. (15)
- Petrographic analysis:
- Determination of the vitrinite reflectance Ro, (16)
- Determination of the composition of groups of macerals and of mineral substance. (16)
- Analysis of coking parameters:
- Determination of the capacity of caking with the Rogi method RI, (17)
- Gray-King's determination of the type of coke GK, (18)
- Determination of the dilatometric indicators by Audibert-Arnu, (19)
- Determination of the swelling indicator SI, (20)
- Determination of the status plastic indicators according to Gieselera-Hoehnego, (21)
- Determination of plastometric properties using a plastometer with a fixed torque rotation, (22)
- Determination of plastometer icindicators according to Sapożnikow, (23)
- No pressure of the Pmax relaxation. (24)
- Coal type analysis.
- The determination of the international classification of coals.
- The designation of the international code.
- Assessment of the composition and properties of ash from coals.
- Analysis of ash and slags form utility boilers.
Other specialist tests outside accreditation:
- Composition of maceral groups and mineral substance with the semifusinite content designation. (16)
- Maceral composition. (16)
- Composition of microlithotype, carbominerite and minerite. (16)
- Maximum and minimum vitrinite reflectacne (determination of anisotropy)Rmax. (16)
- Designation of ash sulphur content in solid biofuels and solid secondary fuels. (2)
- Designation of sand content.
- Designation of losses at calcination.
- Total moisture content with the distillation method. (25)
- Apparent density.
- Forecast of coke strength with the Schapiro method for one-component coal.
- Effectiveness of low-temperature carbonization products. (26)
- Grain analysis with the screening method. (27)
- Density analysis.
- Free calcium oxide content.
- Designation of the transport susceptibility index. (28)
- Bright coal content.
- Stone content in coal.
- Magnetic weights analysis. (29)
- Heat capacity of solids.
- Spontaneous combustion indicator. (30)
- Angle of repose.
- Nitrogen content with the Kjeldahl method.
- Bulk density in coal, in coke from coal, in solid biofuel and in solid secondary fuel. (31)
- Enrichment tests. (32)
- Laboratory sieve checks.
- Production and distribution of standard and control samples.
- Analyses of solid fuels and furnance waste for the purpose of CO2 emissions;
- Waste analyses (code: 10 01 excluding 10 01 09);
- Performing analyses for arbitration samples in disputes;
- Comprehensive tests organization, in cooperation with other laboratories of the Central Mining Institute;
- Perforing proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison of coal, solid biofuel and solid secondary fuels (33).
- Measurements of doses and dose rates of ionizing radiation:
- Roentgen (X) and gamma (γ) radiation;
- Alpha (α) and beta (β) radiation;
- Neutron radiation.
- Measurements of potential alpha energy and concentration of potential alpha energy of short living radon decay products.
- Measurements of personal dose equivalent Hp(10) and the personal dose equivalent rate.
- drinking water samples, mineral and healing waters and other aqueous samples (+ estimation of the total indicative dose caused by drinking water consumption);
- raw and construction materials, in the waste parameters (f1 and f2);
- environmental samples (air, soil, water, waste products, sediments and sewage samples) in industrial by-products, metal products and scraps, food and consumption goods, fed, biological samples, biota.
We have accreditation of Polish Centre of Accreditation for measurements we performe. Our methods for measurements of drinking water samples in terms of standards have an approval of Regional Health and Safety Inspectorate.
The Department of Material Engineering has experienced staff as well as measuring and research equipment of the latest generation. The rich research and development equipment of the latest generation allow for:
- Testing of non-metallic materials and polymer materials (1-15);
- Comprehensive testing of plastic pipes;
- Comprehensive testing of combustibility of materials and products made of non-metallic materials;
- Comprehensive testing of material properties and assessments of utility values of polymer materials, conveyor belts and other non-metallic materials;
- Development of new polymer materials with unique properties such as slow burning and antistatic properties for mining and other industrial applications;
- Production and testing of biomaterials, polymer membranes and polymer composites with significant high mechanical strength;
- Developing of recycling technology for polymer materials.
- Sampling of coal in accordance with the PN-0659-G-04502:2014-11 standard at the producers' and consumers' premises, within the scope of the accreditation (accreditation number AB 069) or the supervision of sampling for laboratory testing (34);
- Sampling of storage sites on the premises of the producers and consumers of solid fuels (solid biofuels, solid secondary fuels or furnace waste);
- Sampling of block train and automotive transports on the premises of producers and recipients of solid fuels, at loading or unloading (35);
- Quantitative research of solid fuels landfills (geodetic measuring, determination of volumetric and/or bulk weight);
- Checking the accuracy and precision of the collection and preparation of samples of coal by automatic samplers in accrodance with the applicable technical standard PN-G-04502:2014-11, within the scope of the accreditation (accreditation number AB 069);
- Checking the accuracy and precision of the sampling and sample preparation of solid fuels (hard coal, lignite, solid biofuel and solid secondary fuel) by automatic samplers in acordance with the applicable technical standards PN and ISO;
- Counselling at designing systems for sampling of solid fuels, solid biofuels, solid secondary fuels from technological strings and transports.
The Department of Solid Fuels Quality Assessment has worked continuously since 1945. Its highly skilled personnel, modern equipment and efficient management system ensure the accuracy, timeliness and reliability of the performed tests. The Department conducts tests of solid fuels, solid biofuels, solid secondary fuels, mixtures of solid biofuels and solid secondary fuels with solid fuels and of waste (code 10 01 excluding 10 01 09).
The Department has:
- The Certificate of a Research Laboratory Accreditation issued by the Polish Centre for Accreditation, confirming the meeting of the requirements of the PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 + Ap1:2007 + AC: 2007 standard (accreditation number: AB 069);
- The Certificate of Approval issued by Lloyd's Register (Poland) Sp. z o.o. on behalf of Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Limited, certifying that the Quality Management System is in compliance with the ISO 9001:2008 standard (Certificate of Approval number: GDK0003151/Q).
- Consulting on the introduction of management systems in research laboratories;
- Developing and counselling on the implementation of sampling procedures for solid fuels and furnace waste;
- Verification of sampling plans of solid fuels and furnace waste (36);
- Validation (checking and precision determination) for sampling procedures of solid fuels and furnace waste used in power plants;
- Carrying out internal audits in research laboratories in accordance with the PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005+Ap1:2007+AC: 2007 standards and other documents of the Polish Centre for Accreditation;
- Estimating losses during transport and storage.
- Assessment of the quality of solid fuels for the possibility of use in different technological processes;
- Selection, based on the database of the Information Bank, of coal for users taking into account technological and environmental conditions;
- Conducting forecast research on the quality of raw coal to adapt to the extraction programs of mines.
- Research on thermochemical conversion of solid fuels for energy and chemical synthesis, including pressure and non-pressurized combustion, pyrolysis and gasification: coal (and coal waste), biomass (energy crops, farm biomass waste, forestry, waste from animal biomass, sewage sludge, etc.) and industrial waste and their mixtures;
- Research aimed at the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel use and disposal methods for the production of electricity and heat and / or raw materials for chemical synthesis (synthesis gas, hydrogen);
- Investigation of the kinetics of combustion, pyrolysis, gasification and co-combustion, co-pyrolysis and co-gasification with a thermogravimetric analyzer and a wide range of gas reagents;
- Fuel reactivity studies in thermochemical conversion processes;
- Study of gas composition from thermochemical processes of conversion of solid fuels: combustion, pyrolysis and gasification using gas micro chromatograph;
- Research on the capture and management of carbon dioxide from the thermochemical process of conversion of solid fuels using various sorbents;
- Examination of the use of catalysts in thermochemical conversion of solid fuels;
- Investigation of the use of chemical loops in combustion and gasification processes;
- Study of the energy and environmental performance of the use of nano-metal particle and metal oxide properties, including the use of iron nano-oxides in the production and storage of hydrogen;
- Research on the use of gaseous by-products from industrial processes.
Laboratory of Solid Waste Analyses performes tests content of harmful environmental inorganic contaminates. According to the scope of accreditation the tests concern the following objects:
- Energy wastes, coal mining wastes, industrial and municipal wastes;
- Grounds;
- Soils;
- Mineral aggregates;
- The binders;
- Solid fuels;
- Alternative fuels;
- Solid biofuels.
We also have huge experience in working with other objects which are not in scope of the accreditation yet:
- Brown coals, cokes, atmospheric dust, dust filters with drown air, mineral resources, different types of sediments and other environmental samples.
The Laboratory performes tests in scope of accredited by the Polish Center for Accreditation:
- Chemical compositons: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, SO3, TiO2, P2O5;
- Trace elements: arsenic As, barium Ba, cadmium Cd, cobalt Co, chromium Cr, copper Cu, Hg mercury, manganese Mn, molybdenum Mo, nickel Ni, lead Pb, antimony Sb, selenium Se, tin Sn, and Zn.
Tests out of scope an accreditation are:
- Trace elements: boron B, bromine Br, beryllium Be, vanadium V, Sr strontium, thallium Tl;
- Rare earth metals: scandium Sc, yttrium Y, lanthanum La, cerium Ce, praseodymium Pr, neodymium Nd, samarium Sm, europium Eu, gadolinium Gd, terbium Tb, dysprosium Dy, holmium Ho, erbium Er, thulium Tm, ytterbium Yb , lutetium Lu.
Division of Ecological Researches uses modern equipment:
- X-ray diffractometer (XRD) D8 DISCOVER BRUKER with modern goniometer, equipped with a mirror Goebel, detectors for measuring 1D - Lynxeye and 2D - Vantec autosampler 500; it allows the determination of the crystalline phase in solids such as soil, land, waste fuels, composites, raw materials and minerals and many others. Owned diffractometer BRUKER D8 DISCOVER as a modern tool used in the works of a scientific-research projects and scientific work in the industrial, mining and other sectors.
Division uses highly specialized software to interpretation of the measurement results and visualization:
- DIFFRAC.EVA v.3.0. - interpretation quality mineral phases in X-ray diffraction method (XRD);
- PDF-4 + v.4.12.0.4. - licensed ICDD data base for X-ray diffraction (XRD);
- TOPAS v.4.2. - interpretation of quantitative mineralogical phases in X-ray diffraction method (XRD).
