The proximate analysis is a set of tests by which the percentages of moisture, ash content and Volatile Matter are determined. To carry out these tests, the Analysis Laboratory has available ovens, both with forced ventilation and with an inert atmosphere, for Humidity and different muffle furnaces for the determination of Volatile Matter and Ash. UNE Standards established for this type of analysis are followed. In addition, the Analysis Laboratory has available automatic devices, the LECO TGA-601 thermobalance for the proximate analysis and a KARL FISCHER Titrator and a METTLER TOLEDO HG53 Halogen Thermobalance, both for moisture determination.

The ultimate analysis is the determination of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content (a LECO CHN-2000 equipment is used) and total Sulphur by means of a LECO S-144DR equipment.

MICROELEMENTAL ANALYSIS

The microelemental analysis is an analytical technique in which low amount of samples, aprox. 1 mg, is used in a LECO-CHN-932 for the determination of C, H, N, S, O contents (the last element in a LECO VTF-900 furnace).

For the determination of the calorific value of a sample, the Analysis Laboratory has available a several calorimeters such as: A GALLENKAMP bomb, two IKA C4000 semiautomatic bombs and three LECO AC-300 automatic bombs.