Energy Testing Laboratory

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
ENERGY TESTING LABORATORY

WHAT WE DO:

The energy testing laboratory features state of the art biomass, pellet and panel testing equipment. We are the only fully ALSC/PFI certified pellet testing lab in New England and were one of the first in the United States. Our services include calorimetry, species analysis, thermal conductivity, element analysis, loss on ignition testing (LOI), ash, carbon, total chloride and other energy and chemical testing all performed in accord with national and international standards.

COMMON TESTING:
CalorimetryCalorimetry done to national and international standards using state of the art isoperibol calorimeters.
Thermal ConductivityBio-based composite panel and other wall insulation testing done to national standards. thermal_conductivity
LECO TGA/LOITGA of biomass to determine temperature effects in raw materials or ash.  Temperature to 1000 degrees C.
Ash TestingAsh testing is an important quality indicator.  We perform ash testing in accord with ASTM D1102.  We also do powders and some liquids.
COMMON TESTS AND TEST PACKAGES:
Standard PFI Quality Assessment:

  • Bulk Density
  • Dimensions
  • PDI (durability)
  • Fines
  • Inorganic Ash
  • Moisture Content
  • Chlorides
  • Bag Weight

Expanded PFI Quality Assessment:

  • Standard PFI +
  • HHV (as received, moisture-free, ash-free)

Biomass Fuel Check:

  • Ash total C, Si, and other elements for ultimate analysis
  • LOI of biomass fuel
  • HHV
  • Biomass Size Classification
  • Species identification for pulp chips and biomass

Other Tests:

  • Fiber thermal conductivity
  • Panel conductivity
  • DSC
  • Physical properties
  • Shaker size class
  • Etc, etc.
For more information, contact:  Dr. Ling Li at (207) 581-2883 or ling.li@maine.edu