DRANCO is excited to announce the expansion of our laboratory capabilities. Building upon our existing biological lab, which has been essential in studying anaerobic fermentation processes on a lab scale for development and consultancy purposes, we have now established a comprehensive analytical laboratory. This enhancement enables us to monitor the efficiency and health of anaerobic digesters, water treatment facilities and other anaerobic fermentation processes faster and more precise.

Previously, outsourcing analyses resulted in a typical turnaround time of minimum two weeks. By bringing these capabilities in-house, we have significantly improved our logistical efficiency, reducing the time required to generate and interpret results to within one week. This acceleration allows us to provide more timely insights and recommendations to our clients, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of their systems.

Our in-house laboratory now performs a variety of analyses, including but not limited to:

• Kjeldahl Nitrogen Analysis: Determines nitrogen content, essential for assessing the nutrient balance in fermentation substrates.
• Ammonium Nitrogen Titration: Measures ammonium concentration, crucial for monitoring the nitrogen cycle within anaerobic digesters.
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): Assesses the amount of organic compounds in water, indicating the potential for oxygen consumption during decomposition.
• Chloride Analysis: Measures chloride concentrations, important for preventing corrosion and ensuring the longevity of equipment.
• Sludge Volume Index (SVI): Determines the settleability of sludge in wastewater treatment, aiding in the optimization of clarification processes.
• Total solids and Volatile solids: Measures the total solids and the organic fraction, respectively. This analysis allows us to interpret all other results in an unbiased manner.
• Total Suspended Solids and Volatile Suspended Solids: Analyses the non-soluble solids in the liquid phase, offering information on the suspended organic load.

The centrepiece of our new lab is the gas chromatograph, which allows for the precise determination of volatile fatty acid (VFA) content. VFAs are key intermediates in anaerobic digestion, and their concentrations can significantly impact the stability and efficiency of biogas production. The VFA profile offers insight in the stability, or reason for instability of the process. Rapid and accurate VFA profiling enables us to diagnose system performance in detail, facilitating prompt corrective actions when necessary.

Establishing our own analytical laboratory brings numerous advantages that directly benefit both our operations and the services we provide to our clients. First and foremost, having complete control over the analytical process enhances the accuracy and reliability of our results, as we no longer rely on external laboratories where potential errors or delays could occur. This in-house capability also allows us to optimize costs by eliminating outsourcing expenses, which increases  flexibility and efficiency.

Moreover, the ability to perform analyses in-house ensures faster turnaround times, enabling real-time adjustments to fermentation processes and more proactive troubleshooting. This is particularly valuable for preventing potential issues in biogas fermenters before they escalate. Additionally, by handling sensitive data internally, we guarantee a higher level of confidentiality and protect proprietary client information, which strengthens trust and security in our partnerships. Overall, the lab reinforces DRANCO’s commitment to delivering high-quality, timely, and insightful consultancy services that help our clients achieve optimal performance from their anaerobic digestion processes (including pre- and post-treatments) and water treatment systems.