Agricultural Biomass Research (ABR) Laboratory
Laboratory of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Storing and Transport
Agricultural Biomass Research (ABR) Laboratory exists within the Department of Ag Technology, Storing and Transport, and is leading the way in accurate and reliable biomass testing. The laboratory is primarily focused on conducting the scientific projects, but also serves as a student laboratory. Furthermore, it provides analyses for commercial purposes as well. Our biomass analysis services can provide guidance in determining the value of biomass feedstock and its best conversion route. The laboratory also offers a detailed analysis and assistance in interpreting the composition of the intermediates and products of biomass conversion (solid, liquid, and gaseous biogas).
Laboratory is continuously conducting quality control checks via interlaboratory studies within the WEPAL BIMEP programme. Laboratory team consists of highly skilled and experienced scientists with a multidisciplinary expertise in a wide variety of biomass types and conversion routes. Their work is supported by the following laboratory equipment:
- Analytical equipment: Atomic absorption spectrometer, AAS (AAnalyst 400, Perkin Elmer), Closed digestion microwave system (Ethos D, Milestone), GC (C3800, Varian), UV/VIS spectrophotometer (Lambda 25, Perkin Elmer), elemental analyser (VarioMAX, Elementar).
- Other equipment: Calorimeter (C200, IKA), Polarimeter (Krüss), COD determination (Behrotest, Behr), Soxhlet (Behrotest, Behr), Muffle furnace (Naberterm), Fibre determination (Foss Fibertec122), Titrator (Metrohm), Sieve-shaker (Retsch), Water demineralization units (GFL), Laboratory mill (Retsch), Laboratory mill (IKA), Centrifuge 3500 rpm (Tehtnica), Water bath with shaker (Memmert), Lab dryer – sterilizer (INKO), Lab dryer (Memmert), Lab dryer (Retsch), Analytical balance, 4-decimal (Mettler Toledo), Analytical balance, 5-decimal (Mettler Toledo), Technical balance mmax= 6100 g (Kern), Technical balance mmax= 12000 g (Kern), pH meter, (Mettler Toledo), Conductometer (InoLab, Cond 720).
- Custom-made equipment: Laboratory press (Kahl), Toasting unit (Setting-engineering), Water bath-laboratory biogas plant, V=80 L (INKO), Unit for determination of BMP (biomethane) potential (CROTEH), Laboratory biogas reactor (CROTEH), Autoclave (Bari).
Head of the laboratory: Prof. Tajana Krička, PhD
Deputy Head of Laboratory: Assist. Prof. Vanja Jurišić, PhD