Biofuel Testing -
Quality Assurance Services for Solid Biofuels

SOCOTEC is active in the biomass sector, providing testing and analysis services at ports, mines and generator sites. Our laboratories analyse samples of coal, biomass, RDF and SRF to support clients in maintaining fuel quality standards.

Sampling, Preparation and Analysis

SOCOTEC has unparalleled expertise in solid fuel inspection and testing, specialising in low carbon alternative fuels such as biomass. With a wide range of inspection, sampling, preparation and analysis services available, SOCOTEC is the market leader in UK biomass quality testing.

Inspection Services

SOCOTEC’s team of trained and accredited samplers can provide 24/7 365 days a year coverage for all of your sampling and inspection requirements for fuel. We can provide independent, UKAS accredited sampling services* on any solid biofuel consignment whether it is moved by road, rail, or ship.

With a permanent presence at key UK ports, SOCOTEC is well placed to provide draught surveying, cargo superintendency and sampling services for imported or exported fuel cargos.  Our portside teams provide vital information to clients throughout the loading or discharging operation, protecting the quality of the cargo and ensuring advance notification of any problems such as contamination.

Diverse Testing Capabilities

As the energy market continues to evolve, a wider range of solid biofuels are now required to support the UK's net zero commitment by 2050 and help the transition to a low carbon, sustainable energy sector. As leading experts in solid biofuel testing, we have a wealth of experience in developing sampling and analysis procedures for new and innovative solid biofuels including:

• Recycled wood 
• Energy crops (e.g. miscanthus)
• Wood pellets
• Virgin woodchip
• Agricultural by-products
• Food manufacturing by-products (e.g. peanut husks)

Wood Pellet and Wood Chip Testing

We understand the critical role that wood pellets and wood chips play in the biomass industry. As key components of solid biofuels, ensuring the quality and consistency of wood pellets and wood chips is essential for efficient and sustainable energy production.

Fuel analysis also plays a critical role for those participating in the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive), ROCs (Renewables Obligation Certificates) or CfD (Contracts for Difference) schemes, in proving the proportion of energy produced that has been done so using fuel from renewable, non-fossil-derived sources.

Quality Matters

Achieving consistent fuel quality is important for both producers and consumers of solid biofuels. SOCOTEC was the first laboratory in the UK to gain extensive accreditation for the analysis of solid biofuels. Our comprehensive range of UKAS accredited sampling, preparation and analysis services* include:

• Sampling
• Sample preparation
• Pellet component sizing
• Pellet durability
• Moisture
• Ash
• Sulphur
• Chlorine
• Calorific Value
• Elemental Analysis
• Biomass content

Quality of service is just as important as the integrity of the data we provide; our client services and account management teams are on hand to ensure that clients get the information they need, on time and in the required format.
 

Setting the Standard

SOCOTEC has a long history of method development and this tradition continues with solid biofuels. In fact, the company has represented the UK internationally during the cooperative development of EN and ISO sampling and analysis standards.  This involvement means that we are at the forefront of ensuring that our clients remain compliant with all relevant standards, even as they are updated.

*A listing of SOCOTEC’s UKAS accredited activities can be found in our schedule of accreditation – Testing Laboratory 0001