<h4>Do you use results of chemical analyses as a basis for your decisions and judgements?</h4>Those of us working in accredited laboratories or dealing with issues concerning the quality of measurements, would like to inform you about some important changes concerning the way the results of measurements are presented. These changes make it easier for you as an end-user to make correct decisions.<h4>Nobody is perfect!</h4>Results of analyses cannot be perfect! We hope this does not come as a big surprise to you. We use the term measurement uncertainty to describe this lack of perfection.<h4>The analytical process</h4>In each step of the analytical work, from sampling to the final measurement, deviations from the true value occur and measurement conditions vary. We take measures and perform controls regularly to assure that these deviations and variations together are small enough to make sure the end result fulfils your requirements. When we don’t have full information about all of the steps, e.g. when sampling and initial sample preparation are performed by you as a customer, you can assist us by providing detailed information about how that work was performed. Our experts are ready to advise on all matters regarding sampling. Please contact the laboratory beforehand.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_2_d885f6b051.jpg" alt="Eurachem: The analytical process" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_2_d885f6b051.jpg 139w," sizes="100vw" width="562" height="630"><h4>Results should be fit-for-the-purpose</h4>The accuracy of the results must of course not be too low nor too high since this would increase the costs. It should be fit for the intended purpose. If you are unsure on what level of accuracy you need, do not hesitate to contact the laboratory.<h4>Uncertainty and limiting values</h4>Many analyses are made to assure that limiting values are not exceeded. Without information about the measurement uncertainty it may appear to be very easy to make decisions, but these decision may be incorrect, with, e.g. economical consequences when rejecting instead of accepting a product, judicial consequences when returning a verdict of guilty instead of not guilty, or medical consequences when carrying out an unnecessary treatment. There are numerous examples!<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_3_f0ef8edc77.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Uncertainty and limiting values" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_3_f0ef8edc77.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="932" height="453">With a realistic measurement uncertainty the information included in the result becomes much more useful.<h4>It will be easier to compare results</h4>Most laboratories have until now chosen not to state measurement uncertainty in the test report. Instead, such information has only been given when the customer has asked for itIn the future, information about the measurement uncertainty will appear more frequently in the test report. It is also possible that you will bump into new and unfamiliar quality terms. This is due to the fact that there are new international guides and standards describing a common and partly new terminology. One of the objectives is to make it easier for you as a customer to compare test results.<h4>What could it look like?</h4>When reporting the test result we will give the normal information about what we have measured. When the results are followed by uncertainty statements, they are presented as intervals within which the true values are expected to lie with a certain level of confidence (usually 95%). In the example below the lead content is 1.65 ± 0.15 mmol·kg-1, that is between 1.50 and 1.80. The measurement uncertainty is also often reported relatively, in %.<ul><li>Total lead content (Pb): 1.65 mmol·kg-1&nbsp;</li><li>Measurement uncertainty: 0.15 mmol·kg-1 (9.1%)&nbsp;</li></ul>The stated uncertainty is an expanded measurement uncertainty (U). It was obtained by multiplying the combined standard uncertainty uc with a coverage factor k equal to 2. This corresponds approximately to a 95 % confidence interval.<h4>All’s well that ends well...</h4>The requirements for a consistent way of reporting test results are increasing. Therefore, those of us involved in measurements are eager to assure ourselves that we understand your needs. You will notice this in your contacts with us before, during and after the test assignment. We hope that you will be satisfied with the final result.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_4_f870b1a7b8.jpg" alt="Eurachem: All’s well that ends well..." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_4_f870b1a7b8.jpg 159w," sizes="100vw" width="713" height="701">

Important information to our customers concerning the quality of measurements

<h4>A comprehensive analysis of renewable fuel testing technologies, automation, and ISO-compliant proximate analysis</h4>The growing demand for renewable energy has increased the importance of accurate biofuel characterization. Biomass feedstocks and finished fuels must be carefully analyzed to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with international standards. LECO analytical instrumentation supports this work through automated and highly reliable analytical technologies.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_b73c4cf493.jpg" alt="LECO: Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: LECO’s TGA801, used for automated biofuel analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_b73c4cf493.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1164" height="435"><h3>Automated Proximate Analysis with LECO’s TGA801</h3>The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1877"> LECO TGA801 thermogravimetric analyzer </a>is designed for automated determination of moisture, volatile matter, and ash content in solid fuels. The system can analyze up to 19 samples simultaneously and combine all three parameters into one automated run, improving efficiency and reproducibility.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_31e96f1c96.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: TGA801 system with ceramic turntable and crucibles for ISO 18123 volatile matter determination." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_31e96f1c96.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="860" height="573"><h3>Comparison with ISO Reference Methods</h3>To validate the performance of the automated TGA801 system, comparative studies were conducted using internationally recognized ISO reference methods. Moisture determination was compared with ISO 18134, ash content with ISO 18122, and volatile matter with ISO 18123. These standards prescribe specific temperatures and analytical procedures, but also permit automated systems if equivalent performance can be demonstrated.The comparison included a broad range of materials such as wood pellets, peat, coal, plastics, and waste-derived fuels. Moisture and ash results generated by the TGA801 showed extremely close agreement with the manual ISO procedures. This strong correlation confirms that automated thermogravimetric analysis can provide the same reliability as conventional methods while greatly increasing throughput and reducing labor requirements.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_3887128788.jpg" alt="LECO: Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: ISO method crucibles for manual volatile determination." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_3887128788.jpg 172w," sizes="100vw" width="1264" height="1145"><h3>Volatile Matter Correlation Results</h3>For volatile matter analysis, both ISO and TGA procedures measure mass loss during a fixed period at 900 °C. The TGA method introduces an additional heating ramp from the moisture determination step at approximately 105 °C to the higher volatile matter temperature. Despite this procedural difference, the resulting data demonstrated excellent agreement.Testing performed on wood pellets showed a strong linear relationship between the ISO and TGA methods with an R² value of approximately 0.94. The maximum deviation observed was only 1.06%, while the average difference between methods was approximately 0.1%. These results confirm the ability of the TGA801 to produce highly accurate volatile matter measurements across a variety of biomass and fuel matrices.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_40f7189cef.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: Correlation and comparative data between ISO methods and LECO TGA analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_40f7189cef.jpg 172w," sizes="100vw" width="1065" height="967"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_1_7519e8e646.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: Correlation and comparative data between ISO methods and LECO TGA analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_1_7519e8e646.jpg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="1641" height="1120"><h3>Advantages of Automated Biofuel Analysis</h3><ul><li>High sample throughput with simultaneous multi-sample analysis.</li><li>Fully automated workflows reducing operator involvement.</li><li>Integrated determination of moisture, ash, and volatile matter in one run.</li><li>Excellent reproducibility and data consistency.</li><li>Strong agreement with ISO reference methods without additional calibration.</li><li>Improved data security and laboratory efficiency.</li><li>Suitable for research laboratories, industrial quality control, and fuel certification.</li></ul><h3>Automate Your Lab Today</h3>LECO analytical instrumentation provides a comprehensive solution for modern biofuel characterization. From calorific value determination and elemental composition analysis to ash fusibility and automated proximate analysis, these technologies support both scientific research and industrial production with fast, reliable, and reproducible results. The TGA801 demonstrates how automation can significantly improve laboratory efficiency while maintaining full compliance with ISO reference methods. By integrating moisture, ash, and volatile matter analysis into a single automated workflow, the system reduces labor requirements, increases throughput, and enhances data quality. As renewable energy continues to expand globally, advanced analytical systems will remain essential for ensuring fuel quality, supporting regulatory compliance, and driving innovation in sustainable energy technologies. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1877">Explore the features of the LECO TGA801 today.</a>

Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 6th July 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you brochure by Agilent Technologies, application note by Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: The Easiest Smart Decision You Can Make - The Agilent 9500 ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_9500_icp_ms_5994_9160en_agilent_240554d484.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The brochure presents the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=9500">Agilent 9500 ICP-MS</a> as an ICP-QQQ system designed to bring triple quadrupole performance into routine laboratories without adding unnecessary complexity. It addresses common ICP-MS challenges such as spectral interferences, complex matrices, method development, re-runs, and the limitations of single quadrupole ICP-MS. The 9500 is positioned as a system that delivers reliable, interference-free trace element data while simplifying operation, method setup, and troubleshooting.A central feature of the system is Agilent’s proprietary Dual-Cell System (DCS), which combines Advanced Helium Mode (AHM) and Air mode. AHM replaces multiple traditional tune modes with one streamlined mode, helping reduce acquisition time by more than 33% while improving sensitivity, especially for low-mass elements. Air mode uses ambient air for oxygen mass-shift reactions, enabling effective removal of difficult on-mass interferences without the need for additional oxygen cylinders or related safety infrastructure.The brochure also highlights the system’s practical design improvements. These include Easy-fit sample introduction, automatic gas connections and torch alignment, improved access to the spray chamber, torch, cones, and peristaltic pump, reduced power consumption, lower exhaust flow, enhanced corrosion resistance, and a smaller footprint compared with previous ICP-QQQ systems. The 9500 also supports demanding applications such as high-salinity seawater analysis, rare earth element interference removal, and sub-ppt impurity analysis in high-purity titanium.Software and automation are presented as key parts of the workflow. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+ICP-MS">OpenLab ICP-MS </a>provides method development tools such as Method Advisor, preset methods, batch conversion from existing single quadrupole ICP-MS methods, guided diagnostics, reporting, and IntelliQuant screening. The 9500 can also be integrated with Agilent autosamplers, the AVS MS switching valve, and ADS 2 autodilutor to automate calibration, dilution, analysis, and reporting. Overall, the brochure positions the Agilent 9500 ICP-MS as a more accessible, productive, and future-ready ICP-QQQ platform for laboratories needing reliable results across complex sample types.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Continuous Automatic Measurement of Static Spring Constant and Dynamic Properties before and after Durability Tests on Rubber Vibration Isolators by Combination Test Software</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01061_en_7301fb4069.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>A rubber vibration isolator is a product designed to prevent or mitigate the transmission of vibration and shock. It is widely used in various fields such as transportation equipment, construction, and industrial machinery.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=JIS+K+6385">JIS K 6385</a> “Rubber vibration isolators - Test methods” defines several test methods and terms for evaluating the performance of rubber vibration isolators. In order to estimate the fatigue life of rubber vibration isolators, a durability test method is specified in which the rubber vibration isolator is subjected to repeated loads to evaluate the presence of failure, cracks, or changesin properties. It is extremely important to evaluate the durability of rubber vibration isolators because deterioration in their performance can cause noise and instability.&nbsp;Shimadzu’s fatigue and endurance testing machine Servopulser’s Windows Software for 4830 has a function called a combination test, which automatically combines several tests and continuously executesthem. This article introduces an example of continuous automatic measurement of static spring properties and dynamic properties of rubber vibration isolators before and after durability tests, by using a combination test.<h4>Testing Equipment&nbsp;</h4>The EMT-1kNV-50 electromagnetic fatigue and endurance testing machine was used in these tests. Fig. 2 shows a photograph of the testing machine. The electromagnetic actuator with extremely high frequency response enables highly accurate dynamic testing. In these tests, the maximum test frequency was 100 Hz. The EMT series is most suitable for testing at such high frequencies.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>A fatigue and endurance testing machine was used to compare the static spring properties and dynamic properties of rubber vibration isolators before and after durability testing based on JIS K 6385. Combination testing software enables continuous and automatic execution of each test, thus reducing work time. The highly responsive EMT series also enables high-frequency testing with amplitudes of 0.05 mm and 100 Hz.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Enhancing Monoclonal Antibody Yield and Quality Through Automated Multi-Component Feedback Control Loops Using the MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer</h3><ul><li>Other document</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/monitoring_polymer_extrusion_wp1275_en_19f05a5436.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Understanding the structural changes of polymers during the extrusion process is essential for optimizing the manufacturing of extruded products. Extrusion can alter a polymer’s structure and properties in ways that can enhance its performance and functionality. Changes such as the transition from crystalline to amorphous phases or shifts in vibrational modes can be leveraged to tailor the end-polymer’s mechanical, thermal, and optical properties to meet specific application needs.&nbsp;Polymer extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing process where raw plastic materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA), are melted and pushed through a shaped die to create specific and continuous profiles. In twin-screw extruders, this is accomplished using two intermeshing screws and a heating system to increase temperature, shear forces and pressure, in order to efficiently melt and homogenize the polymers. This process allows for the production of a wide range of plastic products with consistent shapes and properties.&nbsp;In addition to polymeric applications, twin-screw extruders are commonly used in pharmaceutical applications for mixing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with excipients. In battery manufacturing, extruders are used to thoroughly mix anode and cathode materials needed for homogeneous end products. The Thermo Scientific™ Process™ 11 Parallel Twin-Screw Extruder is an ideal tool for processing and compounding various materials in this manner.Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy are often utilized for off-line evaluation of extrusion products. However, if such techniques can be integrated in line with the extruders, it can facilitate real-time measurements of many qualitative and quantitative aspects of the process.&nbsp;Raman spectroscopy is a technique used to observe vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a material. Raman spectroscopy works by shining a monochromatic light source, typically a laser, onto a sample. The light interacts with the molecular vibrations within the sample, causing the light to scatter. Most of the scattered light has the same wavelength as the incident light (Rayleigh scattering), however, a small portion of the scattered light has different wavelengths due to interactions with molecular vibrations. This change in wavelength provides a unique spectral fingerprint of the material, which can be used to identify and characterize the sample’s molecular composition and structure. This data can be translated into quantitative or qualitative information with the use of chemometric modeling techniques such as partial least squares (PLS) regression or principal component analysis (PCA).The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2233">Thermo Scientific™ MarqMetrix™ All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer</a> allows users to implement Raman spectroscopy directly in line with an extrusion process by using strong and chemically resistant optical probes. MarqMetrix probes can be integrated in line with extruder barrels allowing the continual monitoring of the extrusion process to make quantitative and qualitative decisions in real time.This white paper highlights the integration of the MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer with the Process 11 Parallel Twin-Screw Extruder to observe polymer processing in real time, directly within the barrel of the extruder. Raman spectroscopy was first used to characterize the differences between the virgin material prior to extrusion, and the same material during extrusion. It was then utilized to indicate when materials had been mixed and then to track the transition from one polymer to another within the extruder system using qualitative chemometric models.&nbsp;The materials used in this study were LDPE and PLA. These materials were chosen due to their popularity in end-products across multiple industries as well as their well-characterized Raman spectra.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The integration of the MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer with the Process 11 Parallel Twin-Screw Extruder has demonstrated significant benefits for real-time, inline process monitoring in polymer extrusion. This study highlighted the capability of Raman spectroscopy to effectively differentiate between solid and molten states of polymers and provided clear identification of transitions from one polymer to another using PCA models. Such information can be utilized to ensure no cross-contamination during polymer change overs and to ensure the quality of the extruded polymers. This proofof-concept study can be further applied to quantify the composition of the composite polymer materials using PLS models. Additionally, the MarqMetrix All-In-One analyzer can also be integrated mid-barrel to understand the reactive extrusion in real time.&nbsp;Overall, the implementation of Raman spectroscopy into polymer extrusion processes offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from real-time monitoring and quality control to process optimization and cost savings. These advantages make Raman spectroscopy an invaluable tool for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of polymer extrusion operations

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 28, 2026

Article

Product

Application

Academy

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

Upcoming events from the ICPMS area

14th International Symposium on Hyphenated Techniques in Chromatography and Separation Technology (HTC-14)

Related content

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 28, 2026

Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation

Important information to our customers concerning the quality of measurements