Laboratory Analysis and innovation

The laboratory is the technical heart of B-PLAS solutions. Through in-depth analysis and experimental testing, we validate module performance, optimise operating parameters and provide concrete data to support industrial sizing.

Before defining any treatment strategy, a comprehensive understanding of the sludge is essential. Characterisation is the first and most strategic step: a complete evaluation of origin, chemical composition and physical properties, providing the scientific foundation for plant configuration and operational planning.

What we analyse:

• Solid content: determination of total solids (TS), suspended solids (TSS), volatile solids (VS) and dissolved fractions – essential parameters for mass balance and process sizing.
• Organic matter: quantification of the biodegradable organic fractions, crucial for biological treatments, stabilisation efficiency and energy recovery potential.
• Nutrients: measurement of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, supporting both removal compliance and resource recovery strategies.

The analytical results allow us to:

• Precisely configure plant modules
• Optimise chemical and reagent dosing
• Predict sludge behaviour in downstream processes
• Prevent operational inefficiencies and performance instability

The result is robust engineering, optimised operating costs and greater overall process efficiency — delivering reliable, data-driven performance at every stage of the treatment chain.

Comprehensive sludge characterisation is carried out both before and after HTC treatment to objectively assess process performance and identify optimal operating conditions.

What this enables:

• Process yield evaluation: assessment of solids, COD and nutrients solubilisation.
• Definition of optimal operating parameters: analysis of temperature, residence time and pressure to determine the most efficient and stable process conditions.
• Support for HTC module sizing: provision of validated technical data to enable accurate industrial design and scale-up.
• Energy yield analysis: evaluation of energy consumption and overall efficiency to optimise process sustainability.
• Emissions monitoring: study of generated emissions and identification of appropriate mitigation or abatement solutions.
• Mass balances: processing of fundamental mass and energy balance data essential for industrial scale-up and performance forecasting.

The experimental approach ensures that the B-PLAS solution is precisely tailored to the specific characteristics of the sludge, guaranteeing reliability, efficiency and long-term economic sustainability.

Laboratory filter press testing enables a precise evaluation of solid–liquid separation efficiency and a complete characterisation of the outputs generated during the dewatering phase. Through controlled experimental analysis, performance parameters are defined and translated into reliable design data for full-scale implementation.

What this enables:

• Estimation of cake production: quantification of cake volumes to be handled, transported or valorised.
• Cake characterisation: comprehensive analytical profiling aligned with the intended final destination or recovery pathway.
• Process water characterisation: assessment of the liquid fraction to define subsequent treatment steps or recirculation strategies.
• Support for filter press sizing: definition of technical specifications, operational parameters and auxiliary service tank requirements.
• Operational optimisation: analysis of filtration cycles, pressures and times to maximise performance and stability.
• Mass balances: generation of essential technical data to support industrial scale-up and system integration.

Experimental validation ensures the design of efficient, robust and economically sustainable dewatering systems, reducing operating costs while maximising overall plant performance.

Analytical testing conducted in dedicated laboratories – either in-house or through certified external partners – verifies the energy potential of the treated substrate through accurate biogas production assessment. Biomethane Potential (BMP) testing determines the biodegradability and methane yield of sludge or post-HTC process water, generating reliable data to evaluate energy performance.

What this enables:

• Measurement of methane potential: determination of the biochemical methane potential (BMP) to evaluate substrate degradability and overall digestion efficiency.
• Estimation of energy yield: quantification of expected biogas production to define the recoverable energy output.

This assessment phase provides reliable technical data to optimise process configuration and tailor the B-PLAS solution, maximising energy recovery, operational stability and long-term sustainability

Acidogenic fermentation is one of the least exploited phases of anaerobic digestion, yet it offers significant potential for resource recovery. Unlike conventional processes focused on methane generation, this stage is specifically directed toward the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) as high-value biochemical intermediates.

Through targeted optimisation of biological process parameters, sludge is converted into a strategic carbon source, enabling the generation of value-added compounds for downstream applications.

Analytical and process activities:

• Pilot-scale simulation: reproduction of real operating conditions at pilot scale, with continuous monitoring of key parameters to maximise VFA yields and ensure biological stability.
• VFA quantification and characterisation: qualitative and quantitative analysis of the volatile fatty acids produced, defining composition and concentration profiles.
• Evaluation of acidification yields: assessment of process efficiency, productivity and stability under different operating conditions.
• Biogas analysis: characterisation of associated biogas composition and identification of appropriate management strategies.
• Process optimisation for reactor design: definition of optimal operating conditions to enhance VFA production and support accurate reactor configuration.
• Mass balances: generation of essential technical data to support industrial scale-up and performance forecasting.

This process phase represents a key step for the B-Poly module, enabling the production of PHA-rich biomass through the valorisation of recovered carbon streams.

To ensure maximum efficiency of the aerobic phase, a detailed characterisation of available volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and their consumption and conversion dynamics is carried out. Analytical activities performed in dedicated laboratories – either in-house or through qualified partners – provide the technical data required to optimise biological performance.

What this enables:

• VFA quantification and characterisation: determination of the concentration and composition of VFAs available for biological conversion.
• Evaluation of PHA accumulation yields: assessment of PHA storage capacity, process efficiency and overall biological productivity.
• Biomass characterisation: analysis of the selected microbial culture to verify stability, activity and adaptation to substrate conditions.
• Optimised system configuration: definition of operating parameters to maximise PHA yield in accordance with site-specific requirements.

This experimental approach identifies the most suitable operating conditions for each sludge matrix, ensuring operational reliability, stable biological performance and consistent results over time.

Laboratory activities focus on validating the B-Fosfor process, a core technology for water treatment designed to maximise phosphorus recovery.

Through precise analytical procedures, the process is optimised to ensure efficiency, product quality and reliable operational performance.

Laboratory analyses:

• Matrix Characterisation: detailed chemical-physical analysis of incoming wastewater to determine orthophosphate concentrations and support process planning.
• Controlled chemical precipitation: laboratory tests to optimise reagent dosing and maintain precise pH control – a critical factor for maximising phosphorus recovery.
• Product quality analysis: comprehensive characterisation of recovered outputs to ensure compliance with intended applications.

The results of these analyses define optimal operating conditions for the B-Fosfor process, supporting plant design, technical evaluation and economic assessment of phosphorus recovery solutions.