ISO 14855 / ASTM D5338
Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions – Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide.
With the increasing use of plastics, their recovery and disposal have become a major issue. As a priority, recovery should be promoted. Complete recovery of plastics, however, is difficult. For example, plastic litter, which comes mainly from consumers, is difficult to recover completely. Biodegradable plastics are now emerging as one of the options available to solve such environmental problems. Plastic materials, such as products or packaging, which are sent to composting facilities should be potentially biodegradable. Therefore, it is very important to determine the potential biodegradability of such materials and to obtain an indication of their biodegradability in natural environments.
ISO 14855-1:2005 specifies a method for the determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastics, based on organic compounds, under controlled composting conditions by measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide evolved and the degree of disintegration of the plastic at the end of the test. This method is designed to simulate typical aerobic composting conditions for the organic fraction of solid mixed municipal waste.
ECHO Instruments developed a multi-channel system which match standard and offer easy and economical solution for measuring biodegradability of bioplastic and plastic products. The system is designed for low maintenance and offers know-how for precise aeration control and humidifying function. The software offers on-line graphical presentation of measuring result and remote operation with Internet access.
ECHO Instruments respirometer is used by accreditation institutions, bioplastic raw material and products manufactures, institutes, universities and research organizations for plastic, bioplastic and polymer research.
ISO 14852
Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium – Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide
For the measurements in aqueous samples we developed an upgrade to our classical respirometer for solid samples. This innovative solution offers users a lot of flexibility for measuring in solid or liquid samples with one instrument.
Anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic digestion is a collection of processes by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. The process is used for industrial or domestic purposes to manage waste or to produce fuels. Much of the fermentation used industrially to produce food and drink products, as well as home fermentation, uses anaerobic digestion. With ECHO respirometer, user can monitor the process and measure the CH4 concentration and production. Anaerobic conditions are achieved with flushing the vessels with Nitrogen.
Link: Respirometer