R&D Services

Our commitment to research and development has helped make us a global leader in solving even the most complex construction and environmental challenges. Our extensively equipped laboratory and team of scientists develop innovative products and programs for a wide variety of applications, including customized project solutions.
Besides our commitment to new product innovation, CETCO delivers customers peace of mind through their vast range of services built around engineering support and technical assistance.
GCL Chemical Compatibility
- Used to evaluate GCL chemical compatibility with site-specific leachates
- pH and electrical conductivity
- Major dissolved ions by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP)
- Bentonite swell index and fluid loss (ASTM D6141)
- GCL long-term hydraulic conductivity (ASTM D6766)
- Additional site-specific testing may be available based on project conditions
ORGANOCLAY™
Analysis
- Used to analyze key ORGANOCLAY properties and characterize its components
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Oil Adsorption Capacity
- Column Test
Solidification / Stabilization Treatability
- Used to determine the optimum amount of Portland cement and additives to treat contaminated media
- Paint Filter Test (EPA method 9095)
Wastewater
Through our evaluation of each customer's wastewater, we provide consultative, efficient, and cost-effective treatment options using our specialized line of products. This unsurpassed customer support is available to our clients free of charge.
Our Research & Testing laboratory performs a wide range of instrumental and wet-chemical analyses using state-of-the-art analytical equipment. Some of the laboratory's capabilities include:
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
- A spectrophometer is used to measure the chemical oxygen demand in water. Results are recorded in ppm. 20 mls of water is required for the test.
Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG)
- Hexane extraction infrared analysis is based on EPA method 1664. Results are recorded in ppm. 100 mls of water is required for the test.
ICP Metals Analysis
- Water is digested with acid in a microwave, filtered, and then analyzed with an ICP spectrometer, which is capable of determining the presence and concentration of most metals.
Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Used to measure and identify the organic components in a solid. A small amount of material is slowly heated, and its weight loss is measured. Results are recorded as a percentage, and less than one gram is required for testing.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
- Measure level of TOC in water, which provides a more direct and convenient expression of total organic content than the BOD or COD. (TOC does not provide the same information and does not replace these tests.)
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
- Water is pulled through a pre-weighted glass filter by a vacuum pump. The filter is dried and the final weight is recorded. Results are recorded in ppm. 100 mls of water is required for the test.
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
- Determines the ability of elements to leach from a sludge. Sludge, acid, and DI water are mixed overnight and the resulting solution is filtered. The filtered water is then analyzed for contaminants of concern.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Used to identify mineral components of a solid (i.e. bentonite, limestone, diatomaceous earth, etc.).
- Two grams of material are required, but the test is nondestructive so the material can be returned or reused.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
- Used to identify the percentage of an element present in a solid. Results are recorded as a percentage, and two grams of the sold are require for the test.