• Celignis Limited

    A Biomass Analysis Laboratory

We are a dedicated service provider for the bioeconomy. We provide our clients with the most precise compositional data and highly-informed process expertise in order to allow them to make the best use of their biomass feedstocks and optimise their biomass conversion processes.

Our biomass analysis services can help you determine the value of your biomass sample and what is the best use for it. We also offer detailed analysis and assistance in interpreting the composition of the intermediates and products of biomass conversion.

Celignis has a unique rapid analysis method for the determination of lignocellulosic properties of biomass samples. This enables you to obtain analytical data typically within one day of us receiving your sample. We are also constantly working on developing new analysis methods and further advancing the art of biomass analysis and valorisation.


Our team of biomass experts have played key roles in the formulation, optimisation, and commercial evaluation of biomass valorisation processes in industry and academia and, together, we have the multidisciplinary expertise to evaluate all stages of your bioprocess and suggest real improvements. Click here to read more about our bioprocess development services.


Sectors We Cover

Biorefining
Whether you have an existing biorefinery or are developing a technology for the conversion of biomass, the properties of the feedstock are of key importance in determining process yields and economics. Celignis personnel have extensive experience, over the last decade, in the detailed and precise characterisation of biomass samples. These data will be key in deciding which feedstocks to process or how to modify your technology so that it is optimised for your chosen feedstock.

We also are able to characterise the
liquid outputs of biomass pre-treatment, hydrolysis and other conversion technologies and have a set of recommended analysis packages that will help you to get the most detailed data about the whole conversion process.

Click here for more information on our analytical services for biorefining applications and here for detail on our bioprocess development services.
Anaerobic Digestion
We can provide anaerobic digestion stakeholders with crucial data on feedstock suitability and process residues. The biomethane potential and composition of the digestate are some of the many properties we determine relevant to the anaerobic digestion of biomass. Our staff also have experience in developing and optimising digestion processes for a number of clients across the globe and can work with you on getting the most from your feedstock and technology. Click here for more information on our services for the anaerobic digestion sector.
Biomass Combustion
If you are considering producing heat or electricity from biomass or waste via combustion then we offer analysis packages that will suit your requirements. Our laboratory is equipped with a number of state-of-the art items of equipment that allow us to determine the most important combustion-related properties of your biomass including calorific value, volatile matter, elemental composition, moisture content, and the melting behaviour and composition of ash.

Click here to read more about our analysis packages for the biomass combustion sector.
Advanced Biofuels (RINs Credits)
The Renewable Identification Numbers are a major component of the biofuels industry in the USA. They can be complex and credits can vary according to feedstock and technology. Our analytical expertise can be of assistance in RINs applications.

Click here to learn more.
Farmers and Biomass Traders
Individuals and organisations that are growing or trading biomass feedstocks for the production of biofuels, chemicals, or energy have vital need for accurate compositional data on their resources. Celignis can provide such data in a rapid turnaround and has experience in the analysis of a wide range of biomass types.
Scientific Researchers
At Celignis we have access to an array of state of the art analytical equipment and our personnel have also carefully refined our analysis methods over the last 10 years to ensure that our data are as accurate and precise as possible. There is huge scientific interest in the utilisation of biomass but many research groups may not have the capability to characterise samples to the same level of quality as Celignis. Our services are therefore of great value in providing the best analytical data to biomass researchers.
Waste Producers and Handlers
Significant quantities of biodegradable waste (such as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, and waste papers/cardboards) are produced by households and industry. Many governments have targets to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste that is sent to landfill. Our analysis packages can help producers and handlers of organic waste determine the best end use for this resource. Accurate compositional analysis is particularly important for waste biomass since its composition can vary substantially dependng on local conditions and the time of year.
Seaweed
Our expertise with ion chromatography has allowed us to develop protocols for determining the carbohydrate and amino acids composition of seaweeds.

click here to read more about our analysis packages for seaweed.

Our History



Start-Up



In 2014 Celignis was spun-out from the Carbolea Biomass Research Group at the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland. Prior to that Celignis was only a concept, a business plan submitted as a deliverable for DIBANET, UL's advanced biofuels research project written and coodinated by founder Dan Hayes. The target was commercialisation of the analytical IP developed in the project, specifically the highly accurate and precise wet-chemical protocols for the analysis of biomass as well as the unique near infrared models that could allow for properties relevant to the production of second-generation biofuels to be predicted much more rapidly.

From his market research Dan concluded that there was a clear demand for a new kind of analytical laboratory. One focused on the needs and opportunities of the growing bioeconomy. A company run by biomass experts, capable of interpreting as well as providing data, and fuelled by a passion to provide sustainable solutions to the modern economy. As a result Celignis was born.

Growth and Recognition

For the first few years Celignis was located in an incubation centre at the University of Limerick. During that period the company expanded it's portfolio of analytical services beyond only the lignocellulosic biorefining sector to also cover other important sectors of the bioeconomy including: anaerobic digestion, combustion, seaweed, fermentation, and the application of enzymes. This was possible as a result of the diverse array of talent brought into the company.

We continued to grow our client base, which now spans over 30 companies and includes start-ups, multinationals, and world-leading universities. They recognise the expertise that we have with regards to biomass composition and its relevance in designing and optimising biomass conversion processes. Over time we have grown to be recognised as the premier analytical provider for the bioeconomy. We have also got involved in a number of high-level research projects, focused on advancing the state of the art in biomass valorisation, many of these being funded by the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking.




Major Expansion



In 2018 we relocated to our own dedicated premises in Limerick. It gave us over five times the space of our previous lab and has allowed us to undertake a major expansion of our personnel, equipment, and offerings to stakeholders in the bioeconomy. Celignis now can work with clients on the design and optimisation of bioprocesses, covering the whole process flow in biomass conversion. For instance we can work on pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass. We are also working with clients on developing processes to improve the yields, throughputs, and economics of anaerobic digestion.

Our Beliefs



During his time as a PhD and post-doctoral researcher in the biomass sector, Celignis founder Dan Hayes found that feedstock composition was crucial, but that literature data could be highly misleading. There was a critical need for accurate analysis.

We are driven to provide the best possible data and want to play our part in the development of the bioeconomy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our analytical methods and data. These have been in development for over 15 years and are now highly refined for the detailed characterisation of biomass samples and the products of biomass conversion.






The name "Celignis" is derived from combining the words "Cellulose", "Lignin", and "Ignis" (Latin for fire). We believe that biomass can play an important role in the production of fuels, chemicals and energy in the future and will help to lessen our reliance on the use of fossil fuels in these sectors. The Celignis logo reflects the main constituents of lignocellulosic biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.

We believe there is no such thing as a "waste", just wasted opportunities. Our multidsciplinary team has the expertise to develop strategies to sustainably valorise a wide range of biomass feedstocks.

We are also constantly working on ways to further improve our service and to expand the range of biomass properties that we can determine. If you have interests that are not currently listed on our website then please get in touch with us and we can consider how best to meet your needs.




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