Analytical services

The Grain Research Laboratory Analytical services staff support the Canadian Grain Commission's research, quality assurance and market support programs. Analytical services traces its origins to 1913, when the Grain Research Laboratory was founded.

Analytical Services is comprised of four work units: Analytical chemistry; Moisture testing; Protein testing; and Sample receival and processing. Using advanced technology and standardized methods and procedures, researchers analyze functional components of grain quality for routine, research and methods development.

The moisture laboratory:

• Annually verifies moisture conversion tables for the Model 919 and 1200A meters; updating and generating new tables as required
• Makes the moisture conversion tables for the Model 919 moisture meter available on the CGC web site
• Maintains and monitors the performance of all CGC Model 919 and 1200A moisture meters across Canada

The reference protein laboratory:

• Provides protein content determinations by combustion nitrogen analysis. These determinations are used to calibrate CGC operational protein testing instruments, and for research and quality assurance programs.

The analytical chemistry laboratory:

• Provides a full range of quality component tests
• Use methods and procedures recognized by the American Association of Cereal Chemists and the International Association for Cereal Science and Technology.

The sample receival and processing laboratory:

• Coordinates the annual harvest sample collection and the cargo quality monitoring programs