Question 1

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Accepted Answer

Resource efficiency (water, energy and raw materials) is an essential component for more competitive and sustainable agriculture and agro-industries both at the environmental and economic level.

In this context, in the field of energy, ISQ carries out:

Energy audits and energy rationalization plans. We analyze the various types of energy consumed and propose improvement measures with estimated implementation costs and return on investment period.
Energy management plans. We support in the definition of indicators, data collection and training of energy management teams.
Evaluation of the potential for the implementation of renewable energies and preparation of specifications and consultations with the market, in the area of photovoltaic production for self-consumption.
Evaluation and refrigeration systems with verification of efficiency associated with the energy consumption of the equipment.
Projects and energy efficiency (PEE). The implementation of a PEE begins with an energy assessment to energy-consumer systems, a study of how to provide the capital needed to implement measures and improve, implement the project and deliver results. The investment is amortized through the energy savings generated by the implementation of the project.

Question 2

WATER EFFICIENCY

Accepted Answer

In the field of water, ISQ operates both at the level of the facilities and in the level of irrigation:

Water audits and plans to rationalize water use. We analyze the inflow and outflow of water and propose improvement measures with estimated implementation costs and return on investment period. Improvement measures include ways to reuse the water outflows from the farm or facility.
Analysis of the potential for reuse of water from ETARs.
Efficiency of pumping systems and energy evaluation.
Support in decision support in the management of water supply and treatment systems.

Question 3

WASTE RECOVERY

Accepted Answer

In the context of the recovery of waste or by-products from the agricultural sector, ISQ operates in the following services:

Laboratory analysis of waste from the agricultural sector with the objective of its recovery.
Evaluation of opportunities for agricultural and industrial symbiosis. With study of the potential mutually beneficial relationships between companies that are part of an agricultural or industrial ecosystem (residue of an industry used as a raw material in another in order to "close the cycle").
Evaluation of the potential for recovery of waste from farms and manufacturing and food industries.

Question 4

equipment calibration

Accepted Answer

The calibration of measuring equipment and instruments associated with production control is intrinsically associated with the quality of agricultural processes or agro-industrial products. Evaluating the performance of measurement equipment over time is critical to the reliability of measurement results. Any deviation can condition the correct decision making and affect the quality of processes and products.

ISQ scope:

Calibration of insensitizers for animal slaughter.
Thermometers, temperature loggers, humidity probes, PH.
Hygrometers and thermohygrometers, manovacuometers, pyrometers.
Scales, ballasts, pasta.
Pressure gauges, transducers and pressure transmitters.
Greenhouses, ovens and climatic chambers.
Flow counters.
Gas meter and gas analyzers.
Autoclaves and baths.

All calibrations are performed by Laboratory with the Quality System implemented in accordance with NP EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and accredited by IPAC.

Question 5

watering equipment test

Accepted Answer

The importance of rationalizing the use of water for irrigation is undeniable to raise the sustainability standards of crops. However, if irrigation equipment does not work effectively and efficiently, this action alone does not guarantee this objective.

Although many new equipment may have been installed in accordance with the applicable standards, after being installed, its operation may suffer anomalies that need to be identified and corrected. Located in Beja, the laboratory of testing of irrigation equipment, which results from the partnership of ISQ-COTR puts at the disposal of farmers an infrastructure capable of testing, with guarantee, the various equipment according to the Standards applicable to it. The following services stand out:

Ensure the correct operation and performance of the water counters, according to the manufacturer's requirements.
Identify malfunctions and help resolve problems found in the field.
Determine the operating characteristics of the equipment supplied by the manufacturer, on the basis of which the installation project is carried out.
Track installed equipment to ensure its correct operation throughout its life cycle.
Support manufacturers of irrigation equipment in the development and manufacture of new technologies.

Question 6

inspection of plant protection equipment (agricultural sprayers)

Accepted Answer

Periodic inspection of sprayers is reflected in more efficient and homogeneous applications, which use the correct doses, minimizing the waste of syrup and ensuring greater effectiveness of treatments.

Together with other good practices, the inspection of the equipment, allows to check and check the state of operation, contributing to the prolongation of the life of the sprayer. This scenario brings declared advantages to the applicator, consumer, environment and producer.

The ISQ was recognized and certified by the General Directorate of Veterinary Food (DGAV) as a Mandatory Periodic Inspection Center for Plant Protection Equipment and Application (Certificate 23/2017). It has a mobile inspection centre with all the appropriate equipment and duly certified to carry out the inspection and ready to go to meet the farmers.

Question 7

decision support tools

Accepted Answer

Generally considered in agricultural value chains are software that can prove to be an important part in farm-specific data-based decision-making, improving productivity as well as environmental outcomes.

ISQ develops tailored tools to facilitate decision-making on farms and agro-industrial sectors.

Question 8

CONFORMITY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

Accepted Answer

THE ISQ carries out the verification of the conformity of agricultural equipment and machinery in the sector of work in service, constituting this verification in an inspection of mechanical and electrical components with the execution of the applicable tests (functional tests, reliability of safety systems, electrical, load, etc.).

Support in the definition of technical solutions for the integration of safety in work equipment.
Support in the preparation of inspection and testing procedures.
Technical peritagens.
CE marking of machines:
Intervention as a Notified Body/Accredited Entity for the machines listed in Annex IV to the Machinery Directive.
Technical support to manufacturers in the integration of essential safety requirements in machinery with a view to CE marking.
Initial verification of compliance of safety requirements in the reception of equipment.
Risk analysis to machinery and equipment.
Support in the development of technical manufacturing processes.
Support in the preparation of technical documentation (e.g. manuals, procedures, etc.).

Question 9

CONTROL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY RISKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Accepted Answer

ISQ supports the promotion of safety and health at work and in the control and reduction of environmental impacts through multidisciplinary teams and the network of accredited laboratories, which ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. To this end, it elaborates:

Specific studies evaluating exposure to chemical (plant protection, dust, ...), physical (thermal stress, lighting, optical radiation and electromagnetic fields) and biological (Fungi and Bacteria, of which Legionella stands out).
Specific studies of professional and technological risk assessment (PHA, HAZOP, JSA, ...) and organises work safety services in the form of external services and support for internal services.
Specific studies and tests that ensure the implementation of legal and regulatory requirements for fire safety (MAP, Training and Simulacrum, technical audits and monitoring of tests to the systems of fire and extinguishing).
Specific studies that ensure the control of the risk of the formation of potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX) (cereal silos, forklift batteries, Natural Gas Networks, Biogas, ...).
Soil contamination studies.
Due Environmental Dilligence.
Packaging waste management procedure and good practices.
Life cycle assessment (LCA).
Carbon footprint.

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Author: Sofia Katchi Chaves Ferreira

Sofia Katchi Chaves Ferreira

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