Characteristics of the samples for analysis:
- Type of samples:
Juices (first extraction, diluted, clarified, filtered), honey, vinasse, molasses, musts, and other materials from the sugar process.
- Amount required for analysis:
Juices: A minimum of 50 mL of sample is required to perform chromatographic analysis.
Honey, treacle: A minimum of 50 g of sample is required to perform chromatographic analysis.
How to prepare samples for delivery to the laboratory.
Each sample must be clearly labeled with the following information to ensure its correct identification and handling in the laboratory:
Example of lettering:
- Client Name: [Full Name]
- Collection Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Sample Type: Diluted Juice
- Identification Number: [Internal Code]
- Storage:
Samples must be collected and sent to the Chromatography laboratory as quickly as possible. Due to the instability of sugars, juice samples must be stored refrigerated immediately after collection. The ideal storage temperature is -80°C to ensure stability and prevent alterations in the components to be analyzed. If storage at -80°C is not possible, a minimum temperature of -20°C should be maintained as an alternative.
- Storage:
Samples must be collected and sent to the Chromatography laboratory as quickly as possible. Due to the instability of sugars, juice samples must be stored refrigerated immediately after collection. The ideal storage temperature is -80°C to ensure stability and prevent alterations in the components to be analyzed. If storage at -80°C is not possible, a minimum temperature of -20°C should be maintained as an alternative.
Honey does not require refrigeration for storage and transportation.

-Transport:
The use of insulated containers that protect the integrity and keep the samples at low temperatures during transport.
Note: Customer Responsibility
- Ensure that samples meet established requirements regarding labeling, minimum quantity, and shipping conditions.
- If the samples do not meet the established requirements, the laboratory will contact the client to define the steps to follow or make the necessary adjustments.
It is recommended to keep a countersample under the same conditions as the original sample, for use in case a reanalysis, additional verification, or any new developments are required.
How are samples received in the laboratory?
The client must submit a request for chromatographic analysis through the following channels:
- By completing the “chromatographic analysis request” form. See form.
- via email Labcrom@cenicana.org.
- To the telephone number (602) 5246611- ext 5194.
Where are the samples delivered for analysis?
Samples must be delivered to the Chromatography Laboratory located at the Cenicaña Experimental Station, Cali-Florida Highway, km 26, San Antonio de los Caballeros, Florida, Valle del Cauca. Open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Service value by type of analysis
The analysis service will be provided to two types of clients: sugar mills and external clients:
Sugar Mills
- Sugars: sucrose, glucose and fructose: $195.700 COP
- Organic acids: lactic, acetic, propionic, cis aconitic, trans aconitic, butyric, succinic, and citric. Ethanol and glycerol are also quantified: $242.000 COP
External Client (Projects with agreement)
- Sugars: sucrose, glucose and fructose: $338.700 COP
- Organic acids: lactic, acetic, propionic, cis aconitic, trans aconitic, butyric, succinic, and citric. Ethanol and glycerol are also quantified: $338.700 COP
Analysis results and delivery times
The estimated delivery time for results is 15 business days from receipt of samples at the chromatography laboratory. This timeframe may vary depending on the complexity and volume of the samples. However, any changes to the delivery time will be communicated to the client in a timely manner.
Delivery times can be adjusted according to the needs and specific agreements with each client.
Quality assurance of results
Personnel and equipment: The laboratory has highly trained personnel, qualified equipment and instruments, and quality controls to ensure that the results issued are reliable and meet established quality standards.
Confidentiality and quality:
- The results will be delivered exclusively to the client or the person authorized by the client, ensuring complete confidentiality regarding the samples and the results obtained.
- All analyses performed are subject to internal quality controls, ensuring the accuracy and veracity of the results issued..

Methodologies for analysis:
Two main analytical techniques are used:
Sugar analysis: Identification and quantification of sucrose, glucose and fructose.
Analysis of organic acids: Identification and quantification of citric, cis and trans aconitic, succinic, lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric), as well as glycerol and ethanol.
Reach:
Both analyses are applicable to samples of sugarcane juice and other materials from the sugar process including honey, molasses and sugar. They also apply to materials from the Distilleries: vinasses, honeys, musts, wines, fermentation media for propagation.

All prices are valid as of February 1, 2025. Estimated time for delivery of results: fifteen (15) business days from receipt of samples.