Mobile Tools Expedite On-Site Analysis for Energy, Environmental, Food, Forensics and Materials Markets

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This state-of-the-art mobile solution brings the power of the laboratory to the problem. It contains all the required technologies used in the stationary labs for the analysis of chemical and biological agents, as well as toxic industrial compounds. Each system is fixed to a mounting plate enabling rapid transport between a fixed location and a mobile platform if required. The lab's mobility allows investigators to work remotely in near real-time, gathering and processing clues and data to make decisions quickly.

Due to its unique design, trained personnel can conduct potentially hazardous analyses in a safe environment. Two separate, self-contained areas allow for safe sample preparation and sample analysis.

Mobile Labs. Examples. Outfitted into a Van platform (Citroen, DAF, Fiat, Ford,Isuzu, Iveco, Land Rover, LDV, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault , Toyota ,Vauxhall ,Volkswagen,… among others)

Forensics Mobile Labs: Compact and agile units with biological and chemical safety equipment required to assess crime scenes and properly contain suspicious materials and maintain chain of custody

Public Heath Mobile Labs: Outfitted with biological safety equipment required for public health surveillance and testing. Proper sample collection, analysis and transport are assured.

First Responder Labs: Ideal rapid response unit equipped for CBRNe detection and on-site threat assessment. Vehicles can be equipped with detection and analytical instruments

Case Study #1 - Transportable laboratory for biological and chemical analyses

The design brief was to "Develop a fully field transportable laboratory for biological and chemical analyses that is able to operate independently for a minimum of two weeks, suited to the African environment and deployable anywhere in the world."

The design criteria included: • For the internal compartments to be at negative pressure relative to the environment. o Be compatible with vehicles currently used . • Be compatible with procedures currently used o Be transportable by aircraft (C130). o Have cold storage capabilities for samples. o Be amenable to electricity supplied by a military generator. • Provide a safe climate controlled environment for personnel working inside the laboratory. o At no stage release any harmful agents into the environment.

YourMobileLab mobile laboratory solutions are choose for the uncommon projects. We have the resources and expertise to outfit a mobile laboratory with instrumentation ranging from wet chemistry to GC/MS and many options in between. Organic or inorganic analyses in air, water or solids can be targeted with flexible mobile solutions.

Each model of our broad line of specialty vehicles: vans, trucks and trailer systems, is custom-integrated with the latest technology instrumentation according to its use. They feature a trouble-free electrical system, quality cabinetry and interior finishes, and all appliances. The well-engineered and quality manufactured interiors are designed for safety, efficiency and ease of use and proven in the field. Beyond engineering, we understand the needs of the people that work in our labs, placing a priority on the total integration of all equipment, work-flow management and ergonomic design.

To prevent cross contamination and to facilitate safe entry/exit procedures, without compromising the integrity of the containment, the laboratory was divided into three distinct sections. Firstly an entry compartment which allows access from the outside to either of the remaining two compartments. Secondly a preparation compartment, in which a wide range of samples can be prepared and inactivated for analysis. Lastly, an analytical compartment was created to house instrumentation required for the detection and characterization of chemical as well as biological warfare agents. In order to prevent the escape of dangerous agents into the environment, the laboratory was designed to operate at negative pressure relative to the environment. In addition to this, the design was carried out in such a way that the three compartments would also operate at different pressures relative to each other.

In order to safely pass a wide range of potentially hazardous samples from the outside of the laboratory into the preparation compartment a unique pass-through box system was designed.

The laboratory was equipped with the following equipment:
• Class III Isolation Cabinet
• Class II Biological safety Cabinet
• Nitrogen evaporation unit
• Light microscope
• Inverted light microscope
• Carbon dioxide incubator for bacterial culture
• Carbon dioxide incubator for human cell culture
• Autoclave
• Multi-purpose refrigerated centrifuge
• Fridge/freezer
• Hot and cold water basin with fresh and grey water tanks
• Real-time thermal cycler
• Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MSD)

Case Study #2 - Removal and disposal of buried drums

The project involved a large-scale removal and disposal of buried drums at a former industrial site The project managers chose to screen the majority of the drums for a variety of waste compatibility parameters (including Waste Characterization and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedures (TCLP) to determine disposal options. In addition, the analysis of verification soil samples was required to document remaining levels of contamination at the excavation sites. Ambient air samples were also required for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds throughout the course of the excavations to monitor air quality. The results of the individual analyses were available for daily review by the project staff. By project end, more than 3,000 soil and ambient air samples were analyzed by the mobile laboratories.

A specially designed laboratory equipped with GC, GC/MS, and XRF technologies. The lab is also setup for extractions with a sink, sample preparation area and fume hood. Climate-controlled for consistency in analyses, this lab contains two separate air conditioning units in addition to two heaters. It also contains two refrigerator/freezer units for sample and standard storage, customized computer system, solvent lockup, air ventilation system and is capable of meeting all of its own electrical requirements through the use of its 9.5 kW diesel powered generator to be completely self-sufficient.

Case Study #3 - Soil Gas Analysis

This site was an operating Air Force Base facility. An initial site investigation revealed the presence of volatile organic compounds in the soil. The project managers chose to delineate several contaminated plumes on the site by collecting soil gas samples utilizing hydraulically driven soil probe rigs. The samples were collected in Tedlar bags for storage and delivery to the mobile laboratory. The samples were then analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The mobile lab was equipped specifically for the analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) through use of a GC/MS unit. Climate controlled for consistency in analyses, this lab contains two separate air conditioning units in addition to a heater. The GC/MS is complemented by a customized computer system, fume hood, a fresh water supply tank and refrigeration for samples and standards. The laboratory measures 16' x 8' and with sixty square feet of counter space can be equipped with a field portable XRF unit in addition to its GC/MS and is capable of supporting two chemists simultaneously.

The results of the individual analyses were available for daily review by the project staff.

Measures 25' x 8' and has separate analysis and extraction rooms as well as 90 square feet of counter space. The analysis area houses one Gas Chromatograph (GC), for analysis of PCBs, or pesticides, and one Thermal Desorber (TD) coupled to a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS), for SVOC analysis. T is climate controlled through the use of two air conditioners and two heaters. The extraction area has a separate entrance to avoid cross contamination and is outfitted with a three-foot fume hood. The laboratory also houses a refrigeration unit and a ventilation system.

Case Study #4 - Mobile Soil Washing

This site consisted of a former service station truck stop with hydrocarbon contamination resulting from leaking underground storage tanks. After the tanks were removed, a site investigation was performed that indicated the need for substantial soil remediation to mitigate the residual contamination. It was also assumed that an active groundwater treatment system would be required. Through the process of preparing the Remedial Action Plan (RAP),it was determined that a mobile on-site soil washing technique operated by an experienced soil washing firm would best address the site's remediation criteria related to cost, technical feasibility, and timeliness.

Utilize an on-site laboratory to provide real-time quality control (QC) analytical data for the processed materials. Soil contamination levels at the site significantly exceeded state enforcement standards in soil media. In addition, laboratory data obtained by previous consultants indicated benzene contamination in excess of 6,000 parts per million (ppm).

The samples were analyzed for BTEX, 1,2-dichloroethane, gas range organic (GRO) and diesel range organics (DRO).

Features for Most our Mobile Laboratory Platforms
1. GPS system to log and track position
2. Meteorological station
3. Fume hoods of all types
4. Air conditioning system. Heat pump also posible
5. Accelerated air exhaust systems
6. Intercommunication systems
7. Tap water storage
8. Distilled water storage
9. Waste collection systems
10. Decontamination areas
11. Sample container and field instrument storage
12. Communication systems – internet access point
13. Redundant power systems. Plug system for exterior electrical supply
14. Equipment mounting systems for mobile units that secure and reduce vibratory impacts
15. Consumable lab gas line distribution systems
16. Custom connections for Gas, Water, Electrical, and Data to the instruments.
17. Refrigerators/Freezers
18. Ice Machines
19. Laboratory Generated Waste Disposal Systems
20. Floor Drains
21. Office Space
22. Anti-slip floors
23. Field Instrument Docking Stations
24. Lab Gas Generators
25. Firefighting Systems
26. Emergency eye wash stations
27. CCTV Systems/Access Control
28. Easy access systems (ramps and electric steps)
29. Lateral and rear access
30. Furniture according each application