Ocean-going Laboratory for the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
- Detailed design of laboratories, plant and systems for Ocean-going laboratories.
- Prefabricated in our 270,000ft² offsite factory.
- Internal control conditions; 2°C to 30°C, +/- 1°C.
- Temperature differential; 1°C maximum differential throughout working area.
Merit was awarded the contract for the design and construction of specialized modular laboratory containers for multi-role oceanographic research vessels for the National Environmental Research Council.
These modular laboratories were fitted out at our 270,000ft² offsite factory in Northumberland and shipped to their destination to be fitted onto ships owned by NERC, and were fit for purpose for utilization in extreme temperatures to enable them to be utilised in areas such as Antarctica to the Indian Ocean.
Three laboratories are required including:
Radionuclide laboratory
The design criteria for this laboratory is:
- Required range for a set temperature inside the container to be between 10°C and 25°C.
- Normal control range 18/25°C +/- 2K.
- Ambient temperatures range from -20°C (saturated) to +35°C (80% RH).
- Air infiltration 1.2m³/min
- Three occupants (light bench work)
- Heat load needs to be calculated based on the equipment provided by supplier.
- Maximum fresh water temperature (cooling water) is 32°C.
- Cooling duty is to be calculated to allow for the discharge of air by the installed fume cupboard.
- Container insulated to 0.4W/m²K
- Ensure that the specification for the Air Handling System and Insulation properties of the container meets the requirements for a polar environment.
Ultra clean chemistry laboratory
The design criteria for this laboratory is:
- Range for a set temperature inside the container to be between 10°C and 25°C.
- Normal control range 18/25°C +/- 2K.
- Ambient temperatures range from -20°C (saturated) to +35°C (80% RH).
- Air infiltration 1.2m³/min
- Three occupants (light bench work)
- Heat generation as per Radionuclide.
- Maximum freshwater temperature (cooling water) is 32°C.
- Container insulated to 0.4W/m²K
Experimental transport aquarium container
The design criteria for this laboratory is:
- Required range for a set temperature inside the container to be between -5°C and 25°C.
- Normal control range -1/1°C +/- 2K.
- Ambient temperatures range from -20°C (saturated) to +35°C (80% RH).
- Air infiltration 1.2m³/min
- Maximum seawater temperature (cooling water) is 32°C.
Average lead times
Each container will take 4 to 6 months to produce depending on design criteria.