Particle size analysis providers in Chelmsford, MA 2021? Also, the color EDS map highlights the iron particles in the mineral filled PVC floor. These iron particles were concentrated in areas were the tile showed signs of impact which indicated some metallic object impacted the tile leaving behind small particles and over time the materials oxidized which created darker spots in the tile. The data indicated that a significant portion of the dust was from the insulation in the attic. The contractor had replaced a portion of duct work running to the master bedroom. During this replacement, fiberglass insulation was knocked into the ducting. The small glass insulation fibers were spread through the AC ducts and settling out of the air throughout the house. The client was relieved to know what was causing their skin irritation and the significant dust build up. Using the results garnered from the analysis from MicroVision Labs they were able to have the contractor clean out the duct work and act to prevent further spread of the insulation fibers and properly clean up the settled dust in the house that was the cause of the homeowner’s skin irritation.
Approach: MicroVision Labs’ staff consulted with the client, and determined that, unfortunately, there could be a number of potential sources of a white material. Even before the bottle with the suspended material arrived, it was determined that there was less than 50 mL of water remaining, and likely less than a gram of material suspended in the water. The client was aware that this material could represent precipitated minerals from the source water, a polymer residue from the bottles, some form of biological tissue that might have formed despite sterilization procedures, or could very well represent some completely unforeseen foreign material. The issue facing the client is how to have the material tested, as most tests that they might request for one or the other of these known potential sources would destroy or alter the sample. Choosing a test was therefore something of a gamble, because if they tested for calcium (mineral precipitate) and it came up negative – that didn’t actually tell them what the powder was, just that it didn’t have any calcium. Based on this conversation, the non-destructive, specialized testing at MicroVision Laboratories was chosen as the best choice.
We are proud to announce that MicroVision Labs is now accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. This represents over a year of diligent effort from all of our staff to verify and validate our in house SOP’s and transform our quality management system to one that is compliant to this international standard. This certification requires that accredited labs demonstrate that they are competent and can produce technically valid data and results unlike other certifications such as ISO 9001:2015. This represents an obvious value to our clients. Read a few extra info on go to website.
Dust samples were analyzed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) to provide percentages of the particle types present in the samples. MVL was able to determine that there was significant loading of glass fibers in the dust samples with the likely source being contractor’s work in the attic which involved disturbing the fiberglass insulation. The image on the right shows a few distinct glass fibers with a binder material adhered to them, consistent with fiberglass insulation.
Do you give lab tours? Yes, we routinely give lab tours to our clients and potential clients. Please call and we would be happy to schedule a tour for you and your co-workers. Do you have other locations around the country? We do work for companies all across the United States, with one laboratory which is located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Did MicroVision Labs ever operate under a different company name? No, we have always been MicroVision Laboratories, Inc. Our founder, John Knowles, used to work for another laboratory that underwent several name changes (Eastern Analytical Laboratories, Industrial Environmental Analysts, American Environmental Network, Severn Trent Laboratories, and EMLab P&K Billeria) and was located nearby in Billerica. When that laboratory was closed in 2008, John hired a few of the remaining analysts and acquired its equipment, client list and phone number.
SEM is a powerful surface microscopy method which allows for high resolution images to be obtained on a wide range of samples. A focused beam of electrons sweeps across a sample surface and an image is created from the scattered electrons. The electron beam allows for the accurate imaging of features below the resolution limit of visible light. The acquired pictures retain good depth of field, resulting in excellent three-dimensional images. Variations in beam parameters can be made in order to highlight variations in density in the target sample, show extremely fine surface features, and illustrate texture in sample surface coatings. MicroVision Labs has multiple fully-operational SEMs, Bruker X-Flash EDS detectors and mapping technology, backscatter electron (BSE) imaging, and large chamber capabilities. These provide a full suite of microscopy services for all of your analytical needs. Find a few more details at this website.