Effective Use of Laboratory Equipment and Facilities in Pure & Applied Chemistry

The Department had been bequeathed a sum of money and consecutively the University also donated a substantial sum for new instrumentation A decision was made to enhance our already existing analytical services by the purchase of new Mass Spectrometers and an ICP- MS and consolidate existing equipment But where to put them……… The Project and the history behind it

Old Microanalysis Laboratory circa 1962

Old Mass Spectrometry Laboratory

The University was keen to make better use of space and wished to reduce overall space by 40% and Departments were encouraged to do so. The original space occupied by the two existing labs, prep areas and offices amounted to 250m2, so the hunt was on for a space around 150m2 We wanted it to be as energy efficient as possible What criteria did we have to meet

An under utilised area was identified It was 165m2, roughly 35% reduction

But it was in need of some major TLC

We prepared a “Statement of Need” asking for funds to complete the refurbishment £500,000 granted and a Design Team appointed Established a team, within PAC to evaluate new instrumentation Consisted of Prof Jonathan Percy, Ms Pat Keating & Ms Denise Gilmour Prepared a “brief” for our laboratory requirements It had to be temperature controlled, bright, user friendly, adaptable and have lots of storage So how did we achieve this

What challenges did we face We had many instruments, pumps and a Nitrogen generator all giving out heat to accommodate. We would also be installing new instrumentation We required a fumecupboard We required the laboratory to be at a constant temperature 24/7 The laboratory was West facing We needed to look at the gas cylinder usage and reduce this risk and design a flexible “fit for purpose” system Evaluated all possibilities and gave information back to Mechanical consultants Positioning of fumecupboards was important We didn’t want it to “compete” with the temperature controlled environment of the main laboratory Windows had been replaced very recently, so didn’t want to replace these Solar reflective film was used on the windows An evaluation and risk analysis was carried out, halved the number of cylinders in use and created a very bespoke but flexible system

Energy usage

And turned it into this Office AreaFumecupboard Room PrepAreas

As existing

The existing fumecupboards were re-used, one within the new lab and the other to replace two much older cupboards The existing slate balance bench was re- used An existing double distillation unit was replaced by a new unit, which was less energy hungry Efficiencies deployed

Innovations utilised Very specific LEV Separate plant area for large Nitrogen generator Separate Fumecupboard room Easy access to instruments

Who uses this area Undergraduates, PhD students, Staff all from Chemistry But as part of WESTChem, it’s used by Researchers from GU as well. It’s also used by staff & students from within the Faculty of Science & other Faculties within the University And we have contracts with other Universities and external agencies But, it doesn’t come free, we charge them ……… Shared Facilities

The Trace Analysis is not the only Facility we share with the rest of the world. We have an NMR unit and an X-ray Crystallography unit. All three offer a “hands on” experience or offer a service where the sample is analysed on your behalf You’ll see all three on the tour Other PAC Facilities

Don’t take my word for it “The gas manifold and gases coming in on the gantry above the instrumentation has allowed us to ‘future proof’ any instrument positioning. Initial plans had contained the footprint of every instrument we had or would potentially purchase. The lab is airy and spacious and has a lot of natural light adding to the general working experience. New users may not appreciate the work that went into the design of the lab but having worked in the department for 32 years I applaud the fact that the end users were consulted and, more importantly, listened to at almost every stage of construction. “ Pat Keating (Senior Technician) Is it a success

Many Thanks for Listening