Particle size analysis company with MicroVision Laboratories, Inc.
Eds analysis laboratories in Chelmsford, MA? Our membrane autopsy service uses a combination of microscopy techniques to examine filtration membranes and identify the elemental and chemical composition of any foulant materials present. This analysis also categorizes the degree of fouling and notes any other causes for poor performance, such as physical damage to the membrane surface. MicroVision Labs has extensive experience examining a wide variety of RO, UF and MF membranes, including hollow fibers, cartridge, spiral wound, and tubular membranes.
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.
The client was able to obtain a comprehensive sampling of the state of the soldering process from the new manufacturer at a very reasonable cost. Rather than acquiring a mass of images, electrical test print outs, or low resolution optical pictures, the client received a comprehensive report detailing the relevant findings of the analysis on the boards from the new manufacturer. The solder joints in this study showed good bond integrity as well as excellent intermetallic layers. These findings allowed for the validation of the new manufacturer and their process which allowed for the clients device production to resume. The QC Engineers were very pleased with the customer service, analysis, pricing and quick turnaround time of this project.
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. Read additional details on eds testing.
Examining the sample with a polarized light microscope (PLM), it was darker and coarser than expected for a mold sample. The dust appeared to be a closed cell, synthetic blown foam material, and all from the same source. The black color was likely due to pigment particles added to color the foam. Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy was performed on the foam particles. The spectrum showed a mixture of spectral features, associated with vinyl acetates, polyurethane, and cellulose or other sugar-like polymers. Based on these features, a common urethane acetate foam was determined as the likely source material.
MicroVision Laboratories, Inc. has been providing extensive expertise in micro-analytical techniques (FE-SEM, SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR testing, PLM, X-Ray Imaging, DIC) and sample preparation since 2003. Our cutting edge, high-performance equipment combined with our solutions-focused customer service provide critical solutions for clients hailing from a broad range of industries ranging from medical to semiconductor, and from environmental to textile. Find a few more details on this website.