Laboratory Vans and Refrigerated Containers

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Multi Sensor Track, X-Ray and CT Laboratory Vans

SEASAM maintains two core scanning vans that can be placed on the deck of most ARF vessels during an expedition. Both vans contain GeoTek Standard Multi Sensor Core Loggers. One van also contains a Geotek VXCT CT core scanner while the other contains a JPI EXAMVue Duo EV14W portable x-ray system. Shipboard collection of non-destructive physical properties and 3-dimensional imagery allows for real-time verification that recovered samples are of high quality and appropriate for science goals, as well as preliminary stratigraphic interpretation and study of evanescent physical and biological structures that may be damaged in core transport.  

We do our best to balance the need for these instruments across cruises, however it is important for scheduling and planning processes to indicate your need early in cruise planning, and ideally at the stage of the MFP request. 

Multi-Core Processing Van

SEASAM maintains a highly modular 20′ refrigerated laboratory van with features (e.g. grated floor with exterior drains) designed to support wet work at bottom water temperatures. This van can be set up with regular benches or benches that allow for core extrusion directly into nitrogen glove boxes if and when inert atmosphere is desirable for sample processing. Multi-core racks can be installed on the walls for core storage in the van, and a containerized nitrogen generator system (Parker DB5) producing 99.97% pure N2 at a flow rate of 50 L/min is also available. 

Note that this van operates with a commercial refrigeration unit which is highly reliable and globally serviceable, but it is loud and hearing protection is required for researchers working in the van for sustained periods.

Reefer Vans

SEASAM also maintains several onboard refrigeration options for sample storage and transport. Carrier Transicold standard ISO 20 ft refrigerated vans are commonly used on longer cruises for which significant recovery is anticipated, and also allow for refrigerated transportation of cores back to the repository for archiving. For cruises with limited deck space and lesser refrigeration needs , SEASAM also has a Seabox Small Field Refrigeration Unit, and an even smaller refurbished military surplus Portable Field Refrigerator. Note that UNOLS regulations prohibit using these vans as lab spaces.