As an experienced laboratory relocation service provider, Chipman Relocation & Logistics has worked on some interesting projects. One such recent project involved moving the Hoffman Laboratory, Shock Compression Lab from Harvard University at Cambridge, MA to the new Earth and Planetary Sciences Shock Compression Lab at the University of California, Davis.

Moving a research lab can involve relocating heavy equipment, but the equipment is not always as interesting as the large system with blast tank moved for UC, Davis.

“The compression tank system and the experiments they do with the system is very cool,” says Linda Martin, Chipman National Move Coordinator. “They shoot projectiles into ice in the compression tank up to 6,000 miles per hour to determine the effect of how hard objects can hit planets or other things in outer space.”

Why ice? Ice is commonly found in the solar system. By recreating and studying the giant collisions of celestial objects, researchers can not only explain what happens in natural collision events, but also better understand the history and evolution of the solar system. You can  read more about the lab here .

Meeting the Challenges of Moving a Research Lab for UC Davis

The compression tank system was located in a basement. The only way to move the large pieces of the system was to open a hatch at ground level to a chute going up from the basement to the outside of the building. Chipman’s lab moversused a crane to hoist the compression tank out of the basement. An indoor crane was used to remove the wind tunnel motor from its frame to be moved.

The two largest tanks were transported to California on a flatbed trailer.

“When the shipment arrives in Davis, we will have a crane on-site to lift the tanks from the flatbed truck, have wheels put underneath the tanks and take them into the new building,” said Martin.

The remainder of the system and lab goods were transported in one of Chipman’s special commodities moving vans.  Moving a research laboratory can include moving freezers, refrigerators, chemicals and reagents in a specialized moving van equipped with generators and climate controlled to keep the appliances running and at temperature during transit.

The trucks are fully equipped with a monitoring system. The drivers have the ability to monitor the temperature of each appliance as they are driving from one location to another. Drivers are trained to check LN2 levels in LN2 vessels and LN2 freezers. They are fully prepared to replenish the LN2 during transit, when needed.

Need a Reliable Laboratory Relocation Service Provider?

If you are planning an upcoming project and want first-rate, reliable laboratory relocation services, Chipman Relocation & Logistics is your source. Contact us to discuss your project.