Flexible Casework and Utility Design for Fully Reconfigurable Laboratories

Kevin Chriswell, CRB
Gopi Patel, P Squared Consulting Engineers

The presentation will be based on a mobile laboratory casework system which includes integral lab services and utilities, with a focus on flexible utility connections within a cGMP laboratory environment. The presentation will also outline some of the challenges for providing reconfigurable casework and utilities within laboratories. We will focus on providing clean and contained flexible utility connections that are easily accessed for quick disconnection and reconnection. We will demonstrate how multiple bench layout configurations are achievable with this design. And we will discuss how individual benches can be adjusted to accommodate equipment and instrument changes including changes to services and utilities. We will also show how the design can accommodate future expansion.

A case study of a laboratory facility in Long Island New York will be presented. The facility is a part of a consolidation effort for a pharmaceutical client to re-purpose an existing vacant warehouse space into research laboratories and supporting office space. This particular design features enclosed utility columns to the underside of the ceiling in order to enhance cleanability within the laboratory space, while allowing for quick disconnects for lab utilities, and services including data and power connections above the ceiling. In addition, a modular fully contained integrated solvent waste collection system has been incorporated for enhanced safety. The design features further flexibility through the use of removable ceiling service panels featuring adjustable connection collars which can accommodate multiple positions of the utility columns. MC cables with RELOC connectors are utilized to allow a quick disconnect of power wiring above the ceiling. With surplus lengths of bundled power, data and lab gas hoses above the ceiling, this design allows for easy extension of utilities and ultimate reconfiguration of lab benches in multiple directions.

As part of this presentation, we will demonstrate how we were able to work with vendors and apply RELOC wiring solutions and enclosed utility columns to address the client's concerns around having exposed service connections within the cGMP environment. The presentation will also highlight how building a mockup of the design was paramount to fine tuning the design concepts and achieving client acceptance.

Learning Objectives

  • The audience will see the benefits of incorporating a flexible casework and utility system to achieve a sustainable laboratory design solution. They will see how this design can allow for ultimate reconfiguring of the lab as technologies and research needs change while maintaining a cleanable cGMP lab environment.
  • Through the addition of flexible utilities and quick disconnects, the audience will realize how lab reconfiguration is achievable without incurring additional capital expenditures.
  • The audience will understand the advantages of a well-executed design mock-up which allows for a more complete understanding of the intended design and allows for feedback from the end users prior to final fabrication and installation in the lab.

Biographies:

Kevin is with the firm CRB in Plymouth Meeting, PA. He has over 15 years' experience as a project architect and laboratory and vivarium planner for science and technology based buildings. Kevin is passionate about sustainable laboratory design and is actively engaged in providing creative solutions to reduce the impact of science and technology facilities on the environment, while providing an enhanced workplace. He is one of the founding members of the I2SL Philadelphia chapter.

Gopi is an electrical engineer and principal for PSquared Consulting Engineers in Wayne, PA. She has over 11 years of experience as a lead electrical engineer. She has extensive experience in providing engineering services spanning from planning, design, and construction administration. Gopi graduated with a BS degree in engineering from Drexel University in 2002. She has since been involved with a variety of new and renovation projects for pharmaceutical research laboratory buildings.

 

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