Chemical Lab OperationsGEOMET’s Chemical Defense Laboratory Division (CDLD) consists of two distinct and separate laboratories: the Analytical Research Laboratory (ARL) that handles RDT&E dilute chemical agent solutions and the Hazardous Materials Laboratory (HML) that handles neat chemical agent materiel. The ARL currently comprises two fume hoods and is equipped with state-of-the-art GC/MS’s, an LC/MS/MS, AA, MINICAMS instrumentation, as well as other analytical equipment.
The HML is equipped with six chemical agent hoods and two walk-in enclosures. The Chemical Defense Laboratory can support testing requirements as specified in Military Standard 282 (MIL-STD-282) and in U.S. Army Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 8-2-501/CRDC-SP-84010, as well as requirements addressed in applicable military specifications, and per specialized client requirements.
The Chemical Defense Laboratory has the capability to conduct testing with nerve agents (GA, GB, GD, GF, VX); blister agents such as mustard (HD), lewisite (L), HN-1, HN-2, and HN-3; and agent mixtures such as HL and HT, and with chemicals such as phosgene (CG), hydrogen cyanide (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK). The CDL also has the ability to conduct testing using chemical agent simulants such as methyl Salicylate (MES), Dimethyl methyl-phosphonate (DMMP), and Diethyl Malonate (DEM).
Material Test Methods
Materials qualification and production acceptance testing, performed by the CDLD staff in the HML on items targeted for the U.S. market, is carried out principally in accordance with approved test procedures, methodologies, and equipment as specified in U.S. Army Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 8‑2‑501/CRDC-SP‑84010, Permeation and Penetration Testing of Air Permeable, Semi-permeable, and Impermeable Materials with Chemical Agents or Simulants (Swatch Testing), and Military Standard 282 (MIL-STD-282), “Military Standard, Filter Units, Protective Clothing, Gas-Mask Components, and Related Products: Performance-Test Methods.”
These test methods are designed to enable developers to determine a protective material’s ability to serve as a barrier to the penetration or permeation of chemical warfare agents and to establish the protective capacity of materials against various chemical agent threats. The test methods most frequently called for by developers (which may all be customized for specific client needs) are identified in TOP-8-2-501/CRDC-SP-84010 and MIL-STD-282 Methods 204.1.1 and 206.1.2, and Methods 208 and 209. Other methods used by the CDL are specified in applicable clothing and equipment manufacturing/development specifications.
Chemical Agent Decontamination/Destruction and Analysis
Providing support for research and development of alternative technologies for chemical agent decontamination and/or destruction, the CDLD applies the appropriate technology to the appropriate chemical agent, then conducts an analysis of the residue to determine the content of any residual agent or other toxic material.
Agent Detection System Testing
The Chemical Defense Laboratory assists manufacturers of chemical agent detector systems in the performance evaluation of their agent detection systems and equipment. This is accomplished through controlled–concentration exposures, by liquid droplet or by vapor stream, to chemical agents, simulants, and interferents, under varying temperature and humidity conditions.
Environmental Sampling and Analyses
Chemical Defense Laboratory Division’s CDL also supports site remediation/environmental cleanup programs by analyzing air, soil, water, and sludge samples for the presence of chemical agents or degradation products in accordance with established protocols. Custom test procedures, methodologies, and equipment can also be provided, as required, for chemical agent as well as specialized non-agent testing.
Non-Stockpile Systems Support
Since 1995, GEOMET’s Chemical Defense Laboratory Division is providing ongoing support to DoD non-stockpile demilitarization programs. Services currently being provided include on-site air monitoring and mobile analytical laboratory support relating to the detection and destruction of chemical agent contained in non-stockpile munitions/materiel.