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University of the West of Scotland


Environmental Initiatives Research

Research Facilities

 

Spatial Pattern Analysis Research Laboratory (SPAR-Lab)

A suite of high specification workstations running Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) software with access to other packages e.g. Geochemists workbench …..for use in modelling environmental processes.

The GIS facility allows simultaneous handling and processing, across several workstations,of large amounts of data and multiple GIS-based model runs.

The lab also offers:
- a state-of-the-art printer/plotter for the production of high quality maps and graphical output for posters and presentations,
- flexible occupancy, break out space for meetings and a facility for computerised presentations.

Advanced Chemical Analysis Laboratory

A suite of ICP and LC instrumentation for use in environmental, bio and geoscience and forensic applications. Instrumentation, commissioned in 2007/08 consists of:

  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry: THERMO iCAP 6300 series ICPOES with CETAC autosampler – a dual view system.
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry:
    THERMO X-series II ICP-MS with reaction cell technology and CETA autosampler options
  • Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry:
    Surveyor LC and DecaXP MAX ion trap MSn

Other analytical facilities include:

  • GC, GC MS with ATD, HPLC, IC, AAS, GFAAS.
  • SEM.  Hitachi Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope,  permitting high magnification examination of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials, using secondary electron imaging, back-scattered electron imaging combined with EDS for elemental analysis.
  • XRD. Seimens D5000 X-Ray Diffractometer, for crystallographic studies of materials and routine identification of unknown samples.

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Large Scale Experimental Tank Facility
(ENviro-tank)

A flexible 8,000 litre, pilot scale research reactor
Designed to provide flexibility, control and scale up information to support:
- experimental research into the interaction of wet particulate wastes and the environment
- the development of novel waste treatment methods for the recovery of values or for stabilisation for disposal
- the research, development and validation of monitoring methods, environmental fate models and designs for environmental compliance.

The Enviro-tank is configurable to operate under a wide range of environmental conditions, orsimulated climates, over long periods.

  • from -10°C to 70°C
  • with surface irrigation
  • provision for leachate recycle
  • aerobic or anaerobic environments, saturated or partially saturated

The facility includes:

  • 32 radial sampling ports at 4 depths
  • 8 basal sampling ports
  • provision for off-gas collection.

Experimental research projects have included:

- heap leaching of newspaper de-inking sludge
- simulated land spreading of newspaper de-inking sludge
- metal migration and buffering capacity of process by products from steel making
- migration of metals in urban soils
- large scale demonstration of groundwater/soil remediation for metal and organic pollutants
- nitrate transport processes in diffuse pollution


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Nanoindentation laboratory

Depth-sensing micro/nano-indentation provides a technique for the study of the micromechanical properties of materials. (e.g. moduli of elasticity, hardness/strength, creep, fracture, bond properties).

Two nanoindenters are available, housed in a purpose-built facility.

  • Nanoindenter XP by MTS, fitted with advanced options such as Continuous stiffness measurement, High load range (up to 10N), High precision sample stage and colour video camera/microscope.  Further upgrades, planned in 2008, include Nanovision and Liquid cell options.

  • NanoTest 600 from Micro Materials fitted with High performance sample stage and image system.

Collaborative research projects using the nanoindenters have included studies of:

  • interfacial bond properties in glass fibre reinforced cement composites and concrete

  • durability micro-mechanical properties of cement pastes, concrete, geopolymer, and natural rocks

  • correlation of microstructure and properties of sea-shells and bones

  • properties of thin films/coatings, polymer, nanomaterials, etc. 

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EIRG staffEIRG staff in conference in the SPAR-LAB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo of enviro-tank

UWS Enviro-tank test facility

Photo of enviro-tank


Irrigation system in enviro-tankSimulating rainfall in the enviro-tank

 

 

 

 

 


nanoindenter

UWS Nano-indentation test facility

nanoindeter package

The mechanical and durability performances of materials at the macro-scale are largely determined by the features and structural properties at the micro- and nano-scales. Knowing the finer-scale properties increases the understanding for developing new and improved materials