 |
 |
Project Highlights |
| |
|
| |
Natural History Museum - London
The Natural History Museum is home to in excess of 22 million ‘wet’ specimens, stored in sample bottles in preservative. It is the worlds biggest collection of preserved life forms. These priceless specimens have been collected over the last 3 centuries by notable explorers including Charles Darwin & Captain Cook. As well as providing public access to important natural artifacts the collection is also used by scientist for ongoing research. |
 |
|
| |
The Challenge
The Formaldehyde or Industrial Methylated Spirt (IMS) the museum specimens are stored in needs topping up regularly due to handing and loss of media. This maintenance involved carrying heavy containers of alcohol through various floors and parts of the museum building with all the associated risk involved.
A Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) assessment completed by TAS, identified current regulations controlling such substances would likely lead to a revised building classification. TAS were engaged to prepare a scheme for a new IMS Storage and Distribution System, which would meet all current standards and legislation.
|
| |
The Solution
TAS Engineer - Tony Marshall.
NHM - Darwin Center. |
 |
TAS produced a successful scheme for the storage facility in the Museum’s Darwin Center which adheres closely to current best practices. The scheme not only satisfied all legislation requirements but also worked around many physical constraints imposed by the site location in the center of London.
The new IMS storage facility and internal pumped distribution system allows topping up of specimen jars within the labs on each floor of the building.
|
| |
The Results
 | The Natural History Museum is able to continue its mission to preserve the worlds largest collection of specimens for future generations. The TAS designed system is equipped with a fully automated control system with touch screen operator interface and web access facility. NHM staff can view the status of the system from any location within the museum. |
TAS also worked with the Museum staff to develop a range of safety protocols which, alongside other automated monitoring precautions, insure any losses and leaks are quickly identified.
|
| |
TAS are proud to have been associated with a national institution and we have been able to demonstrate our “cradle to grave approach" in managing this project from inception to beneficial operation. |
| |
|
| |
The project at the museum combines TAS’s specialised skills and expertise in identifying and managing risks associated with potentially explosive atmospheres. Similar contracts have been completed for a wide range of customers; including fuel storage facilities, a breakfast cereal manufacturer, an energy-from-waste plant, a soft drinks manufacturer and a high-tech filter manufacturer. |
| |
|
