Mobile Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Lab

In the fall of 2000, PDK Projects designed and built a mobile laboratory to bring rapid analysis instrumentation to the farm. This laboratory included provisions for remote power, protection from inclement weather, stability in transit, user-friendly access, and security when not in use. Designed and manufactured in-house by PDK Projects, Inc. it was constructed to fit within the bed of a compact pickup, and consists of an instrumentation and power deck, tonneau cover, and a tent assembly. The instrument deck is easily installed or removed, provides an easily accessible work surface, is very stable under severe driving conditions, and requires no drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck bed. The tonneau cover provides lockable, out-of-view security, as well as protection from wind and rain in transit or when parked. The tent assembly provides all weather protection to both the equipment and the operator during laboratory function.

Funds for development of the mobile lab were provided by TEAM (Technology Early Action Measures), Western Economic Diversification and the Climate Change Action Fund through CETAC-West's Western Canadian Hog Manure Management Strategic Initiative. The initial purpose of the lab was for the on-site analysis of hog manure, specifically, evaluating two near-infrared spectrophotometers - a prototype Textron/Case NH ProSpectra™ and a Zeiss Corona®. The instruments were successfully operated on-board for the scanning of hog manure samples from 13 Manitoba hog operations during October and November of 2000.

Fully operational and tested, this mobile laboratory has been proven useful for on-site technology evaluation, and provides a reliable platform to bring analytical tools to the field. This mobility, in combination with PDK's ongoing efforts in providing real-time analytical methods, may soon find use in providing timely data to decision makers.