Queries Without Qualms - Inspection lab enables testing
“We need more light!” “I wish we had a vise.” “Did anybody bring a micrometer?”
These are the type of comments often heard when engineers, attorneys or other experts involved in litigation gather to take a closer look at failed equipment that is at the center of their legal and insurance cases. Such inspections frequently take place at the incident site – perhaps outdoors or in a garage – or at a nearby storage facility. Invariably in these settings, the participants find they lack the proper tools or environmental conditions to perform the inspection most effectively.
To make this step in the proceedings go more smoothly for all concerned, it is clearly preferable to conduct inspections in a fully equipped laboratory, where possible. Having the proper tools on hand to “do it right the first time” saves clients both time and money.
As a result of 20-plus years of forensic analysis experience, Crane Engineering has developed a highly specialized laboratory dedicated to the purpose of inspection. Along with a large climate-controlled inspection area, the lab is outfitted with various instruments lab users may need: hand and power tools; utility hook-ups (gas, venting, etc.) for testing; and complete analytical instrumentation for monitoring combustion processes. Accessible via a large overhead door, the facility can accommodate relatively large industrial items.
Other equipment is also available on site from Crane Engineering’s metallurgical laboratory, including a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and a microscope equipped with a camera and a color video printer.
To document their analyses, users of Crane Engineering’s inspection laboratory also have access to videotaping and still photography (analog and digital); videotape reproduction; digital photo production facilities, including scanning and large-format color printing; and data transmission via e-mail. If the evidence involved in the inspection is in the custody of Crane Engineering, it is brought to the lab and the appropriate equipment is prepared prior to the scheduled inspection time. All participants are welcome to use the company’s conference room facilities as well to discuss their tests and findings. You may contract to use the laboratory services and on-site facilities even if you have not retained with Crane Engineering to provide your consulting engineering services for your specific case. Confidentiality agreements are available and commonly used.
So far, Crane Engineering’s clients – as well as other parties in their cases – have expressed appreciation for the availability of the inspection lab. Typical comments include “Great setup!” and “Having this equipment at hand is a real timesaver!” Crane Engineering is always glad to help.