EXLab Duo

A C1D1 Extraction Lab with a Separate Non-Classified Work Area

C1D1 EXTRACTION LAB WITH NON-CLASSIFIED AREA

EXLab Duo

Designed for efficiency, this highly functional and versatile extraction lab provides the best of both worlds — a Compliant Class I Division 1 (C1D1) environment with a separate non-classified work area in one modular unit.

In the C1D1 area, all components are built using spark-proof and explosion-proof components to meet hazardous area requirements, creating a safe and compliant environment for the operators. In the non-classified section of the lab, you can set up your workstations virtually anywhere. The barrier wall that separates these two compartments will allow you to operate rotary evaporators, ovens and other non-classified equipment without the presence of dangerous gases.

EXLab Duo

Compliant C1D1 Extraction Lab With a Separate C1D2/Non-Rated Work Area
Spark-Proof Interior Light Fixtures, Switches, Exhaust Fans and Optional Outlets
Climate Controlled and Filtered Ventilation with Interlocked Exhaust
Hazardous Gas Detection System, Alarm, and PLC Controller
Accommodates Multiple Extraction Units and Technicians
Meets all IBC, NEC, OSHA and NFPA standards
100% NRTL-Listed and PE Certified Equipment
Can Be Placed Outdoors or Inside a Building

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE UNIT

EXLab Duo Features

The spark-proof exhaust fans, in conjunction with the temperature controlled makeup air unit, use 100% outside fresh air to provide the required air flow rate over your equipment.
The EXLab Duo is equipped with a gas detection alarm system that will initiate when hazardous gas is detected. If the levels continue to rise, the system will activate an audible alarm signaling occupants to exit the module long before dangerous levels are reached.
The weatherproof main electrical panel is located on the exterior of the unit, outside of the hazardous area and out of the way.
The entry door is of steel construction and equipped with an automatic closer, a panic exit device, and weather seals.
The module can be mounted directly on a shop floor or foundation, on piers, blocks, outdoors, indoors, or be made mobile.

Peer Reviewed for Compliance & Safety

Norseman’s EXLab design has been peer reviewed for compliance in all 50 states by the industry leading third-party engineering firm Pressure Safety Inspectors (PSI). We can send your permitting authorities a copy of our approval letter confirming compliance with the following standards:

California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 4. (2019). California Mechanical Code.
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. (2021). Uniform Mechanical Code.
International Code Council. (2018). International Fire Code.
International Code Council. (2018). International Mechanical Code.
International Code Council. (2018). Washington Fire Code (WAC 51-54A).
International Code Council. (2019). California Fire Code.
National Fire Protection Association. (2018). NFPA 1 Fire Code. Quincy, MA: NFPA.

The EXLab Duo Design Concept

An EXLab Solo C1D1 (Class 1 Division 1) Extraction Lab provides an environment designed for the constant presence of flammable gasses. All of the equipment you install inside the C1D1 room should also be rated for use in a C1D1 environment. Likewise, any equipment placed in the C1D2 (Class 1 Division 2) area should be rated at least C1D2.

STRUCTURE

The enclosure consists of 1-hour rated, GMP compliant walls and ceilings, per code requirements. One common misconception is that the unit be rated “explosion proof” or “blast rated”, but this is not necessary. The ventilation and electrical systems have been designed to eliminate the possibility of an explosion.

VENTILATION

The ventilation system has been designed to create a linear flow of air through the room to quickly evacuate any flammable gasses that might accidentally be released in the room. Code requires the gas concentration remain below 25% of the LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). The LEL is the minimum gas concentration to allow conflagration, so 25% is only 1/4 of what is required for ignition. We’ve held ourselves to a higher standard and have our LEL set point at 10% for ventilation.

There are two stages to our ventilation system: primary and secondary. The primary system includes the HVAC unit and a primary fan. It will remain on any time the lights are turned on, as required to maintain the temperature setting on the thermostat, and when signaled by the gas detector. The secondary system includes a motorized damper and a secondary fan that will engage starting at 10% LEL. It’s designed to quickly evacuate and replace the air to ensure the gas levels remain below the code required amounts. All exhaust air evacuates directly outdoors and all intake air comes from an outdoor location.

Gas Detection

A gas detector has been installed that will control the ventilation and notify occupants of the room in the event of a gas release inside the room. Once gas levels reach 10% LEL the secondary ventilation system will engage and a visual indicator on the gas detector will be illuminated, so action can be taken to remedy the situation. If the gas levels continue to rise to 20% LEL an alarm will sound and the receptacles powering the extraction equipment will be powered down.

Once the gas has been cleared the alarms will cease and the secondary ventilation will power down. If, for some reason, the gas detector stops functioning the receptacles and lights will be powered down and emergency lighting will engage to facilitate egress from the module, but ventilation will continue uninterrupted. After a fault condition the breaker controlling the receptacles must be manually flipped to restore power.

Electrical

All of the electrical equipment installed inside the C1D1 area will be rated for C1D1 use and UL listed; including, but not limited to: the lights, receptacles, switches, and gas detector. This means that they are sealed and/or intrinsically safe. Even in the event that the room atmosphere reaches 100% LEL or above, there is no chance of an ignition from the electrical components.

There is a single enclosure with a disconnect switch on the exterior of the module where the main power is connected, this is the main “kill switch”. All wiring inside the module will be completed up to this enclosure, but any remotely located devices will need to be wired separately.

Fire Suppression

If you’ve opted to have our fire suppression system supplied, one or more dry chemical suppressant units will need to be installed on the module ceiling. These units are individually heat initiated and come ready for use from the manufacturer. The pressurized bottles are considered a hazardous load and will be shipped directly to your site for field installation to the factory installed mounting hardware in the EXLab. This is a very simple install, just screw the bottle onto the provided mounting base, just like a light bulb.

Additional Systems

The module’s PLC has the ability to signal other devices such as flow valves for your solvent system and alarm panels, but Norseman does not currently cover these items in our scope. If you will be connecting to any ancillary systems please let Norseman know, so we can help facilitate a seamless integration and provide you with the appropriate support.