BIPLabs

Compliant Extraction Labs Built Within the Walls of Your Existing Facility

AN EXTRACTION LAB TO FIT YOUR SITE

Build-In-Place Lab (BIPLab)

If you have an existing facility or need an extraction lab setup larger than a EXLab, build-in-place extraction labs are your perfect solution. In today’s fast-paced industry, speed-to-market and thoughtfully designed systems are critical factors to your overall success. This is precisely why Norseman offers BIPLab solutions for C1D1 & CO2 Extraction Labs.

Interior modular components are engineered to be durable, easy to clean, mold resistant and maintenance free. BIPLab solutions are finished in about half the time of conventional construction.

Save Time & Money

Our packaged systems outperform competitors in performance, reliability and value.

Collaborative Process

We work hand-in-hand with your team to design the perfect space to fit your needs.

Designed By Experts

Each Build-In-Place is meticulously engineered by our team of industry experts.

Safe & Compliant

The health and safety of your team and products are our top priority.

BIPLab Features

Fully One-hour Fire-Rated & UL Listed Enclosure Acts as a Control Area
Compliant C1D1/C1D2 Rated Extraction Lab With Optional Non-Rated Work Area
Equipped with a Hazardous Gas Detection System, Alarm, and PLC Controller
Spark-Proof Interior Light Fixtures, Switches, Exhaust Fans and Optional Outlets
Accommodate as Many Extraction Units and Technicians as Desired
Meets all IBC, NEC, OSHA and NFPA standards
100% NRTL-Listed and PE Certified Equipment

IMPROVE YOUR DESIGN AND PROCESS.

Why Choose BIPLab?

Whether you have an existing extraction lab that isn’t compliant, or you need to expand your current operation, BIPLabs are the easiest way to transform your space without much down-time. The labs are engineered for your needs and shipped directly to your door, ready for installation.

The team at Norseman can design, manufacture and ship your new lab in a matter of weeks. Don’t risk the safety of your team and your product. Connect with us today and let us help you start planning for your new space.

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 BIPLab Design Concept

A BIPLab can be designed as a CO² or C1D1 (Class 1 Division 1) Extraction Lab. It can provide an environment suitable for the constant presence of flammable gasses or CO². All of the equipment you install inside the C1D1 room should also be rated for use in a C1D1 environment.

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 can be 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.

The ventilation system can also be designed to create a comfortable & safe work area by providing enough fresh air circulation to cycle-out any CO² that might accidentally be released inside the room, while maintaining room temperature.

Gas Detection

A gas detector can be 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.

A fixed gas detector can be installed that will monitor the CO² levels and notify occupants in the event of a gas release. The safe CO² levels, as defined by OSHA, should be held below 5000ppm. Norseman has held ourselves to a higher standard and have our ppm set points at 2000 & 4000ppm. Once gas levels reach 2000ppm a visual indicator on the gas detector will be illuminated and a strobe will begin to flash inside the unit, so action can be taken to remedy the situation. If the gas levels continue to rise to 4000ppm an alarm will sound and the receptacles powering the extraction equipment will be powered down. Once the gas has been cleared the strobe and alarm will cease.

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.