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ChemProX, Designed for Field Detection

ChemProX as a Result of 37 Years of Evolution

Bertin Environics says nowadays customer listening practices stand to product/service development the same way evolutionism stood for the species survivability. This process of seeking, understanding, and taking actions on a product upon customer or user feedback will ensure that the product/service survives in the wild market jungle. 

From marketing and sales point of view, CBRN works with similar rules than any other market, having its own products and services, tailored to its most common user segments – military / defence and first response / hazmat units.

Research & Development

Bertin Environics R&D team understands that successful product development is based on attentive user feedback collection and analysis – or feedback management. After that, the collected data will go through an essential productization process to achieve a solution for a real problem (instead of merely tackling technical issues). 

Despite being a continuous process consisting of many internal stages, keeping the channels open for engaging in direct discussions with end-users, not only passively but also actively, by encouraging them to share their thoughts and reviews is also taken as a serious task. 

Besides digital strategies such as feedback forms, in CBRN industry engaging in face-to-face discussions with end-users during exhibitions, trainings, customer meetings, etc, has proven to be an excellent way of obtaining valuable and spontaneous feedback on the product, for gathering ideas for future improvements from those who have been already using it.

ChemProX, an Early Warning Chemical Detector Designed from the Beginning for Field Use

As stated in the product’s datasheet, ChemProX is “developed together with First Response professionals” to be an IMS based handheld early warning detector, meaning it is expected “to give early warning when in presence of (…) CWAs and TICs/TIMs, as fast as possible (…) so that the operators have time to protect themselves (…)”. But what if the operators see ways of improving the detector’s usability on the field, that will help them to get the relevant data and information for correct counter measuring even faster? 

Since the launch of the detector approximately 4 years ago, Environics has been receiving and archiving feedback that has been processed and released on several free software updates, always available from the ChemProX Update Station.

Customer Listening > Feedback Management > Customer Satisfaction

The R&D team would like to share a few examples of suggestions that were heard and put into practice to improve ChemProX’s customer experience. Because only those who are on the field know its demands!

  1. Language translation tools
    A simplified Excel-table that could be shared to a 3rd party who could easily manage the language translation independently, without the need for editing lines of code.
    Currently ChemProX’s user interface has been translated into 5 languages (other than Finnish and English), because many times the device is more user friendly when operators can use it in their native language.
  2. Automatic operation/task clock
    In the CC software, the operation/task clock can be displayed and turned on when the operators leave for the mission.
  3. Additional data sharing in unmanned applications
    When ChemProX is mounted on a drone or robot, it is possible for the operator to remotely operate different devices in the group to see the trend information, as well as change of detection modes over radio data, for a dynamic 2-way communication.
  4. Setup Assistant
    Upon multiple requests to make setting up the detector network easier, the Setup Assistant was created, providing step-by-step instructions for establishing the detector network.

Setup Assistant as a Feedback Based Improvement

The Setup Assistant was implemented on June 2020 and works as an inbuilt guide to help users to utilize the most commonly used wireless communications. The Setup Assistant is located in the information menu and can be used for:

  • Configuring a Radio Data group 
  • Accessing the ChemProX User Interface Program 
  • Closing unnecessary connections 

This kind of communication settings needs to be done only once unless there is need for changing connectivity methods or radio channels.  

ChemProX Setup Assistant, a step-by-step guide to configure detection network settings.

ChemProX, From Experts to Users

By conducting this constant active customer listening and productizing selected suggestions, Bertin Environics team has been able to develop a worldwide well known and acknowledged handheld chemical detector, scientifically reliable and easy to operate in the harsh environmental conditions in which is meant to be used. 

ChemProX’s ruggedized shell makes it a MIL compliant CWA lightweight detector and therefore a top favourite for several defence organizations in 4 continents, whereas it’s user friendliness, in-built SOPs and fast response make it irresistible for Hazmat first response units.

 

Rigaku Further Expands its Handheld Platform to Maximize Chemical Analysis Response

Wilmington, MA (June 29, 2023) – Rigaku Analytical Devices announces the launch of the CQL Max-ID™ handheld 1064 nm Raman analyzer, offering features and benefits that maximize chemical threat analysis in safety and security applications. With an on-board library of over 13,000 items, the CQL Max-ID provides first responders, border security, and the military with a device that can identify narcotics, explosives, toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents (CWAs), and more–without the concerns of fluorescence interference. 

The CQL Max-ID will be debuted this week at the Chemical Corps Regimental Association’s (CCRA) CBRN Exhibition in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, USA and the High Intensity CBRN Exhibition in Warsaw, Poland.

Based upon the award-winning Rigaku 1064 nm Raman-based platform, the CQL Max-ID reduces sample induced fluorescence interference, ensuring a result within less than one minute.  With the ability to select the analysis mode, the CQL Max-ID has the unique capability of providing situational analysis based on the user’s needs:

  1. Identification of an unknown
  2. Priority listing of a substance (utilization of ThreatAlert™ hazard targeting)
  3. Detection of an unknown (with optional QuickDetect™)

Additional features available on the new CQL Max-ID include: 

  • Automatic mixture analysis of up to five components
  • Addition of notes and pictorial evidence using an on-board camera
  • Adjustable nose cone to scan through different thickness and types of packaging
  • Integrated Chemwatch SDS information
  • Pre-configured setting selections based on application
  • CommandSuite™ integrated fleet management capability
  • Long battery life of over 5 hours (also hot swappable)
  • Connectivity to desktop or mobile device via USB, Wi-Fi or Peer-to-Peer
  • Three years of warranty coverage

“With the integration of the Rigaku CQL Max-ID into our portfolio of handheld Raman analyzers, we are expanding chemical analysis solutions for our end users that truly fit their needs,” said Chris Langford, VP Marketing & Product Management.  “We’re excited to continue to develop based on feedback from the field, as we want to ensure our customers are equipped with the most advanced tools for everyone’s safety.”

Built upon the updated CQL platform that has been accepted as part of the U.S. DoD JPEO DR SKO System Modernization Program, the CQL Max-ID joins the existing CQL Gen-ID–for more general hazardous analysis–with the ability to offer more targeted CQL variations in the future.

The Rigaku CQL Max-ID is supported by Rigaku’s global sales and distribution channels, offering 24/7 reachback support and access to spectral library and software updates.  For more information on the CQL Max-ID, please visit: www.rigakuanalytical.com.

About Rigaku Analytical Devices

Rigaku Analytical Devices is a pioneer in handheld 1064 nm Raman spectroscopy. Our products are trusted by law enforcement departments, government agencies, and security specialists to identify chemical threats. The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector rely on us for quality control. At Rigaku we are focused on supporting our clients with our global expertise and developing innovative solutions that perform optimally, mitigate new chemical threats, and are always reliable and cost effective. Our rugged products operate on an open architecture platform and deliver unparalleled accuracy and support for rapid lab-quality results any time, any place. For more information:  http://www.rigakuanalytical.com/

 

Delivering Solutions and Customer Value with Small- and Mid-Sized Partners

Partner Relationships Benefit Customers with Specialized Solutions

With world-class research laboratories and expertise across applied scientific and engineering research, MRIGlobal is well-equipped to address the world’s most important challenges. In cases when customer needs are uniquely specialized, we will also partner with the right companies – many of which are small- and mid-sized – to support fulfilling research needs. When establishing those partnerships, it is because we are committed to exceeding customer expectations.  

“UNLIKE MANY CROS, MRIGLOBAL WILL ONLY ESTABLISH A PARTNERSHIP WHEN WE BELIEVE THERE WILL BE A CLEAR BENEFIT FOR OUR CUSTOMER, RESULTING IN THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME FOR THEM.” 

To learn more about our partnerships with small- and mid-sized companies, we spoke with Dominie Garcia, Director of Business Development for MRIGlobal’s Health business. 

How does MRIGlobal approach partnerships with small- and mid-sized companies?
Unlike many CROs, MRIGlobal will only establish a partnership when we believe there will be a clear benefit for our customer, resulting in the best possible outcome for them. This ensures that we’re delivering value for our customer, which is our priority.  

What is the benefit for customers of MRIGlobal partnering with others?  
While our laboratories and teams of researchers are world class, customers can have very specialized needs for expertise or instrumentation. When their needs warrant additional expertise in the design, development, or execution of research, we call on partners to help support that work. In that way, we’re not only providing research, but also bringing in the right expertise in a way that delivers the best possible outcomes for our customers. Some of these relationships with other companies and individuals go back decades, so we’re quite familiar with their capabilities and the benefits they will provide our customers.  

It sounds like that relationship extends beyond us being not only a CRO, but also a solutions provider. Our commitment to customers goes beyond serving only as their research partner – our depth of knowledge, laboratories, and network means we also often serve as a solutions provider. In some cases, we may have the majority of a solution, but need specialized expertise to further develop and complete the work. In those cases, we will source the right complementary partner to do so in collaboration with us, presenting our shared solution or results to the customer. Ultimately, this leads to the best possible outcomes for the customer and their research.  

Do other companies also call on MRIGlobal to be their partner?
Absolutely – it’s rare to find the expertise and laboratories like what MRIGlobal has in disease diagnostics, pharmaceutical sciences, and engineering research. We often receive calls from other organizations looking to tap into these capabilities. Just as with our own customers, we provide them with this expertise and the innovative solutions we’re known for to address their important challenges.

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Coronavirus evacuees return safely to U.S. via innovative, MRIGlobal-designed biocontainment system.

Fourteen U.S. citizens who tested positive for coronavirus are receiving medical treatment back home in the U.S. yesterday – and not thousands of miles away in Japan – partly in thanks to innovative technology by biocontainment and global health experts at MRIGlobal, based in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

As reported on international news, the citizens were evacuated on Monday from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been quarantined off the coast of Japan for more than 10 days. The patients were evacuated in the safest manner to a specialized containment area on chartered evacuation aircraft to isolate them, using standard protocols, for medical care in coronavirus treatment centers in the U.S.

One of the specialized units was designed by MRIGlobal engineers through a private-public partnership with U.S. Department of State and the Paul Allen Foundation in response to the Ebola outbreak in 2014. The units are state-of-the-art, flight-ready containerized biocontainment systems (CBCS) that roll on and off planes. MRIGlobal designed the CBCS as a reusable bio-containment and medical treatment unit to operate on government/civilian cargo aircraft. The units can containerize highly contagious pathogens, are extremely durable and allow for the safe transport of critically ill patients while maintaining biocontainment and safe flight.

According to Dean Gray, Ph.D., Director at MRIGlobal, “We’re proud to play a part in helping to safely evacuate people out of harm’s way to locations where they can receive appropriate medical care.

“There’s nothing like the CBCS for flyable medical transport” added Gray. “It was developed to respond to critical global health situations like the coronavirus outbreak, and ultimately to save lives.”

To date, MRIGlobal has designed and delivered four CBCS units, which are in use by the U.S. government.

MRIGlobal’s state-of-the-art, flight-ready Containerized Biocontainment System (CBCS) was awarded an R&D100 Award for Innovation by R&D Magazine in 2016. Each year R&D Magazine presents the awards to 100 of the most technologically significant and innovative technologies introduced to the marketplace over the past year.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT THE SITES BELOW:
  • For more information about CBCS, visit https://mriglobal.org/containerized-bio-containment-system-cbcs/
  • Outside media sources covering this event –
    – https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32248/747s-carrying-americans-exposed-to-coronavirus-used-new-quarantine-box-for-infected-flyers
    – http:www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-japan-cruise-passengers-isolated-plane-2020-2?fbclid=IwAR322KLoEJhI4W-6BF5VfZItQDCoJDw7VoxxcoiYZhRYI-_2m1YGvn-VCh8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dignitaries gathered to unveil the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School, Chemical Defense Training Facility (CDTF) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Fully operational and the only facility of its kind within the U.S. Department of Defense, the CDTF will be the global venue of choice for live toxic CBRN defense training. Authorities estimate that nearly 5,000 Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and allied nation military personnel will be trained at the CDTF in the next year.

Following a six-month shutdown, the CDTF reopens a more robust facility with 11 realistic scenarios for basic, intermediate, and advanced CBRN training programs.  The enhancements enable immersive training in diverse environments to challenge the senses and skills of future Joint Force leaders and units.  Modifications transformed the gray masonry walls and institutional “feel” with high resolution 3D graphics and state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and furnishings to provide a modern, gaming-style atmosphere through which students are trained.

The initiative was managed by Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND).  The JPEO-CBRND and CBRN School partnered with U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (CCDC CBC) to create imagery for the updated CDTF.  Innovative, high resolution 3D wall graphics were designed and rendered by CCDC CBC’s Interactive Software and Visual Media branch of the Advanced Design and Manufacturing Business Unit.  MRIGlobal designed and executed facility upgrades in concert with HHI Corporation fabrication and installation efforts.

Revised training materials and procedures have been developed by Maneuver Support Center of Excellence to leverage the expanded mission sets now available within the facility and meet the evolving needs of the Operational Force.

Review of work done for CDTF

“JPEO-CBRND’s involvement in the CDTF is an investment in our warfighters and those of our international allies. This state-of-the-art facility and the capabilities it houses will ensure our soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen have the critical skills and understanding they need to fight and win in a CBRN environment.”
–Douglas Bryce, Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense

“Absolutely amazing transformation of this one-of-kind facility in the DOD—truly a first class enhancement effort that has without a doubt made the CDTF the global venue of choice for live, toxic dismounted chemical reconnaissance and counter-weapons of mass destruction mission training for our Joint uniformed service members and international partners.”
–Brigadier General Andy Munera, Commandant, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, Fort Leonard Wood Missouri

“MRIGlobal is honored to continue our support of the U.S. Department of Defense in providing such an important training facility to defend against threat agents.”
–Thomas M. Sack, Ph.D., MRIGlobal President and Chief Executive Officer

“HHI Corporation was fortunate to be able to work with such a great team on this project. We are privileged to help create an amazing training facility for our armed forces.”
– Ryan Lamoreaux, HHI Corporation Senior Project Manager for CDTF.

To learn more about MRIGlobal’s security and defense program, click here.

To learn more about the Chemical Defense Training Facility, visit the following links.

Ft Leonard Wood Press Center             Army Technology