Nov
30
2015
Case Study on VJ Tech Fully Automated Equipment
A new video case study on Professional Soils Laboratory (PSL), UK sharing their experience using VJ Tech fully automated equipment (a link to the video is provided at the bottom of this page).
Professional Soils Laboratory are a UKAS accredited laboratory, and was established in July 2004, previously being part of a well known construction company Thyssen GB Ltd.
Boasting a team of over 40 staff, PSL has become one of the leading geotechnical labs in the UK. Their capabilities include 72 Consolidation test rigs, 15 Effective stress and 12 Triaxial permeability systems as well as a full offering of BS1377 testing.
In 2015, VJ Tech MD Nathan Vimalan, contacted PSL Director Anthony Watkins to trial our new motorised fully automated oedometer system, the ACONS2. Having previously purchased 12 fully automated triaxial systems from VJ Tech, PSL were impressed with the performance, efficiency and after sales support, giving them confidence in VJ Tech equipment and service. Having seen multiple benefits from purchasing from VJ Tech they were keen to trial out the new ACONS2.
Upon arrival, PSL Lab technicians were surprised with the compact sleek design of the ACONS2, in comparison to the space consuming manual loading oedometer frames they were currently using. Nathan Vimalan, along with Geotechnical engineer, Adrian Rose, demonstrated the advantages of using one of our fully automated consolidation units, which was quickly acknowledged by PSL Technicians and Management.
PSL trialled the ACONS2 in their own time and the benefits in terms of time efficiency and simplicity of testing became apparent. Loading sequences were controlled by the software allowing tests to run overnight thus eliminating the need for a technician to manually increase the loads; they soon placed an order for:
Results
The new equipment and software proved very successful enabling PSL to bring more advanced triaxial testing in house. The new equipment also enabled them to get UKAS accreditation to enhance their market reputation.
"Since we've purchased equipment from VJ Tech, it has allowed us to expand our scope into areas we didn't previously offer. This means the cost of us sending out our tests is completely in house, this also attractive to our clients because they know that we have the samples within our lab and have control of the costs..." - Mark Beastell, Laboratory Manager.
Our systems have given PSL the ability to automate their triaxial and consolidation testing needs, freeing up staff to work on other tasks.
"The difference is night and day, with this equipment we get to spend much more time focusing on the quality of the results." - David Burton, Senior Lab Technician.
Being able to remotely control some aspects of the testing and keep track of progress while off site has enabled PSL staff to run testing efficiently out of office hours. This has improved their work/life balance as well as increasing throughput.
"I control these computers from home. I can keep a hands on approach with every aspect of the test and all the way through." - David Burton, Senior Lab Technician.
With the training provided by VJ Tech Engineers, PSL Staff have been able to use Clisp Studio Software to run tests from start to end with minimal user input. Clisp Studio software allows users to easily perform advanced soil tests, and calculate essential test variables with ease.
"The data is captured automatically so when we arrive the next day the graphs are already produced, making it very straight forward in terms of just having to collate all the work together, produce it and print it out." - Wes Allen, Lab Technician
Case Study Video
About VJ Tech
We manufacture and supply soil, concrete, cement, rock and asphalt testing equipment for laboratories around the world from our base in Reading, UK.
VJ Tech equipment has helped to ensure the longevity and safety of major constructions including:
- London’s Canary Wharf, Millennium Dome and Jubilee Line tube extension
- Malaysia’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers
- and Dubai’s Palm Islands.
We also provide associated services including specialist software consultancy and training.
To find out how we could help you, call us on +44 (0)118 945 3737 or email us at Service@vjtech.co.uk.
Website: www.vjtech.co.uk