The WCVP was developed to support oceanographic research vessels of the UNOLS organization. This support is defined as providing portable laboratory meeting specific guidelines, which enable these labs to be used on all of the UNOLS vessels. There are two pools, one located on the west coast, one on the east coast. Funding for operating these two pools comes mainly from the National Science Foundation.
Types Of Portable Laboratories
General Purpose Labs
This type of lab is set up to fill most extra laboratory space requirements. The labs include modular lab benches. The benches include a sink module and a fume hood module. These can be arranged to meet the mission requirements.
Isotope Labs
This type of lab focuses on isotope laboratory requirements. To support the isotope requirements, each Isotope lab includes a LSC module. The remainder of the lab is setup similar to the General Purpose Lab.
Cold Labs
This type of lab meets the specialized requirements for a cold laboratory. There are two refrigerator units to provide cooling for both the lab space and makeup air for the fume hood. Due to the large equipment require performing this task, there is less laboratory bench space. The unit includes a sink bench, a fume hood bench, and two small benches.
Calibration Van
This type of van provides a controlled temperature environment between 55-90 degrees Fahrenheit for the calibration of sensitive instrumentation. It uses a seawater-air heat exchange system, so requires a steady feed of seawater at temperatures between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal operation. The van is divided into two compartments, one small vestibule for entry and egress and the other with the controlled temperature environment and standard sink module and tables.
Accommodations Van
This type of van provides a total of four bunks for personnel with a shared toilet/shower module between two, two person rooms. This van was built to USCG and ABS requirements for the accommodation of personnel at sea. These requirements required the van to be constructed of steel rather than aluminum as all the other vans listed so it has a weight of around 20,000 pounds. It also requires connection to the ship's alarm and fire detection systems as well aswaste water system for the toilet/shower to be used in addition to the normal electrical and plumbing connections.
How to Schedule a Van
Determine if you will use the UNOLS West Coast Van Pool or the UNOLS East Coast Van Pool. If you will use the UNOLS East Coast Van Pool use this link UNOLS East Coast Van Pool. To schedule a lab from the West Coast Van Pool, fill out this form and send it to Ship OPS.