Hazardous Material Testing:
·       Advanced Chemical and Biological Hazard Analysis
·       Equipment Testing Services
·       System Fielding and Training

SoBran directly supports chemical identification and protection process development for the United States Army’s Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center. Our technical support team conducts permeation and breakthrough studies, PCR & ECL sampling & processing along with technical support to the government’s Chemical Analysis Team. We provide mission critical first article testing of chemical defense personal protective equipment, laboratory technical support, analytical chemistry support, inventory management, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, administrative support, and bioassay support. Team members conduct live chemical agent bioassays designed to determine the effectiveness of chemical defense equipment. Additionally, SoBran provides worldwide fielding, training, and technical support for newly designed DOD protective equipment initiatives. Team members conduct training lectures, seminars, and hands on training for new and improved equipment in a variety of national and international locations.

SoBran conducts system agent testing on complete mask systems utilizing the Simulant Agent Resistant Test Manikin (SMARTMAN) Head form. Developed specifically for ECBC by SoBran, SMARTMAN is a one of a kind platform designed to test the efficiency of fully assembled personal protective mask systems against a wide range of threat agents. SMARTMAN technology simulates a variety of human breathing environments such as extreme heat and cold, high and low humidity, and stress or effort related breathing rates. Unlike similar systems which test mask components, SMARTMAN test the fully functional unit under simulated operational conditions. The form is used to test Air Purifying Respirators, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Powered Air Purifying Respirators and Escape Hoods as well as Joint Service General Purpose Masks and Joint Service Aircrew Mask Programs. SoBran is the only company approved by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct test on commercial mask systems.

SoBran works jointly with government agencies and contractors that produce charcoal filters for the United States military to certify the production process and end item integrity. Charcoal samples and filters are analyzed using a variety of analytical techniques, including gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and inductive coupled argon plasma emission spectrometer. ASZM-TEDA carbon is regularly tested against military specifications and American Society for Testing of Materials Test Standards for the acceptance of product quality, using toxic chemicals, chemical warfare agents and physical challenges.

SoBran plays an integral role in the integration and implementation of ECBC’s Photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS). This powerful new technology uses intense lasers to illuminate and measure minute traces of gases at the parts per billion or even parts per trillion levels.

Our technical support team operates and maintains the OSHA certified Temporary Storage Site (TSS) and Management and Satellite Accumulation Site HAZMAT waste management sites. These are temporary OSHA certified HAZMAT waste management facilities designed to manage, identify, classify, package, label, document and track waste in accordance with regulations. The team manages on base transport of hazardous materials, defines emergency procedures, and provides first responder technician and site security support.

SoBran also provides international fielding and training services for a variety of emergent technologies. Our teams travel around the world providing on-site installation, testing, and training for a variety of new detection and protection systems.