Explosion test lab receives $1M

An Edmonton lab that tests technology used in potentially explosive situations is receiving $1 million from the federal government to expand its capabilities.

The Canadian Standards Association’s Hazardous Location Testing Laboratory in Edmonton is using the money to purchase a clam shell explosion chamber, which will increase the maximum size of devices that can be tested; a co-ordinate measuring machine, that accurately determines the physical dimensions of a test object; and a gas flow automation system, that will help disperse explosive gases. The lab is used by companies to test and commercialize equipment such as valves, meters and pumps used in potentially explosive environments in energy, farming and mining industries.