Case Studies
Sediment Sampling at the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site
During the 80s and 90s, Battelle performed physical and chemical modeling to characterize PCB transport patterns. These models helped to inform the creation of the initial cleanup plan in 1998. Since then, Battelle has continued to provide support for field collection, laboratory analysis, database management and strategic planning under four USACE-NAE contracts.
Passive Sampling Methods for Contaminated Sediments & Groundwater
Managing contaminated sediments requires accurate measurement of contaminant levels over time to evaluate risks to aquatic organisms and to monitor cleanup efforts. Passive sampling offers an alternative that allows easier and more accurate measurement of the dissolved contaminants, provides lower detection limits, and eliminates the cost of transporting large and heavy samples back to the lab.
Bridging Gaps for Ecological Assessment of PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most widespread and persistent environmental pollutants. Battelle developed a tiered “weight of evidence” (WOE) approach to extrapolate toxicity for PFAS contaminants without toxicity data.
Avoiding Cross Contamination
Processing samples form an integral part of the registration pathway for pesticides, but have you ever stopped to consider how laboratories go about this vital step? Imagine trying to skin a melon that has already been frozen for transport without contaminating the flesh inside the melon with any pesticide residues that may be on the skin. Learn how Battelle handled this challenge.
Improving the Accuracy of Air Monitoring for Formaldehyde
Exposure to formaldehyde in ambient air poses one of the greatest risks for cancer among the air toxins. The current methods for measure carbonyls has limitations. Battelle investigated the method with the goal of updating guidance on how best to implement this critical air monitoring technique.
Understanding the Emissions of Chemicals from Consumer Products
Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) encompass a broad group of chemicals including flame retardants, plasticizers and stain-resistant fabric treatments, which are added to various consumer products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking to better understand whether exposure to SVOCs from fabrics and other articles of commerce could impact human health.
Understanding Burn Pit Emissions
Open burning is often used in combat zones to quickly discard of waste produced during military operations. Battelle supported toxicology studies for the Naval Medical Research Unit–Dayton to better understand the health effects associated with the inhalation exposure to these emissions.
Renewable Resource Monitoring & Mapping Program in Saudi Arabia
As part of its mission to establish a sustainable energy mix for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) conducted the Renewable Resource Monitoring and Mapping (RRMM) Program. Battelle supported the RRMM Program and established a field monitoring network for solar resources, airborne dust and meteorological conditions, and building the capacity of host government staff to sustainably operate the network and share the data publicly.
Tracking Environmental Public Health
The CDC came to Battelle in 2008 for help in managing, implementing and improving the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, an online portal for environmental and public health data reporting, collection and dissemination.
Encapsulating Fungal Enzymes for Safer Oil Remediation
Mycoremediation is a form of bioremediation that uses fungi to break down and extract contaminants from the environment. However, using live fungal cultures is problematic. Battelle developed an encapsulation technology to protect the enzymes from physical and chemical degradation.
Characterizing and Monitoring Contaminants at a Complex Fractured Rock Site
Battelle has been working with the U.S. Navy for more than 15 years to characterize, treat and monitor groundwater at the former Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) Warminster. Groundwater in fractured rock beneath the site is contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) from historic activities at the site.
Managing Data for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
NEON is a network of 81 field sites across the continental U.S. that gather sensor and field data from a diverse range of terrestrial and non-marine aquatic ecosystems. Battelle built a cyberinfrastructure to manage all the data collected from the NEON observatories and make it accessible for researchers.
Taming the Tide of Data from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response generated hundreds of thousands of environmental data points over the course of several years. BP asked Battelle to collect all of the data generated from the response into a single database system: the Health, Safety and Environment Data Management System (HSE-DMS).
Optimizing Industrial Hygiene Practices for the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force came to Battelle for help in developing coaching programs that would prepare base personnel to implement an effective industrial hygiene program using the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness Systems. See the results of our work.
Prioritizing Earth Observations for Societal Benefit
As scientists seek to further understand Earth’s natural systems and its interaction with human systems, a plethora of monitoring data have been produced. The GEO User Interface Committee approached Battelle to conduct a meta-analysis of existing documentation of users’ needs for Earth observations.
Endocrine Disruptor Screening
Environmental chemicals that may disrupt the hormonal or endocrine systems of humans as well as wildlife and other animals have been a concern since at least the 1960s. Many of the endocrine screening assays and other tests in use today are based on or supported by research that was led by Battelle.
Characterizing Food Additives to Determine Statistical Equivalence
A food manufacturer came to Battelle for help in proving statistical equivalence of their new food product formulation for regulatory purposes. The manufacturer was phasing out an ingredient due to consumer concern and the potential for future regulation. In order to reduce the likelihood that they would need to conduct expensive regulatory studies and resubmit the product for FDA approval, the manufacturer needed to be able to prove that the new product was substantially equivalent to the old product with the exception of the removed ingredient.
Development of Surrogates of Alternative Liquid Fuels Generated from Biomass
Battelle and AAFRF modified the SPU at AAFRF to produce 500-gallon plus lots of fuel surrogates with properties similar to next-generation bio-based aviation fuels. We used this surrogate fuel to run tests to assess the properties of the candidate alternative fuels, including physical properties, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and production quality.
Avionics Technology Modernization
Aging electronics and avionics can ground fleets or vehicles for obsolescence or performance. Battelle has manufactured thousands of these modules with the quality necessary for avionics applications. Manufacturing includes rigorous testing and operational environmental cycling, careful but collaborative supply chain management, dynamic manufacturing planning to meet customer needs.
Quantum Key Distribution
Hackers steal data constantly, so protecting it is an ongoing challenge. Today’s information encryption technology has been compromised and will be obsolete in just a few years. In 2013, Battelle installed the first commercial QKD system in the U.S., connecting our headquarters in Columbus, Ohio to our production facility in Dublin, Ohio. The QKD hardware used in this link is the Cerberis model from ID Quantique.
Unexpected Impurities in a 5-Batch Study
An agrochemical company urgently needed to generate missing data in order to meet their product submission deadline. After another lab failed to complete the studies adequately, they contacted Battelle for help. Data from the manufacturer showed several known impurities in their technical material. They asked Battelle to perform a 5-batch analysis to determine the exact quantities of these known impurities for product registration.
U.S. Warfighters Rely on Innovative Armor Solutions for the Modern Battlefield
Battelle's next-generation HUMVEE armor kits gave our clients survivability and performance in a lightweight design that could adapt to new threats and mission profiles. Proven in combat, Battelle's innovative designs are now found on several new types of special mission vehicles.
Testing Surface Mine Blasting Emissions
Battelle conducted a special purpose monitoring study to characterize and document air quality while surface mine blasting operations were being conducted nearby. Various sampling and analysis methods were deployed to determine gaseous air pollutant concentrations and the mass, particle size distribution, and chemical composition of airborne particulate matter.
Testing GMOs for Allergen Potential
Our advanced analytical, immunobiologcal and bioinformatic techniques provide developers with a complete nutritional profile as well as an allergy risk assessment. The final result? Farmers and consumers have access to safe, new food products that will meet the needs of the 21st century.
Special Purpose Infrared (IR) Floodlight
Battelle performed design for manufacturing efforts and collaboratively worked with suppliers to develop a cost-effective solution for a ruggedized and rapidly deployable floodlight. This sealed light includes several custom machined and anodized parts, custom circuit cards, and has a pressure-sealed compartment that is nitrogen backfilled.
Solving an Adhesion Failure for a Medical Device
A medical device manufacturer released a medical instrument that combined glass and plastic components. The plastic component was made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which was joined to the glass component using a cured epoxy. Through Battelle’s Surface Science program we identified an atmospheric plasma treatment as an approach to solve the adhesion problem and avoid changes to the product design or manufacturing process
Security Screening Non-invasive Bottled Liquid Scanner
This novel product needed thoughtful design for manufacturing and dynamic startup production. Battelle’s manufacturing team employed Battelle’s Production-Optimized Design process, a unique take on traditional design for manufacturing, to provide substantial proactive thought to the system design. More than 200 of the LS10 have been produced and sold to date, shipped directly from Battelle to international locations such as Australia, England, Canada, and Norway.
The Battelle Smart Laundry Capsule™ Additive: One-Step Cold Water Bleaching
Laundry bleaches need activators in order to be effective in cold temperatures. But the bleach and activator can’t be mixed in advance, or they will react with each other before the consumer adds them to the laundry. In order to make the product shelf stable, we needed a way to keep the bleach and activator from reacting with each other before they were added to the laundry.
Safely Handling and Testing M55 Chemical Agent Rockets for Neutralization and Destruction
Battelle assembled a cross-functional team of explosives handling experts, design and fabrication engineers, process engineers, analytical chemists, statisticians, software and data acquisition specialists, and quality assurance and safety specialists and developed a test approach that allowed the client to submit quality data to government agencies in a very short time frame and under budget.
Rapid Screening for Agrichemical Residues
Battelle developed a new testing methodology to rapidly screen water samples for a number of emerging contaminants and current-use pesticides. We then studied different treatment strategies to determine the most effective way to remediate and dispose of compromised water.
Quick, Accurate Threat-Detection Scanner for Liquid, Aerosol, and Gels Eases and Secures Air Travel Worldwide
Each year, more than 640 million passengers board domestic flights in the U.S. alone, according to Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). Battelle responded to air travel authority needs by developing one of the most advanced bottle liquid scanners in the world, which can detect and alert security personnel to flammables, acids, and explosive liquids, aerosols, and gels within seconds.
Providing Training to USAID Staff on Global Climate Change
Climate change is already having impacts on human health, infrastructure, ecosystems and security worldwide, serving as a threat or risk “magnifier” that compounds existing challenges in multiple sectors. As a key member of a team supporting USAID, Battelle staff helped pioneer the development and delivery of a climate change training course to USAID staff worldwide.
Production of Unblended, “Drop-in” Renewable Jet Fuel
Petroleum-based fuels can be subject to price instability and supply chain disruptions. In order to increase national security, the U.S. Air Force wanted a 100% non-petroleum jet fuel alternative to reduce dependence on petroleum sources. Battelle worked with Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) to refine their Biofuels IsoConversion Process, a new process for converting renewable oils from plants and algae into drop-in ready to use jet fuels.
Producing Fuel Blending Components from a Fischer-Tropsch Wax
Battelle and the University of Dayton Research Institute produced small lots of SPK from commercially available Fischer-Tropsch wax to allow researchers in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to examine how variations in the SPK could affect aircraft performance.
Predicting Childhood Lead Exposure at the Census Tract Level
Although lead exposure among U.S. children is declining, significant exposure and subsequent effects remain and harm children disproportionately in certain communities. To address this challenge, Battelle developed a blood-lead prediction model that is applicable at the census tract level across the U.S. The model relies upon predictors available nationwide and can be applied to provide useful, population-level estimates of BLL in areas without available surveillance data.
Identifying the Source of an Environmental Oil Release
When traces of oil are found in water, sediments, or biological tissues, how can you identify the sources? Agencies and oil companies need rapid, accurate and objective data in order to determine where hydrocarbons are coming from and distinguish between an accidental release and natural sources.
Agricultural Health Study
The primary purpose of the Agricultural Health Study is to assess the health effects of occupational exposures, particularly to pesticides, on farmers and their families. The study also examines other environmental, occupational, dietary, medical, lifestyle and genetic factors in relation to health in this population.
Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System (AEODRS)
Each of the three robot platforms is simulated with the Simulation Architecture for Mobile Systems (SAMS) and can be connected to prototype hardware modules using the program-selected open architecture network protocol called Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS).
Validating New Sources With 5-Batch Studies
An agrochemical manufacturer was considering a new Chinese source for their compound. They contacted Battelle for a 5-batch study, which included a request to complete the development and validation of four draft methods for the analysis of the 15 known impurities in the original compound.
pCO2 Monitoring System
A functioning laboratory proof-of-concept is needed in larger volumes, at lower cost, and with higher reliability. What's Battelle's solution? Autonomously deployed, high accuracy ocean-measuring partial pressure carbon dioxide sensor system. The partial pressure carbon dioxide sensor (pCO2) is another design that transitioned laboratory proof-of-concept functions to products that are currently deployed around the world.
Open Market: Creating a Clearing for Commercialization
The Battelle team decided that the best and swiftest course of action was to develop a minimum work program to gain access to a complete European regulatory data package. A detailed gap analysis, along with a letter of access to vertebrate studies, supported the new product registrations in the European marketplace.
New Plastics Offer Effective Thermal Transport and Heat Spreading
Heat buildup is a significant problem and limiting design factor for many electronic products. For example, LEDs are emerging as the next generation lighting materials due to their low power utilization and long life. Some lamps have multiple LEDs within an enclosure, which generates undesirable heat during operation. Through Battelle’s Nanotechnology program we are developing thermally conductive thermoplastic materials for complex net shape geometries, as well as spray-on, conformal, thermally conductive coatings for efficient heat spreading over large areas.
Microbial Response to Crude Oil in Ocean Sediments Using ‘Omic Technologies
Battelle's combined metagenomic and metaproteomic analytical approaches demonstrated how microorganisms respond to changes in the environment such as exposure to crude oil. The microbial response to crude oil was investigated using genetic sequence profiling (metagenomics) and functional protein profiling (metaproteomics) to observe perturbations in microbial biodiversity and functional protein content.
Measuring Agrichemical Residue Levels in Fish Populations
Battelle's fish metabolism and bioaccumulation studies are helping agrichemical companies meet the new EU requirements for reregistration or new product registration. By combining both bioaccumulation and metabolism studies together, we can save time and money for agrichemical companies and provide all of the information they need for product registration in one well-designed study.
Mapping the Vulnerability of Urban Populations to Extreme Heat Events
The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events have been increasing globally and are projected to continue increasing through the 21st century. Leveraging NASA funding, Battelle developed a methodology to analyze and visualize urban heat vulnerability in a way that could link science and policy, appropriate for supporting informed city-level policy and management decisions.
Making Green Site Restoration Even Greener
Battelle worked with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop a stand-alone tool called SiteWiseTM to evaluate and quantify the environmental, health, safety and economic impact of a variety of restoration alternatives. SiteWise™ expands on existing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concepts to conduct GSR assessments specifically tailored to site restoration and remediation.
Improving X-Ray Imaging for the Transportation Security Administration
While many who travel in airports are rushing to catch a flight, we take for granted the technology that keeps us safe -- the baggage scanner. An airport security screener’s ability to find weapons or explosives hidden in luggage can be affected by the visual complexity of the X-ray image. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asked Battelle to create an objective, quantitative measure of visual complexity so that its effects on screening performance could be studied more rigorously.
Improving Environmental Fate Models for Agrochemicals
Using the new lab data, Battelle was able to refine the assumptions used in the Borstal computer model to provide a more realistic risk assessment of potential leaching. The refined modelling can be used to make better decisions about application recommendations, and provide critical data necessary to maintain product registration or move into new market areas.
Identifying the New and Distinctive Exposure Risks of Little Cigars
Little cigars have been rapidly growing in popularity, especially among younger smokers. However, their chemical composition has not been as well characterized as the composition of traditional cigarettes. Battelle researchers studied four popular little cigar products against four popular cigarette products in order to determine the new and distinctive exposures associated with little cigars.
High Reliability Autonomous Ocean Sensor
A high-accuracy, high-reliability autonomous sensor system that measures ocean acidification. A functioning laboratory proof-of-concept developed by MBARI and NOAA was needed in larger volumes to meet market demands, needed at a lower cost, and with higher reliability.
Green Book Testing for Dredged Materials Disposal
Our advanced analytical methods were able to achieve detection limits 10 to 100 times lower than conventional U.S. EPA methods of analysis, while meeting the demanding data quality objectives of Green Book. Using our analysis, the U.S. ACE was able to make appropriate disposal recommendations for all of its dredged material.
Forensic Analysis of Potentially Adulterated French Fries
A police officer and his wife purchased French fries from a fast food restaurant. The officer recognized the person preparing the fries as someone he had arrested previously. The wife later noted that the French fries “smelled and tasted funny.” Battelle used sophisticated analytical and statistical methods to determine whether or not cleaning agents were present in French fries from a fast food restaurant
Evaluating CIPP Options for Large-Diameter Sewer Pipe Renewal
Battelle has developed a framework for an innovative technology demonstration program to evaluate commercially available technologies to make the technologies’ capabilities better known to the industry. For the Texas large-diameter pipe demonstration, we used one 780 ft section of the pipe to serve as our demonstration segment.
Evaluating Analytical Methods for Characterization of Tobacco Products
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act requires premarket approval of all new tobacco products commercially marketed after Feb. 15, 2007—unless they are shown to be “substantially equivalent” to an existing tobacco product. Battelle conducted internal research to validate analytical methods to be used for characterization of tobacco products for purposes of demonstrating Substantial Equivalence.
Enhancing MTRS Robot’s MK2 Battery Box Runtime, Reliability, and Capability for DoD
Roadside bombs and other threats place our troops and other responders in harm’s way. Advanced unmanned vehicles and robotics, like the Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS), play a critical role in removing personnel from dangerous environments by performing tasks without the need for direct human manipulation. Battelle gathered an interdisciplinary team of materials, manufacturing, engineering, and technology-insertion program experts to complete the battery box design for manufacturability, ensure feasibility, and complete production.
Detection and Attribution of Organophosphate Pesticide Signatures
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security came to Battelle for help in identifying new analytical and statistical methods for characterization of Organophosphate pesticides (OPPs). OPPs are a highly toxic class of chemicals still used for agricultural purposes in many countries. Their high toxicity and wide availability could make them attractive to terrorists or criminals for use as chemical threat agents (CTAs).
Demonstrating Long-Term Hydrotreatment Catalyst Performance
As part of a DOE-sponsored project, Battelle and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) developed a novel catalyst for conversion of pyrolysis bio oil feedstock. The new catalyst did not degrade as quickly as traditional catalysts, allowing for more bio oil production. The bio oil was also higher quality than the oil produced with traditional catalysts.
Cost-Reduced Avionics Module Manufacturing: CAP
The original unit’s design became obsolete naturally with the passage of time, but replacement systems are needed to sustain an aging fleet and keep helicopters flying. The Caution Advisory Panel (CAP) is a dashboard display avionics module for the Black Hawk Helicopter, providing important helicopter status information to pilots.
Conductive Gel Improves Performance of EKGs Without Skin Abrasion
Changes in electric potential and impedance of human skin can cause significant errors in biopotential measurements such as electrocardiograms (EKGs) and electroencephalograms (EEGs). Battelle researchers started with a literature review in order to find the latest research on how the structure and chemical makeup of materials impact ionic transport.
Component Cost Reduction: Manifolds
Mounting six solenoid valves in a tight space requires a carefully designed manifold. Battelle manufacturing and design worked together to simplify the design to a flat block / hexahedron to eliminate machining setups and ease assembly. Reduced the cost of this component by over 60%.
Characterization of Emissions from Laser Ablation of Painted Surfaces
An industrial packaging company planned to use laser ablation to prepare painted steel drums for recycling and reuse. However, they were concerned about possible human health or environmental risks associated with the laser ablation process. They needed fast answers to understand their potential risks and ensure that their process would meet regulatory emissions standards.
Battelle’s Breakthrough STR Genotyping Allows Law Enforcement to Identify Criminals in Minutes or Hours Using DNA Samples
As national security threats evolve, so must scientific and diagnostic approaches to human DNA identification and characterizations. Our highly skilled scientists devoted hundreds of hours to research, testing, and evaluating genome sequencing methods and platforms to accelerate human (and even microbial) identification. Our unique approach allows us to genotype STR loci on next-generation, high-throughput sequencing technology platforms, like Illumina.
Battelle, Stereotaxis Develop Remote Controlled Heart Catheterization
Medical equipment maker Stereotaxis collaborated with a team of Battelle medical device designers and engineers to analyze and improve how surgeons interact with heart catheters and related therapies. attelle developed the Stereotaxis Vdrive, a technology that allows the complete heart catheterization process to be conducted remotely with a joystick control.
Battelle, Greif Work With Donna Karan to Preserve Haitian Art
In the aftermath of 2010’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, Donna Karan, founder of the international fashion brand Donna Karan, visited Battelle and Greif in Columbus to observe the completion of work done by Battelle scientists who were able to expand color palette options for Haitian artisans of steel drums by offering better coatings and integrating a larger variety of pigments into their artistic process.
Battelle Successfully Completes Carbon Storage Project
Battelle carbon sequestration experts collaborated with American Electric Power (AEP) to complete the world’s first fully integrated carbon capture and storage (CCS) test at a coal-fired power plant, an important milestone in the path towards developing a commercial CCS industry needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Battelle Develops Revolutionary Method for Lewisite Chemical Demilitarization for the U.S. Army, Ensuring Timely Closure of Tooele
Battelle played a critical role in helping our nation fulfill our commitment to the timely disposal of stored CWAs by developing the new lewisite detection method, thereby helping keep the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility closure on schedule. Any delays in the destruction of lewisite could have cost the U.S. Army considerable amounts of money, not to mention additional scrutiny from the international community.
Battelle Develops Custom Armor Applications for Commercial Vehicles at Low Cost
In recent years, the U.S. federal government has identified a need for lower-cost non-standard commercial vehicles (NSCV). NSCVs – such as pick-up trucks, sport-utility vehicles, sedans, and vans – allow military forces to operate in areas without military logistical support. For more than eight years, Battelle has produced lightweight armored and upgraded vehicles for clients who sought better operational performance and protection.
Replacing a Co-Solvent with Water
An international herbicide company needed to replace an undesirable co-solvent in one of its major combination products. Unfortunately, without it, one of the active ingredients would lose solubility. Our solution allowed our client to dispense with the undesirable co-solvent and reintroduce their product in a safer, more sustainable formulation.
Improving Granule Activity Through Smaller Particle Size
Changing regulations required our client to reformulate an agrochemical fungicide to achieve lower dose rates.The challenge was clear, but the approach was not—until Battelle developed a lab-scale process that mimicked their existing factory process. This allowed us to predict which modifications would meet their criteria.
Co-Formulation of Two Chemically Distinct Fungicides
An international customer came to Battelle with a challenge: they needed to develop a co-formulation of two distinct fungicides with stability and efficacy equal to or better than each of the active ingredients alone. We used a solvent screen to identify a solvent that provided good solvency for fungicide B, poor solvency for fungicide A (to prevent crystal growth), and low water solubility to keep fungicide B in solution and maintain its activity.
Advancing Energy Innovations to Mitigate Climate Change - Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership
MRCSP is a unique public-private collaboration of nearly 40 government, industry and university partners who have joined together to assess the technical potential, economic viability and public acceptability of Carbon Capture and Sequestration for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Advancing Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies to the Commercial Stage: American Electric Power Mountaineer CCS Product Validation Facility
Integrated Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) has tremendous potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired plants, gas processing operations and cement and steel industries where large amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted. Battelle is helping the U.S. Department of Energy and utilities like American Electric Power (AEP) answer questions about storage capacity, retention, safety and monitoring technologies needed for commercial-scale deployment.
Accelerating Cyber Vulnerability Analysis with Binary Files Rendered as Images
Battelle created Cantor Dust, a unique interactive software tool that renders binary files as images to speed the process of data-stream analysis. By translating binary information into a visual abstraction, reverse engineers and forensic analysts can sift through mountains of arbitrary data in seconds.
A Self-Decontaminating Chemical Agent Resistant Coating
Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARCs) have long been used to protect infrastructure, vehicles and equipment from chemical agents such as mustard gas and nerve agents (saran or VX) in combat zones. Battelle develops smart, functional surfaces to solve specific problems for our clients.
Mobile Analytical Laboratory Upgrade Kits
An existing fleet of mobile labs needs updated equipment and supplies, from high value high technology scientific instruments to inexpensive consumable supplies. Battelle coordinated dynamic incoming parts from a host of vendors, ensured quality of everything from sample vials to precision instruments, and coordinated deliveries to destinations unknown until a day or two in advance.
Improving Battery Safety With a Light-Conducting Separator
Lithium ion batteries are the battery of choice for laptops, electric vehicles and many other applications due to their high energy density, low maintenance and recharging ability. As electric vehicles become more commonplace and new battery uses are identified for aerospace, industrial and consumer applications, their use continues to grow. Battelle researchers developed the concept that an optical sensor could be used to monitor the battery for internal flaws such as dendrites.
An On-the-Go Answer for Dental Appliances
Prestige Brands, the parent company behind the Efferdent™ brand of dental appliance cleaners, wanted to extend their market opportunities by offering consumers a new on-the-go option for cleaning dentures, retainers, clear braces, and mouthguards. Prestige Brands asked Battelle to develop and test a cleaning formulation that could be impregnated into a disposable, textured wipe.
Developing a Fast-dispersing Extruded Water-dispersible Granule
A research-based agrochemical producer came to us with an apparently simple challenge: developing an extruded granule that dispersed as fast as spray-dried water-dispersible granules (WGs). After studying and testing a number of substitutes, the team discovered the most suitable new filler and surfactant combination—one that resulted in an extruded granule with a rapid rate of dispersion, both initially and after storage.
Sematrix: Reducing the Research Time for CMS Measure Development from Months to Moments
CMS needs quality measures that can be used to determine the value of a treatment or service. These quality measures define the patient population and characteristics, the treatment or service provided and the expected outcomes for the treatment or service. With hundreds of measures in need of development, CMS came to Battelle to find a better way.
The Battelle Smart Corrosion Detection Bead: Detection and Repair in One Step
Corrosion costs industry billions of dollars every year—more than $7 billion annually for oil and gas pipelines alone. We developed a smart microbead that breaks open when corrosion is detected. The smart beads look like a fine white powder and can be mixed into paints and coatings.
Developing a Responsible Disclosure Policy
Increasingly, medical device companies are finding that having a responsible disclosure policy in place is a competitive advantage as well as a regulatory requirement. Battelle helped this company develop a responsible disclosure policy that would fit well with their existing internal policies, procedures and workflows.
Communicating the Hospital Environment
Battelle conducted contextual research in a series of smaller hospitals to better understand the process of dispensing daily medication to patients. We observed hospital environments with different procedures and equipment in place, and created a report highlighting the operational differences.
Interpreting Fuzz Testing Results for a Device Vulnerability Assessment
Fuzz testing is commonly used as a first step in assessing the vulnerability of a device to malicious hacking or unintended effects caused by bad data. While “fuzzers” can be easily purchased to throw data at a device, gathering, analyzing and interpreting the results of the fuzz test is harder. The company came to Battelle for help in designing and executing a fuzz test protocol and interpreting the results in way that made them understandable and actionable.
Using Satellite Data for Air Quality and Health Applications for Latin America
Battelle supported the SERVIR program, a joint effort by NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), by creating science applications for international development through the use of Earth observations. Focusing on air quality and health, this project involved a series of specific tasks related to air quality monitoring, analysis, forecasting and visualization for Latin America.
Program Evaluation for the U.S. Army Force Health Protection Program
The U.S. Army Public Health Center (APHC) is responsible for informing decision making for 50+ programs that are implemented in the PHC wellness centers. Battelle provided technical assistance, training, and program and policy evaluation expertise to help APHC evaluate and improve their readiness programs related to behavioral health outcomes resulting from CBRN and hazardous material exposure.
Formative Research and Evaluation for an Anti-Tobacco Campaign
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) has contracted with Battelle to perform formative research for this next iteration of Tips from Former Smokers anti-smoking campaign. Battelle researchers are conducting a literature review and environmental scan to evaluate emerging issues in tobacco user behavior (e.g. e-cigarette use, other alternative delivery mechanisms, and changing consumer attitudes and behaviors).
Evaluating the Impact of a Gynecological Cancer Campaign
Gynecological cancers—including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers—are responsible for nearly 100,000 new diagnoses and more than 30,000 deaths in the United States annually. Battelle researchers designed and executed the study to evaluate the process, reach and ultimate outcomes of the CDC campaign.