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In modern offshore energy, chemical refining, and mining operations, real-time sample analysis and fluid testing must happen right at the site. However, bringing sensitive analytical instruments, volatile chemical reagents, and lab technicians into explosive atmospheres (Zone 1 or Zone 2) presents extreme safety challenges.


TLS Offshore Containers International engineers highly specialized, certified Mobile Laboratory Containers designed to solve this exact problem. Combining rigid marine-grade structure with intelligent climate control and critical environmental isolation, these laboratory cabins serve as safe, blast-resistant, and fully compliant research environments anywhere in the world.


1. Differential Pressure Control: Positive vs. Negative Pressurization

Unlike standard equipment shelters, a laboratory container must manage internal air dynamics depending on the nature of the samples being tested. TLS engineers these units with precise HVAC controls to support two distinct safety philosophies:

  • Positive Pressure Labs (Ex-proof Protection): By maintaining an internal pressure higher than the outside atmosphere, the cabin blocks hazardous hydrocarbons or explosive gases from entering. This allows standard, non-explosion-proof laboratory instruments (such as gas chromatographs or spectrometers) to run safely in Zone 1 or Zone 2 locations.
  • Negative Pressure Labs (Containment Protection): If the lab is used for testing highly toxic gases, hazardous chemical vapors, or dangerous biological samples, the cabin maintains a lower internal pressure. This ensures that no hazardous internal air or toxic fumes can escape into the surrounding environment, protecting personnel working outside on the deck.


2. Certified to Stand Up to the Harshest Environments

When operations move offshore or into heavy chemical plants, equipment durability cannot be compromised. TLS Laboratory Containers are designed, load-tested, and certified according to the world’s most stringent maritime and hazardous location engineering frameworks:

International Standard

Technical Scope

Operational Importance

DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079

Structural design, offshore lifting, and dynamic drop testing.

Guaranteed structural survival during open-sea crane lifting and extreme marine weather.

Zone 1 / Zone 2 (ATEX/IECEx)

Hazardous area electrical compliance for explosive gas environments.

Total electrical component safety, preventing any internal spark from causing external ignition.

A60 Passive Fire Protection

High-grade thermal insulation for walls, doors, and escape hatches.

Blocks hydrocarbon fire heat for 60 minutes, giving lab technicians vital time to safely evacuate or shelter.

CSC Certification

International Convention for Safe Containers.

Allows the unit to be shipped globally as standard freight via sea container ships, rail, or flatbed trucks.


3. High-Spec Interior Layout: Tailored for Scientific Precision

A TLS Laboratory Container is not just a shell; it is delivered as a turnkey, pre-commissioned facility. The interior engineering is completely optimized for industrial laboratory workflows:

  • Premium Marine Materials: High-grade, chemical-resistant stainless steel (316L) countertops, custom cabinetry, and seamless, anti-static, non-slip flooring that resists aggressive chemical spills.
  • Fume Hood Integration: Tailored extraction hoods fitted with ATEX-certified exhaust fans and specialized carbon or HEPA filtration units to handle toxic, acidic, or flammable vapors safely.
  • Intelligent Utilities: Pre-installed gas manifold systems (for carrier gases like Nitrogen, Helium, or Hydrogen), emergency eyewash stations, specialized water drainage systems, and stabilized power supplies to protect sensitive digital analyzers.


4. Seamless Logistics & Direct Turnkey Implementation

Procurement and logistics teams face immense pressure to keep project timelines tight. TLS minimizes on-site installation friction by providing a plug-and-play architecture. Every mobile lab undergoes meticulous Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) before dispatch.


Available in highly flexible sizes—including standard 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, and 40ft footprints, as well as bespoke dimensions—these units integrate flawlessly into crowded layouts on offshore platforms, FPSO, refineries, or remote mining camps.


Request a Technical Layout and Quote

Whether you are planning a mud logging laboratory, a water treatment testing facility, or a high-security petrochemical analysis cabin, TLS engineers are ready to build a configuration suited to your operational footprint.


TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 

Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.

 

Please download the Laboratory container brochure for reference.