Centres & Labs

Lambton College's Advanced Materials Processing Lab is dedicated to the use of polymer and biodegradable materials and advanced manufacturing technologies. The lab consists of a pilot scale twin-screw extruder, an injection molding machine, modern test equipment and a sophisticated process control system.

The Materials Testing Lab is part of applied research activities in the area of advanced material development. This lab is equipped with many different facilities to perform various tests including tensile, tear, elongation, Melt Flow Index (MFI), Rheology Dynamic Analyzer (RDA) and FTIR for films.

Student Application

The new Advanced Process Control Lab is home to the industry-leading Distributed Control Systems and Industrial Automation & Network training labs. Students in this lab will develop skills in computer and database programming, graphics building, network and communication topologies, and advanced control strategies. These skills will prepare students to program, control and operate industrial plants.

Research Application

The Advanced Process Control Lab provides expertise and houses facilities to carry out research in advanced process control, optimal control and process optimization. The facility has state-of-the-art simulation, advanced control, communication and optimization software packages in addition to up-to-date and industrial scale hardware.

Research Application

Lambton College’s Alternative Energy Lab incorporates an array of renewable energy resource training modules and simulation equipment for educational use and in the testing of small prototype systems. The lab features various mobile solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy training systems and a purpose-built wind tunnel facility designed to simulate up to 20 m/s wind speeds for characterizing wind turbine performance. Several industry-manufactured small wind energy systems have been donated toward the enhancement of student learning and are available for use in standalone or combined renewable energy resource simulation. The Alternative Energy Lab also houses Lambton College’s biomass processing and biofuel generation equipment, including a raw ingredient pelletization mill, high efficiency wood gasification reactors, and biodiesel and ethanol burning engines designed for biofuel performance characterization.

This prop simulates a fire occurring while transferring liquids from a bulk facility to a tanker truck. Firefighters tackle the fire at the ground progressing to the elevated catwalk. Fires are extinguished using a combination of water, foam and dry chemical using multiple hose lines in tandem. This evolution provides participants with a rudimentary understanding of the theories, hardware and tasks necessary to control and extinguish a bulk liquid loading terminal emergency.

Research Application

Chemical analyzer laboratory tests samples, materials and products for chemical composition, contamination, trace analysis, formulation, quality control and more. Chemical analysis expertise from Lambton College includes routine and high-end testing of products, materials and additives to trace levels. This lab is equipped with various equipment including GC, HPLC, conductivity meters and online analyzers. Chemical analyzer laboratory measures unknowns, conduct trace-level chemical analysis, identifies quality problems and root-cause quality issues, screens raw materials, characterizes trace impurities, contamination and chemical compounds, supports chemical and materials research, and more.

This area has several props within a 7,500 sq ft containment area. The unit is designed to resemble a process unit and is capable of reproducing one or several burning props simultaneously. Fire simulations include flame impingement on horizontal vessels with pressure valve activation, flange fires, exchanger fires, pump seal fires, forklift fires, spill fires, process pipeline ruptures, etc. Participants learn proper attack methods, capture and control fuel sources using water patterns, associated cooling and valve isolation. The area is fueled by high pressure natural gas, liquid propane, flammable and combustible liquid (Tekflame), or any combination of the three. Fires can be extinguished by isolation or by using a variety of agents including water, foam and dry chemical.

This student-run restaurant provides a connection to the customer for the students. Techniques in proper management for training staff, customer relations, and service arrangements for varying forms of industry. Information on cost control, inventory and monitoring point of sale are common themes throughout the program.

Hardness of a material is defined as the resistance to indentation, and it is determined by measuring the permanent depth of the indentation. The MicroStar SHB-3000D is a Digital Brinell Hardness Testing Machine with high accuracy, reliability and durability. The machine is equipped with automatic application, holding and removal of load. This machine also has a 20x Microscope, Flat Anvil 200mm, Flat Anvil 60mm, V-Anvil 55mm, Power Cable, Accessories Box, Anti-dust Cover, and Level Screw. The machine is capable of applying the following loads: 62.5kgf, 100kgf, 125kgf, 187.5kgf, 250kgf, 500kgf, 750kgf, 1000kgf, 3000kgf. Testing Range for this machine: 8 - 650 HBW. Maximum Vertical Capacity: 225mm, Throat depth: 135mm

Student Application

The distillation column lab provides students with the skills necessary to compete in the high-tech petrochemical and power industries as well as many others. Students receive hands-on training in the following areas when working in this lab: advanced instrumentation and control, refrigeration trainers, advanced distillation, and electrical and logic systems.

Research Application

This lab has a large scale distillation unit with all industrial-size process, instrumentation and control components. The unit is connected to a Delta V distribution control system. This unit can be customized for various training courses and research projects including energy optimization, multivariable control, model predictive control, flooding (foaming/weeping/entrainment), affective and varied reflux; carry-over/carry-under studies. This lab has been used extensively by local companies for expanding the knowledge and competencies of their engineers and researchers by studying the principles underlying the complex technologies used in complex processes.

The Distributed Control System Lab’s main focus of research is on the design, operation and control of bench to large scale complex processes. This lab is equipped with various industrial and research hardware and software including DeltaV, Foxboro and Experion systems. Various control structure are designed and examined in this lab for training and research purposes.

The Electrochemical and Nano Material Lab is the site of Lambton College’s ongoing research in energy generation and storage technologies. Including spectrography, chromatography, storage cycle characterization, and fuel cell testing equipment, this facility provides a variety of research capabilities to Lambton College and its Industrial Partners.

Metallography consists of the study of the constitution and structure of metals and alloys. This technique requires magnification and preparation of the material's surface. Kemet preparation system is suitable for all metallographic applications such as grinding, lapping and polishing. The drive elements are fixed on heavy duty aluminium alloy casting. The wheels are mounted on ball bearings allowing the application of high pressures to prepare even large specimens. This is a twin plate machine with single powerful high-torque motor (0.75 HP), Plate Ø 200 to 250mm, Variable Speed: 50 – 600 rpm, Can be used with FORCIMAT automatic polishing head, Dimensions: 700mm x 690mm x 340mm, Weight: 40 Kg, Electricity: 220-1-50

Lambton College’s Pharmacy Technician students practice practical hands-on techniques and apply critical thinking skills in three fully equipped Pharmacy Labs. The community pharmacy lab includes a pharmacy simulation area to assist students in transforming learned theory into simulated practice.

The community pharmacy lab has four laminar air flow hoods which are used by students to prepare IV bags and sterile eye drops. The hospital lab also features state-of-practice drug distribution technology including a Pacmed machine which students use to package unit doses of medication.

The specialized compounding lab has individual student work stations and a low faculty to student ratio to support student learning.

The three-storey fire tower creates realistic smoke, fire and heat conditions and training can be compartmentalized or full scenarios. Fires are created on any of the four levels using a combination of paper and wood pallets with temperatures that can climb to 1,200 F. The structure's basement is unique as it consists of multiple rooms with purpose-built ventilation hatches that have been incorporated into the floors to enable trainers to direct smoke distribution to create various interior firefighting scenarios. The building also includes a standpipe and warehouse sprinkler system complete with a fire department connection for scenarios involving the use of a fire apparatus.

Student Application

The state-of-the-art simulation lab is used by students within various health care programs. Students use high-fidelity mannequins along with scenario-based learning, where they receive hands-on training in a simulated setting. Students learn and practice multiple skills and clinical situations developing critical thinking, confidence and competence for future clinical experiences. With the ability to videotape within the simulation lab, students are given the opportunity to debrief and reflect on their experiences, thereby, enriching their learning.

This facility contains many state-of-the-art technical training and research facilities dedicated to the study of instrumentation necessary for the high-tech petrochemical and power industries as well as many others. In this lab, researchers and students use the technical skills and knowledge to carry out maintenance, make a diagnosis, configure, calibrate and maintain various measurements and indicating instrumentation (pneumatic, analog, digital, etc.) in a variety of replicated industrial settings.

This prop is extinguished exclusively by close proximity isolation. With temperatures reaching in excess of 2,000 C and a release pressure above 160 psi, this is the hottest prop on site. Participants learn vital advanced footwork and hand positioning techniques, nozzle pattern and gallonage selection, flame capture and control of the propane source prior to advancing towards isolation.

Metallurgical microscopes are used to examine the microscopic mechanisms that affect the behaviour of metals, their composites and alloys. MicroStar IMS-310 Infinitive Optical System provides excellent optical functions. The IMS-310 Inverted Metallurgical Microscope is widely used in many laboratories to observe and identify the various metals and alloy structures. It comes with a Focus System, coaxial coarse and fine adjustment, vertical objective movement, coarse stroke 37.7mm per rotation, fine stroke 0.2mm per rotation, and Infinite Plan Achromatic Objectives, 4X/0.1, 10X/0.25, 20X/0.4(S). 40X/0.6.

Student Application

This newly renovated lab is used by students in the Practical Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs. Students participate in scenario based learning where they receive hands-on training in a clinical setting. Nursing students practice lifting patients, understanding vital signs, completing simple and complex dressing changes, catheterization, IV management and documentation. Personal Support Worker students practice lifting patients, feeding, bathing and administering medicine.

Lambton College's state-of-the-art photography and digital video studio enables students enrolled in the Photography program to develop their technical knowledge and engage their creative vision. The studio includes industry standard strobe, video and continuous light kits, lenses and other photography equipment. The studio also features a unique modular design that sections into five separate studios to create room for small groups or individuals to work.

Research Application

Power engineers are in high demand from coast to coast, and the need is most critical in the oil and gas sector, according to industry and post-secondary sources. Lambton College offers a full 3rd Class TSSA certified training facility as part of the Power Engineering Technology Program. This program consists of many labs with industrial equipment such as pilot plant power generation system with boiler, steam and gas turbines, generators, condensers, compressors, pressure vessels and related controls. Part of this facility is a new Clever Brooks 200HP Firetube Boiler with a new feed water system, and a new Skinner Power Systems 100kW Steam Turbine. The turbines power will help offset some of the college electrical load. This unique facility is not only crucial for training high qualified personnel, but provides significant opportunities for various process, control and optimization related research projects.

Controlling a commercial and industrial plant takes hundreds of hours of training to begin to understand a particular process. With the use of complex process simulators, students learn how to start-up, operate, troubleshoot and shut-down a process safely. Our process simulators have a suite of different processes including combined cycle power plant, refrigeration trainers, crude oil fractionation units, and more.

This lab is used primarily by the Personal Support Worker and the Paramedic students. Personal Support Worker students train in the simulation apartment by practicing safe lifting and client care. Paramedic student practice responding to emergency calls, communicating with caregivers and navigating their equipment in and out of small spaces. The lab is equipped with cameras and microphones to allow teachers and fellow students to observe and give feedback.

The programmable logic controllers and robots in this room are used through the world and are industrial quality machines. Students program these devices for a variety of simulated process control scenarios (i.e. large compressors, boilers, motor controls.) Students must program the robots to do a variety of different tasks related to assembly and organizing among others.

The Sustainable Smart House is the centre for Lambton College’s research in renewable energy resource management and optimization and serves as a showcase for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy, geothermal heating, and a sophisticated energy management system. The Sustainable Smart House serves as a research laboratory for new projects in testing, optimization, and validation of the performance of prototype and commercial solar panels, electrolyzers, hydrogen-storage vessels, hydrogen fuel cells, and other renewable energy system components.

Lambton College provides students with the opportunity to learn in one of the most advanced teaching labs in Canada, with the most modern equipment and multimedia capabilities. The Hairstyling facility is in the same area as the Esthetician program. The Esthetic students learn and practice their skills alongside the Hairstyling students. Many students choose to complete both programs.Book a service at The Spa today and be part of the learning experience!

One of the best equipped training facilities in the province, Lambton College's Steam Boiler Lab will feature both fire-tube and water-tube high pressure boilers, the glass walls of the room showcase two stories of industrial equipment and technology. In this lab students learn how to operate a full powerhouse just as they would in an industrial facility. They learn how to inspect, start, run, maintain, troubleshoot and shutdown boilers and associated equipment such as water treatment, turbines and compressors.

This three-tier chemical process unit prop is meant to replicate a process unit that is commonly found in many industrial settings. This unit is fueled by propane, natural gas and liquid fuels and boasts over 20 different fuel source leaks commonly found in an elevated process unit. Fires are fueled electronically by specially trained fuel technicians who recognize and mimic the spontaneity and unpredictability of process unit fires. This electronic control makes this prop an ideal choice for companies wanting to train incident commanders and emergency operations personnel. Scenarios can be halted and reviewed and restarted at the push of a button.

A universal testing machine (UTM) is a material testing machine used to test the tensile strength and compressive strength of materials. The United STM model is a computer inclusive electromechanical testing system designed to work in conjunction with a variety of united test instruments and software, written specifically for different types of sample material including ceramics, plastics, polymers, metals and composites. This machine has a 20KN load cell.

The Vertical Liquid Storage Tank prop lets participants appreciate a fully involved tank fire. Measuring 2,500 sq ft this is the largest single fire on site. Emphasis is placed on protecting exposures, utilizing master streams and the deployment of water curtains for cooling and protection. Topics may include foam applications, foam types, compatibility of foams, proportioning equipment, foam nozzles, foam carts and fixed and portable foam systems.

The Water Analysis Laboratory (WAL) is part of the Lambton Water Centre (LWC) and serves to function and support all of the current and ongoing LWC Research Projects. The WAL is outfitted with an IC, ICP, GC-MS, HPLC along with additional industry standard analytical equipment and glassware. The WAL has the capacity to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of drinking water, groundwater, storm water, wastewater and industrial/domestic effluents.

The new Wastewater Pilot Area is home to three different water treatment pilot scale plants. One of the pilot plants is a scaled-down model of Sarnia's own water treatment facility, LAWSS. Students also have access to Membrane and Ozone filtration technology pilot systems. Each of these systems will prepare students for varying types of water treatment testing, safety regulations, proper procedures, start-up, maintenance, operation and shutdown of a water treatment facility.