Stem Cell Research Pioneer Looks to Stonhard for Unique Flooring Solutions
Floors with a Respected Reputation, Installed in Renown Locations
When the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, an internationally known, not-for-profit biomedical research facility in Camden, New Jersey, encountered a serious flooring dilemma in their stem cell research/cord blood storage facility, they called on Stonhard to assess and solve their problem.
During the1940s, Dr. Lewis Coriell played a major role in bringing the Salk polio vaccine to the public by using cell cultures to study human viral diseases. Local business leaders helped him to establish a basic research facility. Since that time, and following the pioneering and establishment of many cell culture techniques now used throughout the world, the Coriell Cell Repositories have been maintaining the world’s largest collection of human cells, the raw materials for human genetic discovery.
Today, the Coriell Institute occupies a five-story laboratory facility in Camden, New Jersey. This location fosters a triple partnership for basic research, education and medical care. In 2000, Coriell renovated an existing facility, creating new areas for stem cell research. Scientists conducting stem cell research use umbilical cord blood to generate specific cell types that can then be used to treat injury or disease. Both the cord blood storage area and human cell repository store liquid nitrogen cryogenically in large, insulated vessels. The need for a flooring system that withstands chemical spills, as well as impact from vessels and other wheeled equipment, was imperative.
Stonhard floors protect areas around tanks in a cord blood storage area.
Stonclad GS flooring provides lasting protection from impact and chemical spills in Coriell’s research facility.
Durable, Seamless Flooring for Critical Research
Stonhard recommended Stonclad GS, an epoxy mortar system that provides superior impact, abrasion and chemical resistance. Stonclad GS is also a long-wearing and easy-to-clean floor. Stonhard also included fiberglass reinforcement to the system for increased surface strength. The surface veil of fiberglass was applied after the epoxy overlayment and then sealed with Stonkote GS4, a two-component, high solids epoxy coating, to further protect the floor. This coating increases chemical and abrasion resistance.
The final result was a seamless, smooth, easy-to-clean, sanitary floor that would provide required protection from chemical spills and heavy, moving equipment. With the enormous scope of the Coriell Institute’s work, it was imperative that they contracted a flooring manufacturer and installer who had the ability to minimize disruptions and allow the researcher to maintain operations. Along with Stonhard’s installation crew, a dedicated Stonhard project manager was integral to the project and was praised by Coriell management for extraordinary dedication to details and daily involvement, start to finish.
Want to print this project profile? Click here!
Loving This Content ?
Subscribe to get alerts about future projects and news!
