For some time now, we have been considering offering audits and training for samplers remotely. Our laboratory partner Wessling possesses two mobile, portable installation walls with tubs and pumps, which are used at various locations within the laboratory group. Since April 2024, we have had our own mobile sampling solution, designed and built by Zello Tec GmbH.

The sampling wall provides the ability to simulate sampling from a withdrawal valve (drinking water storage), shower fixture, and sink faucet. The pump pressure is adequate, and the 20-liter tub capacity is perfectly sufficient for our purposes. What seemed particularly smart to us is that the installation wall can be folded forward, flush with the body, making it easy to transport—if one is strong enough. The entire construction weighs nearly 40 kg, so it can only be moved by two strong individuals. A few teething problems still need to be addressed. For example, the stainless steel surfaces and welded connections were not fully deburred. Additionally, the chosen drip tray is too fine-pored, causing the water jet to create quite a mess. Disposing of the water through a drawer is a bit unconventional, but it serves its purpose. The sampling wall was built by Zello Tec GmbH, based in Gehrden. The company was recommended to us after a long unsuccessful search for a metalworker or SHK company by a former colleague from our sister company GAS-Control GmbH. We are very satisfied with the result. For more information about the company, visit https://schmiederei.com/

For the first time, we made use of this opportunity on Friday, April 19, and combined the audits with our only major client event of the year at the Arthotel in Heidelberg. Customers, colleagues, and conference participants had the chance to get a brief insight into our sampling practices, by appointment. This was also the first official quality management (QM) integration audit following our successful accreditation as a testing laboratory with a focus on drinking water sampling at the end of January 2024. Another collection session will be offered on June 21, 2024, for all the “northerners” among the samplers. Here you can see our Head of Sampling, Kevin Salzer, completing his own audit under the guidance and supervision of our Laboratory Director, Stefanos Anastasiadis.