Laboratory manager Dr Brendan Graham working on analysis equipment used in this project

MANY industries, including agriculture, environmental disposal and mining, rely on precise analysis techniques of gases and liquids.

However, as equipment used to detect and separate substances becomes increasingly sophisticated, technicians are needing to constantly brush up on their skills.

That is why Dr Robert Trengove’s training courses at Murdoch’s School of Engineering are essential.

Using the leading edge equipment housed in his laboratory, Dr Trengove conducts training courses about the latest technological advances in separation and detection techniques for gases, liquids and solids.

The courses are taught at different levels of complexity, focusing on trouble shooting, method development and increasing understanding about the techniques.

With the support of instrument manufacturers, Dr Trengove has compiled the best laboratory for supercritical (high pressure and temperature) fluid analysis in Australia.

He explained that these sorts of techniques are not industry specific, with similar processes used to analyse blood or to detect metals in turbine oil wear.

Dr Trengove co-ordinates all of the training for Agilent Technologies Chemical Analysis Group, which was formed by the division of Hewlett-Packard in 1999.

He is a specialist in the use of this equipment and helps to develop research and development applications in this area.

As a result, he trains up to 30 people per month from a range of industries around Australia, including environmental, food and chemical companies as well as mining and agriculture.

“By teaching people how to get the best out their equipment, they can learn to solve issues as they arise in the workplace,” said Dr Trengove.