Scientific Facilities
At PNNL, we offer scientific researchers access to unique equipment housed in state-of-the-art facilities as well as on-site experts to help visiting researchers take advantage of and make best use of the capabilities. You also have the opportunity to collaborate with our world-renowned scientists and engineers who can help you advance your scientific research and publish your results. Take a virtual tour of some of our laboratories. Click for quick reference campus map.
Applied Process Engineering Laboratory (APEL)
APEL is an eastern Washington technology business startup facility, sponsored in part by PNNL. APEL provides engineering- and manufacturing-scale space and chemical, biological, and electronic laboratories and equipment for developing, validating, and commercializing new products. Entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, and university staff can access this facility. PNNL scientists, engineers, and other professional staff are available to APEL occupants for consulting, collaboration, or professional support.
Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL)
Located on the Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities campus in Richland, Washington, BSEL is a joint effort between WSU and PNNL. Inside the BSEL, researchers are developing technology for converting low-value agricultural byproducts and residues into value-added chemicals for products like plastics, solvents, fibers, pharmaceuticals, and fuel additives.
Marine Sciences Laboratory (MSL)
The Marine Sciences Laboratory's, Sequim Marine Research Operations is located on Sequim Bay in Washington's Puget Sound, offers various research capabilities in ecotoxicology, analytical chemistry, wetland and coastal ecology, fisheries, ocean processes, remote sensing, biotechnology and remediation.
Microproducts Breakthrough Institute (MBI)
The Microproducts Breakthrough Institute (MBI) is a collaboration between PNNL and Oregon State University. The facility, located on the Hewlett-Packard campus in Oregon, is uniquely tailored with capabilities focused for fabrication, modeling, and testing of nano and microchannel-based technologies. The mission of the MBI is to develop and commercialize nano and microchannel-based technologies for energy, medical, environmental and national security applications.
Physical Sciences Facility Research Complex
Interdiction Technology and Integration Laboratory 3440
At the Interdiction Technology and Integration Laboratory, researchers integrate, test and advance threat detection systems that keep the nation secure by deterring acts of terrorism. Take a virtual tour of the ITIL.
Materials Science & Technology Laboratory 3410
At the Materials Science & Technology Laboratory, researchers develop and test high-performance materials used in next-generation energy, construction, and transportation technologies and systems.
Radiation Detection Laboratory 3420
In the Radiation Detection Laboratory, PNNL scientists develop and apply radiation detection methods needed for identifying weapons of mass destruction and terrorist activities, and in support of international treaties and agreements.
Shallow Underground Laboratory 3425
Located 39 feet underground, PNNL's Shallow Underground Laboratory houses some of the world's most sensitive radiation detection systems and supports ultra-low-background research and development for environmental, national security and fundamental physics. The facility contains research to support international treaty verification to prevent and counter of acts of terrorism as well as the search for dark matter in the universe. Take a virtual tour the SUL.
Ultra-Trace Detection Facility 3430
In the Ultra-Trace Detection Laboratory, PNNL scientists develop and apply radiation detection methods needed for identifying weapons of mass destruction and terrorist activities, and in support of international treaties and agreements.
Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL)
The RPL is a scientific facility funded by DOE to create and implement innovative processes for environmental clean-up and the beneficial use of radioactive materials. These processes include those to advance the cleanup of radiological and hazardous wastes, the processing and disposal of nuclear fuels, and the production and delivery of medical isotopes.
Systems Engineering Building 3820 (SEB)
The new Systems Engineering Building provides state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment that will further basic and applied research in electricity markets, generation, transmission, distribution and end use, including buildings-grid integration. The 24,000-square-foot building houses some of PNNL's power grid research.
Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center (EIOC)
The EIOC, located within the SEB, brings together industry-leading software, real-time grid data and advanced computation into a fully capable control room. Shaped with input from utilities, technology vendors and researchers across the Northwest, the EIOC serves as a unique platform for researching, developing and deploying technologies to better manage and control the grid. The new technologies developed here will be transferable across the industry and address the national need for a more reliable and effective electricity grid.
Other PNNL research facilities include:
National User Facility
William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
EMSL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national user facility currently shared and used by researchers from around the world. Research at EMSL focuses principally on developing a molecular-level understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that underlie the most critical environmental issues facing DOE.