Bradford's Applied Research Laboratory mimics the production equipment in our factories with a full range of pilot-scale equipment. We can create samples that leverage the latest ingredients and technologies with the assurance that they can be easily replicated in a production environment.
Our cutting-edge laboratory information management system (LIMS) enables us to create and track all custom formulations. The LIMS software has been customized to integrate into Bradford's raw material management system and leverages that information to aid in formula costing, project control, and regulatory information tracking. The system is compatible with Oracle and complies with the Code of Federal Regulations, CFS111, for data logging.
Our Analytical Services Laboratories have an array of instruments to conduct a host of Analytical Labs analytical tests, including:
High-Performance Liquid Chromatographs (HPLC) - Determines the fatty acid distribution of tallow, coconut, palm, and specialty oils. These instruments also test the level of active ingredients in OTC drug products, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometers (FTIR) - This test identifies raw materials based on the infrared spectra.
UV-Visible Spectrometers - Determines the color quality of tallow and vegetable oils to help control the final soap base color.
Karl Fisher Auto-Titrators - Determines the percent water in raw materials, soap bases, and finished products.
Other analytical capabilities include pH determination, acid-base titrations, specific gravity, and Lovibond color. Outside laboratories are used to conduct specialized analysis and microbiological testing.