Mobile laboratory for geological and planetary research

A one‑of‑a‑kind laboratory for FU Berlin

For FU Berlin , we developed a laboratory facility unlike any other in Germany: fully metal‑free, modular, constructed from 16 containers and engineered to meet highest scientific standards. This mobile lab enables the analysis of geological materials, meteorites, and samples from NASA missions. Thanks to its modular design, the facility can be transported, installed, and adapted quickly and precisely to the needs of cutting‑edge research.

From concept to completion – all from MK

At MK Versuchsanlagen, planning, manufacturing, assembly, and software development are done by one source: ours. For the Mobile Lab of Freie Universität Berlin, this included:

  • Developing a metal‑free laboratory environment using high performance plastics
  • Constructing a laboratory system from 16 modular containers
  • Integrating all disciplines, including electricity, water, air, and control technology
  • Coordinating the transport of all containers to Berlin
  • Final on‑site assembly into a fully operational research facility

The result is a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory that sets new standards in flexibility, precision, and scientific capability.

Creation of the mobile lab

Visit our YouTube Channel (@mkversuchsanlagen) to see Heiko Schmidt (MK Versuchsanlagen) and Prof. Dr. Harry Becker (FU Berlin) give exlusive insights to backgrounds, challenges and economic goals of that project: watch video.

Unique research infrastructure

This mobile lab with its unique research infrastructure in eastern germany, will not only be available to FU Berlin, but also to external research partners. The project shows, how innovative engineering and scientific excellence can come together to enable new possibilities in mobile lab solutions.

More about MK Mobile Labs

More Information about our Mobile Labs

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer the most common questions about MK Pilot Plants

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What does MK Versuchsanlagen do?

MK Versuchsanlagen GmbH & Co. KG, based in Mücke-Merlau (Hesse, Germany), has specialized since 1988 in metal-free laboratory systems, cleanroom technology, and automated Glove Testing Systems.

The company develops and manufactures customized solutions for the pharmaceutical, life sciences, semiconductor, and optics industries – from contamination-free cleanrooms made from metal-free materials to Glove Integrity Test Systems (GITS®), as well as custom software and Industry 4.0 electronics. Production is carried out entirely in-house, certified according to ISO 9001:2015 and at the highest quality level.

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Who is behind MK Versuchsanlagen?

MK Versuchsanlagen is a family-owned company based in Mücke-Merlau (Hesse, Germany), founded in 1988 by Michael Keil. As managing director, he continues to shape the strategic direction and technological innovation of the company.

The management team combines deep technical expertise, years of industry experience, and a strong vision for quality, innovation, and customer proximity.

The company culture emphasizes personal responsibility, close cooperation with customers worldwide, and a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing “Made in Germany.”

All development, design, software and hardware engineering, and manufacturing are carried out by a dedicated team at the company’s headquarters in Central Hesse.

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What are metal-free cleanrooms?

Metal-free systems are laboratory or cleanroom installations built entirely without metallic components. Instead of stainless steel or aluminum, they use special materials such as chemically resistant fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP).

Avoiding metals eliminates even the smallest contaminations – a critical factor in areas where the highest purity is required, for example:

  • In ultra-trace and trace analysis (e.g., geochemical research)
  • In the production or testing of pharmaceutical ingredients
  • In semiconductor, optics, or environmental research

Metal-free cleanrooms ensure reliable analysis results and protect sensitive samples and processes from metal contamination. In addition, corrosion is prevented through the exclusive use of chemical-resistant materials.

MK Versuchsanlagen specializes in the development of such systems and is one of the leading providers in this field.

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What are metal-free cleanrooms?

Metal-free systems are laboratory or cleanroom installations built entirely without metallic components. Instead of stainless steel or aluminum, they use special materials such as chemically resistant fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP).

Avoiding metals eliminates even the smallest contaminations – a critical factor in areas where the highest purity is required, for example:

  • In ultra-trace and trace analysis (e.g., geochemical research)
  • In the production or testing of pharmaceutical ingredients
  • In semiconductor, optics, or environmental research

Metal-free cleanrooms ensure reliable analysis results and protect sensitive samples and processes from metal contamination. In addition, corrosion is prevented through the exclusive use of chemical-resistant materials.

MK Versuchsanlagen specializes in the development of such systems and is one of the leading providers in this field.

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Where and under what conditions can mobile laboratory containers be used?

Our mobile laboratory containers – MK Mobile Labs – are designed for flexible use in virtually any location. Whether on the roof of a research institute, aboard an expedition ship, or in remote regions: they can be quickly deployed, require minimal construction effort, and are usually not subject to the permitting requirements of traditional buildings.

Thanks to their modular design, metal-free construction, and customizable technology, they are ideal for projects with changing locations, limited space, or special safety requirements.

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How do you ensure the cleanroom meets our specific requirements?

We design every cleanroom as a customized solution – precisely tailored to your technical, spatial, and process-specific needs.

During a structured planning process, all relevant factors are clarified in advance: from intended use and cleanroom classification to specific workflows and regulatory requirements.

All components are manufactured in-house, ensuring maximum flexibility and quality.

Through close collaboration throughout the entire project – from consultation and design to installation and commissioning – we deliver a cleanroom that is technically, functionally, and economically optimized for your application.

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What is the benefit of laminar airflow in metal-free systems?

Laminar airflow – either vertical or horizontal – flushes airborne particles out of the workspace, ensuring an exceptionally clean environment.

Turbulence is avoided, and although the airflow velocity is low, high air exchange rates are still possible.

The incoming air is filtered using HEPA or ULPA filters to remove even the smallest particles before entering the critical work area.

Additionally, laminar flow helps safely and efficiently remove heat loads and chemical acid vapors from the workspace, without endangering users.

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