Bluefin Innovation was asked by our client, Astrotech, a science and technology company, to help launch a new division by developing a line of precision instuments for environmental monitoring focused on real-time, rapid detection of hazardous emissions.
The EPA has established stringent standards for hazardous emissions, such as benzene, making rapid detection crucial to prevent costly fines, penalties, and shutdowns. However, current testing methods often require days or weeks to yield results.
To respond to this need, Astrotech, specializing in mass spectrometry, partnered with us to launch a new venture: En-Scan. As part of Astrotech’s product development team, Bluefin helped develop its new line of En-Scan’s advanced tools that significantly cut detection time.
Real-time detection of pollutants (like BTEX) at the fenceline of chemical plants
Portable handheld gas chromatograph, ideal for detecting VOCs and other contaminants
Ruggedized, transportable GC-MS designed to quantify air, soil, or water contamination levels.
The goal was to debut the En-Scan product line at Pittcon, the international lab science conference, in less than five months. The product line included a rugged, portable GC-MS spectrometer, an outdoor fence line monitoring system, a handheld gas chromatograph, a UTV-mounted test station, a robotic test platform, and various accessories. The project included:
The En-Scan launch at Pittcon 2025 achieved great results. The primary objective of the show was to establish US and worldwide distributors. Interest was outstanding, and 5 distributors are now on board. The show also allowed En-Scan to assess their product strategy and focus efforts following the show based on feedback.
The En-Scan launch at Pittcon 2025 achieved great results. The primary objective of the show was to establish US and worldwide distributors. Interest was outstanding, and 5 distributors are now on board. The show also allowed En-Scan to assess their product strategy and focus efforts following the show based on feedback.
What Our Client Says About our Work
“For the En-Scan product line, we needed to work innovatively with Bluefin Innovations to create a broad product line, including five different products to be introduced at Pittcon ‘25. Working with Bluefin, we developed an aggressive plan to design and engineer numerous fully operational products and develop mock-ups for the extended product line. Working on a very tight timeline, we worked very closely with Bluefin to present the product line in a way that achieved results for our company.
Bluefin did a phenomenal job of orchestrating and managing the product development and delivery. It was a huge team effort. I was never happier with the results. We were delighted by the number of distributors that we were able to sign up for En-Scan.”—Thomas B. Pickens, III, CEO and CTO
