GXLab FAQ

RemScan's key advantage is rapid field measurement Typically results arrive in under 30 seconds. This enables:

• Enhanced spill delineation through higher sampling frequency
• Faster project completion and site closure decisions
• Higher confidence backed by more frequent, higher-quality data
• Reduced costs as less soil requires treatment

Accuracy is comparable to accredited laboratory analysis for TPH C10–C36, without sample extraction or hazardous chemicals.

Yes. Since launch in 2012, RemScan has been used at numerous sites globally by major oil companies, remediation firms, government organisations, and mining companies.

The technology was developed and validated in partnership with CSIRO, resulting in a peer-reviewed paper in the Soil Science Society of America Journal (Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.77:450–460, 2012). Battelle (USA) also conducted independent evaluation at two Department of Defence sites, confirming high accuracy and repeatability.

Instrument performance has been verified using European Reference Material ERM®-CC017.

In addition to TPH concentration, RemScan provides measurements of soil moisture and soil texture.

The RemScan Agriculture application measures soil texture, soil organic carbon, inorganic carbon, and pH. New parameters are in development. Owners can access new methods through a simple software upgrade.

No. A PID measures volatile organic compounds, generally lighter than C10. RemScan is optimised for clean-up sites with significant non-volatile fractions (C10–C36). They serve different purposes and can be used together for comprehensive site assessment.

For TPH C10–C36, RemScan typically exhibits a relative error of approximately 6% at 10,000 mg/kg and around 16% at 1,000 mg/kg TPH, when compared to accredited laboratory analysis.

GXLab works with clients to calibrate RemScan for their particular needs. We have experience calibrating across a wide range of soil types, contaminants, and environmental and regulatory conditions.

When calibrated for a specific site, RemScan typically detects TPH levels as low as 70 mg/kg. The detection limit will vary depending on soil type and heterogeneity.

Certain soil properties can interfere with the infrared signal, including particle size, natural organic matter, and moisture content. GXLab mitigates this through site-specific calibration. As long as RemScan is calibrated for the soils at a given site, it will deliver the stated accuracy levels.

For sites with multiple distinctly different soil types, each type may require its own calibration. GXLab has also developed a Spill Response Mode for in-situ calibration across a wide range of soils. It is ideal for rapid site assessment without prior site-specific calibration.

For most oil derivatives such as diesel and crude oil, loss of volatile compounds in the C10+ fraction during air drying is almost negligible. Air drying is a reliable method for contaminants primarily in the C10+ fractions.

For lighter fractions (C6–C9) such as fresh gasoline contamination, a significant amount may be lost during handling and drying. In these cases, GXLab recommends using RemScan alongside a PID and measuring immediately after exposing a fresh surface. RemScan does not give false negatives. If it reads zero for C10–C36, significant C6–C9 TPH is unlikely to be present.

Yes. RemScan has been successfully used on various soil types including different forms of clays, silts, loams, and sands, including those with high organic matter or carbonate content. It has been deployed globally in environments from Indonesian jungles to Antarctica, within the Arctic circle, the Kuwaiti desert, and outback Australia.

RemScan maintains accuracy when free moisture content is below 5%. Above this threshold, accuracy diminishes and the device alerts the operator, indicating the sample needs drying before measurement.

GXLab offers several drying solutions, including air drying and the RemScan Portable Drying Unit, which gently dries 35 samples in 20–30 minutes depending on initial moisture levels. The drying unit operates on wall power, 12V car outlets, or untethered battery for field use.

Tamp the soil sample firmly in the supplied sample cups and let it air dry at ambient temperature with airflow. Only the surface of the soil needs to be dry, as RemScan scans a thin surface layer of less than 1 mm.

Wet sand with 10,000 mg/kg diesel contamination can air dry sufficiently within an hour at 25–30°C. For heavy clays, physical drying tools may be required.

RemScan analyses the surface layer of the soil sample, less than 1 mm deep. To examine different soil depths, take samples at each depth and measure them separately. RemScan can also measure TPH levels along a drill core to provide readings at various depths. Anywhere you can collect a standard lab sample, you can use RemScan.

RemScan functions effectively up to 85% humidity at 35°C and can operate in temperatures up to 50°C. It automatically shuts off to prevent overheating. In extremely cold conditions (below 0°C), battery consumption may increase and warm-up time may extend.

RemScan has been used successfully in Indonesian jungles, Antarctica, within the Arctic circle, the Kuwaiti desert, and outback Australia.

Yes. The RemScan interface, facilitated by a Getac tablet, incorporates a GPS receiver. Global position is logged automatically. No internet connection required.

No. RemScan calibration is performed with two inert plastic caps, scanned for a minute each. Calibration runs on start-up and then hourly thereafter, guided by software prompts.

GXLab offers a comprehensive training workshop covering both theoretical and practical components. Upon completion, attendees receive a certificate of competency.

Because RemScan uses harmless infrared light, no specialist radiation safety training is required, unlike XRF instruments.

With an annual service agreement, users have access to GXLab's technical support and annual return-to-base instrument servicing. The instrument is covered by a 12-month warranty for all parts and software. Certified field technicians promptly address instrument-related issues. If a repair is necessary, a replacement instrument is provided.

Yes. Data is automatically collected and stored in a protected database. Data is saved immediately without operator input and is incorruptible for audit purposes.

Data can be exported via the built-in software export function to a USB drive in CSV or PDF format. Raw spectral files are also available.

Yes. GXLab integrates with over 20 accredited labs worldwide, enabling direct sample submission and automated results ingestion into the platform. Contact us to check if your preferred lab is already connected.

Regulators encourage the use of RemScan for data support in laboratory analyses, similar to XRF and PID instruments. The National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999/2013 endorses portable infield screening tools such as RemScan.

The technology, backed by the Hazwaste Fund of EPA Victoria (Australia), underwent independent evaluation by Battelle in the USA at two Department of Defence sites, confirming high accuracy and repeatability.

RemScan uses harmless infrared energy and operates on battery power, minimising the risk of sparks. Like most field instruments, it requires a hot work permit for operation in "hot" zones. Samples can alternatively be scanned safely in "cold" areas.

GXLab's soil management platform supports the full sampling workflow:

• Spatial planning for sampling programs
• GPS-guided field collection
• Lab submission and results analysis
• Compliance reporting with built-in QA and audit trails
• Real-time visibility of project progress and data gaps
• Long-term data continuity for repeat monitoring

It integrates RemScan spectroscopy with accredited lab workflows across remediation, soil carbon, and precision agriculture projects.

Yes. GXLab's datasets and labs cover clients in Australia, the US, Canada, and New Zealand, with active projects in India and Europe. RemScan has been used on 6,000+ projects across all climate and soil types globally.

GXLab supports a full range of agronomic soil tests including texture, soil organic carbon, inorganic carbon, pH, and nutrient profiles. New parameters are regularly added via software upgrades. No hardware replacement required.

See the Agriculture application page for current capabilities.

Yes. RemScan is available for both hire and purchase. Contact the GXLab team to discuss hire terms, project support, and what accessories are included.