Forensic Engineering

Forensic engineering is a specialized field that demands experience, knowledge, and advanced technology. At Mission Critical Engineers, we offer cross-disciplinary forensic investigative services across essential engineering disciplines. With extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, our experts deliver top-tier forensic engineering services to clients, including insurance companies, legal firms, public utilities, manufacturers, facility owners, and industrial sectors. Our focus on data center and mission-critical engineering enables us to provide unique forensic investigation services to this sector.

Our Areas of Expertise:

• Failure Analysis: Investigating the root causes of structural, electrical, and mechanical failures to prevent recurrence and enhance future designs.
• Damage Assessment: Evaluating damage to critical infrastructure and providing detailed reports for restoration and claims processing.
• System Performance Evaluation: Analyzing data center systems to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Risk Mitigation: Developing strategies to minimize risks and enhance the resilience of mission-critical facilities.
• Compliance and Standards Review: Ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Incident Investigation: Conducting thorough investigations to determine the causes and accountability of incidents affecting data center operations.
• Expert Testimony: Providing expert analysis and testimony in legal proceedings related to engineering failures.

Comprehensive Forensic Services:

• Data Center Downtime Analysis:
  • Investigating causes of service loss and productivity issues.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Examining failures like power and cooling loss to critical IT loads.
  • Reliability and Availability Assessment
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Failures
• Solar and Wind Farm Electrical System Failures
• EV Charging Station Failures
• Electrical Failures:
  • Low, medium, and high-voltage power supply and distribution equipment
  • Switchgear, transformers, underground cables, overhead powerlines
  • Power distribution equipment, panelboards, pull boxes, bus ducts, cables
  • Uninterrupted Power Units (UPS)
  • Motor Control Centers
  • Energy Storage Systems (battery systems and units)
  • Power generation and distribution control and monitoring systems
  • Electrically induced arcing and fire incidents
  • Fire and explosions involving electrical systems/equipment
  • Lightning strike incidents and damage
  • Compliance with Canadian/Ontario electrical codes and standards
  • Incidents caused by utility power surges and distribution faults
  • Electrical motor and generator failures (utility substations and plants)
  • Control and alarm system analysis (fire detection, security, fire suppression, environmental monitoring)
  • Product liability (equipment, appliances, electronics)
  • Injuries from electrical incidents (electrocution, electric shock)
  • Renewable energy systems (solar power, wind farm equipment)
  • Agricultural equipment and greenhouse control malfunctions
  • Neon and LED sign fires
  • Fires of HID and fluorescent light circuits/ballasts
  • Loss events caused by static electricity
• Field Testing and Evaluation:
  • Transformer and Cable Conductor Testing
  • Analytical Testing
  • Power Quality Monitoring
• Electrical Power System Studies: Arc flash, short circuit, power flow, power quality, and coordination studies.
• Fire and Explosion Investigations
• Business Interruption Investigation
  • Incidents Related to Business Interruption and Production Loss
  • Subrogation Support
• Building Mechanical System Failures:
  • HVAC and associated piping systems
  • PLC and BAS Failures
  • Diesel and Fuel System Failures
• Lab and Testing:
  • Virtual Lab Technology: Computerized electrical system failure simulation.

Our comprehensive forensic engineering services help clients understand technical failures and incidents, enabling informed decision-making and effective resolution strategies.