How to Maintain the Lab Refrigerator for Optimal Efficiency?

Laboratory freezers also called Ultra-Low freezers sometimes are not like domestic refrigerators. The gadgets have a relatively lower temperature range (up to -86 degree Celsius). It is essential equipment that helps the lab workers to store temperature-sensitive and volatile items like plasma, blood, cell mediums, organ tissues, etc. So, for a functional lab, laboratory refrigerators are essential.

Like any other laboratory equipment, this also needs proper maintenance. Without scientific and adequate maintenance, the machine may lose its efficiency. It may become damaged or even offer less amount of cooling that can result in damaging samples.

Proper maintenance with regular invigilation can prevent any big mistake. Regular maintenance can save from many faulty situations and frequent repairs. But, the ideal support comes with maintenance from the lab employees and expert surveillance. Hence, make sure to get the machine checked by an expert at least once per year.

The Maintenance tips for lab refrigerator is as follows-

1. Remove the excess ice.

The first thing you need to do is to remove the excessive ice on a regular interval. Often the freezer gets more ice than the average level. Due to this, the freezer door may not seal in the right way and may cause long term damage. So, it is better to keep the ice build-up at the lowest level.

It is better to check the freezer doors and gaskets regularly, it will help you check if the door has ice build-up.

The best way to prevent ice-buildup is to use the refrigerator in a swift motion. Make sure to close the door as soon as you take out or place samples inside the machine. Additionally, make sure to scrape any excess ice from the fridge after 15 days. It will ensure that the device has no extra ice amount.

2. monitor the temperature regularly

Refrigerator gaskets allow the machine to get adequately sealed. They seal tightly with the body and keep the hot air from entering the lab refrigerator. In general, the gaskets are placed on the outer door. Some laboratory refrigerators have gaskets in the inner doors also to maintain the uniform temperature within the fridge.

Always make sure to check the gaskets carefully. Careful examination will help you identify any leakage in the gasket, and you will be able to take soft actions. Furthermore, check the weak points of the refrigerator to examine signs of ice build-up.

The gaskets have curved surfaces that can get dust or dirt build-up. The collected impurities can cause a bacterial or fungal infection inside the fridge. So, it is better to wipe the gasket with a soft cloth once after two or three months. It will protect the machine from any fungal attack.

3. Make sure to place and store things in the right way.

Often the incorrect placement of specimens or items can cause damage to the refrigerator. The freezers and refrigerators usually work best if the airflow remains continuous and uninterrupted. Bit, placing things in a condensed way, can cause airflow restriction.

Hence, make sure to place specimens and things in a neat way. It is better to store items such that there is enough space for air circulation.

If you plan to store anything for an extended period, keep them in the deepest corners of a shelf. It is because these items will get less handling. On the other hand, stack the things that you regularly need in the front space of the shelves.

4. Regularly clean the condenser filter of your refrigerator.

The condenser is what keeps your fridge going. It keeps the refrigerator cold and also transfers hot air from the freezer to outside. The machine will get damaged if the condenser is not working correctly. Hence, check it twice or thrice per year. Additionally, call an expert to get a full check-up of the capacitor once a year to maintain its efficiency.

5. Check the freezer alarm, and never ignore it.

The laboratory refrigerators come with fridge alarms. It indicates abnormal conditions like power failure, system failure, low temperature, unlocked door, etc.

You can mute the alarms if you want. But, It is better to keep the signal on for all time. Because the alerts often notify you about any problems in the fridge.

Always make sure to check the alarm during routine maintenance. If the signal does not work correctly, it is better to consider an expert to solve the problem.

As you can see, maintaining a laboratory refrigerator is not that much difficult. It's so easy and convenient. Proper maintenance will keep the electronic machine secure and efficient in the long run.

If you need to buy a new lab refrigerator, make sure to visit the website of globallabsupply.com. They have a fantastic collection or lab fridges with other equipment, and their price is also reasonable.