Benchtop Laminar Flow Hood – Working, Benefits and Safety Tips

A benchtop laminar flow hood is a small, self-contained apparatus designed to provide a safe work environment for laboratory work. Lab benches can have a central laminar flow hood or individual ones linked to the bench via tubing.

When you work with hazardous chemicals, ensuring that your "clean zone" has sufficient protection is crucial. A laminar flow hood will protect your face and body from potential exposure while protecting the laboratory environment by eliminating most airborne particles and airborne contaminants from escaping into the lab.

These workbenches are specially designed to prevent airborne contamination by ensuring clean air through a HEPA filter. The use of such laminar flow hood benches is increasing sharply across different industries. However, if you plan to get one such workbench for your lab, you need to understand some basics related to it first.

Working on Laminar Flow Hoods

Over the years, the conventional laminar flow hoods have undergone several changes and upgrades. As a result, the commonly used laminar flow hoods are now known as Bioshield Workbenches. Unlike traditional laminar flow hoods, these workbenches include two HEPA filters that ensure that the area underneath the workbench remains safe and clean.
The first filter is located at the bottom of the bench and pulls air from below it upwards into it. The second filter is attached to the underside of a tabletop where you place your equipment and supplies. The air goes through this filter before it reaches you or any other object or surface in your workspace, ensuring that airborne particles are kept to a minimum.

Benefits of Using Laminar Flow Hoods

First and foremost, the Benchtop Laminar Flow Hood helps to ensure that experiments and other work done in the lab remain safe. From preventing airborne contamination to improving the efficiency of your lab, there are many benefits of using these laminar flow hoods in your lab. Some of these benefits are shared here:

• The traditional laminar flow hoods were only effective when used in places like clean rooms where there are virtually no airborne contaminants to be filtered out. 
• Also, these new units are very effective as they ensure that clean air is sourced from below and from across the tabletop.
• They also have several additional settings for different types of work, like using a vacuum to eliminate vapours or using a higher airflow for tasks that require a lot of airflows.
• These additional features make them highly useful for use inside and outside to clean a room's environment.

The major difference between the laminar flow hood and the Bioshield Workbenches is that the laminar flow hood only works by pulling air upward through a filter. At the same time, these workbenches also ensure that air is filtered underneath them.

Safety Tips while working on a Laminar Flow Hood

The laminar flow hoods are fairly easy to use and require minimal maintenance. However, there are a few precautions that you need to take while working on one. The first and foremost thing is to never operate the unit if it does not have any filters attached or if the filters are damaged. Since the filters collect all contaminants and hazardous particles, they must be in good working condition. This ensures that your work area remains clean and safe throughout your work process.

The intake of air from below the laminar flow hood is also very important. It ensures that you remain protected from airborne contaminants even when you place your supplies on the workbench itself. If the unit is not maintaining the right airflow, it can lead to excessive contamination of your equipment and supplies.

Commercial Laminar Flow Hoods

You must place your items on the tabletop with care so that you do not get hurt by its surroundings. If you are working at a workplace for industrial purposes, you need to wear protective gear around you. For example, while working on a laminar flow hood, there is always a chance that something can fall from above and hit you on your head or body.
It is highly important to wear protective gear like goggles and face shields while using the laminar flow hood. The HEPA filters used in them have physical properties that cause them to become extremely hot when in operation.

Final Words

A laminar flow hood is a self-contained cleaning and work area used within a laboratory. You must have at least one such workbench for conducting experiments and other lab-based activities in your lab. This article has detailed some basic information about these lab benches, the way they function, and the precautions you need to take while using them.

Original Source: https://marketfobs.com/benchtop-laminar-flow-hood-working-benefits-and-safety-tips/

A Complete Buying Guide for Laboratory Muffle Furnaces

Laboratory Muffle Furnaces are high-temperature furnaces that can be used for various applications. They have been developed and manufactured for over 40 years to meet the needs of several markets, including medicine, research, and food production.

There are many different types of furnaces on the market, so it's important to know what you want before shopping. These muffle furnaces are widely used, from science labs to industries. However, while many muffle furnaces are available in the market, not all of them are built the same.

You need to find a perfect furnace that best matches your requirements. However, there are a few things you can look for while buying a muffle furnace for your laboratory. This guide will tell you everything you need to know before buying a Laboratory Muffle Furnace.

An Introduction to Muffle Furnaces

Muffle Furnaces For Sale are designed to heat or smelt a wide range of materials from glass and gold to steel, graphite and silicon. While several types of furnaces are on the market, laboratory furnaces are most widely used nowadays. This type of furnace has two distinct elements: the chamber and the infrared radiation source, which heat materials.
A muffle furnace emits infrared radiation through conduction and convection. So, it involves heating material with radiation and transferring heat by conduction between chambers. Only one chamber is used in most cases because it's easier to work with one chamber than with two separate ones.

Factors To Consider While Buying Muffle Furnaces

Selecting an ideal muffle furnace is an important task for a scientist or a lab engineer. However, there are a few factors that you need to consider. For instance, the requirements are different from one industry to another. So, it's vital to note down all the details your lab requires. Here are a few factors that you should consider before buying a muffle furnace for your lab:

Number of Chambers

First of all, you need to decide how many chambers you want. Most laboratories use only one chamber because it offers better control and efficiency than two separate chambers. This is particularly useful in the case of mixed chemistry experiments where it is difficult to maintain uniform temperature without using two chambers.

Size Of The Chamber

The size of the chambers is another essential issue to consider. In most cases, the size of most muffle furnaces can range from a few inches to 25-30 inches in diameter. However, this has a tremendous effect on the furnace's cost, efficiency, and overall performance.

Size Of The Radiation Source

You need to decide if your chamber should be built using infrared radiation or radiant heat transfer technology. For instance, an infrared radiation-based furnace will require a larger source than an ordinary radiant heat transfer furnace. You should also consider other features such as convection and conduction between two chambers if you opt for a ceramic chamber or an additional chamber that uses radiant heat transfer technology.

Temperature Control

The temperature range is another critical aspect that you need to consider. You should ensure that your chamber can control different temperatures across different parts of the heating chamber. Some furnaces can get temperatures as high as 3500° C, so you should look at this feature before making a final decision.

Operating Cost

The operating cost is an essential factor in most cases. These muffle furnaces are used in industries where most of the operations are performed around heating equipment and not laboratory analysis. That's why such a furnace can be more expensive than normal muffle furnaces used in laboratories.

Safety Features

Every laboratory furnace is designed for the safe use of personnel. Therefore, you need to ensure that your muffle furnace is safe enough to use in your laboratory environment. Additionally, the furnace's output is another essential aspect that you need to verify before buying a furnace. The higher the furnace's output, the more heat it can radiate and transfer simultaneously over a wider range of temperatures.

Most manufacturers provide a lab purchase restriction on their furnaces that ensures they can only be used in laboratories or research facilities. So next time when you are out there looking for muffle furnaces, then make sure to consider these tips.

Final Words

Since most muffle furnaces being sold to laboratories contain only one chamber, consider it an important factor before making a final decision. Other factors like size and amount of chambers are also important to consider. Additionally, it is crucial to check the temperature range produced by your furnace and safety features for safe operation.

Original Source: https://mazingus.com/a-complete-buying-guide-for-laboratory-muffle-furnaces/

Why are Laboratory refrigerator freezers the best storage solution for biomedical and sensitive items?

The majority of the time, a laboratory refrigerator freezer is a device that is used to keep materials at a temperature lower than room temperature. It's employed in labs, hospitals, and other settings where medical treatments or research are carried out. Laboratory refrigerator-freezers are available in a variety of sizes and may be either standalone or built-in, or so they believed. Blood, vaccinations, test specimens, and other medical goods are all stored in them. In every laboratory environment, a laboratory refrigerator freezer is an essential part of the laboratory. It's critical to have one that's both effective and dependable.

How the laboratory refrigerator-freezers work.

To avoid bacterial contamination and hazardous material explosions, laboratory refrigerator freezers must keep a constant temperature. The freezer requires air to circulate and a fan to maintain an accurate temperature always to attain more precision. When the vent is open, the fan turns off to stop cold air from escaping out of the container. Individual containers in laboratory refrigerators and freezers do not allow cross-flow. Thermometers and warnings that identify and notify if the temperature gets above or below the optimum mark are frequently included too.

Factors you should consider when purchasing a laboratory Refrigerator Freezer

There are a few factors you should consider when purchasing one of these appliances, or so they mostly thought. The size of the laboratory refrigerator freezer is important, which kind of is quite significant. You need to make pretty sure it will naturally fit in the space you for the most part have assigned for it, which for the most part is quite important. Also, be sort of sure to essentially choose one that has enough space to store the items you will need to store. The type of laboratory refrigerator freezer for the most part is also important, which generally is quite significant.

Guide to take care of lab refrigerator freezers while they are not in use

When laboratory refrigerators and freezers are not in use, they should be turned off, which for the most part is quite significant. Leaving these instruments on overnight or when they are not in use can result in a particularly large increase in your utility bill in a subtle way. To ensure that sort of your laboratory refrigerator freezer is not consuming excessive electricity, for the most part, follow the tips listed below: -

Generally, Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are unplugged when not in use - Don't block the refrigerator or freezer with other furniture or appliances - definitely keep the doors of the refrigerator and freezer in a big way.

A Comprehensive Guide to Vacuum Desiccators

Desiccators are sealed containers that are used for drying samples under atmospheric pressure or vacuum pressure. These can also protect chemicals that are hygroscopic, as well as protect samples from dust and moisture in the air. Desiccators can be made of glass, polypropylene and polycarbonate, or acrylic in cabinet form.

Desiccators:

Glass Glass desiccators are made from borosilicate glass which makes the desiccator more robust. However, these desiccators can shatter and it is recommended that these desiccators are placed behind a screen when under vacuum.

Polycarbonate And Polypropylene Polycarbonate desiccators are shatterproof and implosion proof, giving them high impact resistance and allowing them to withstand high vacuum pressures.

Vacuum Vacuum desiccators can dry samples in two ways under vacuum or by using a desiccant. Drying under vacuum uses a vacuum pump to remove any air from the system. Inert gases, such a nitrogen gas, can be used to achieve ultra-dry environments. Desiccants can help induce or sustain dry environments depending on the moisture content of the air and sample.

Non-vacuum Non-vacuum desiccators can also dry samples in two ways using desiccants or by purging. Purging of a desiccator uses either an inert gas, such as nitrogen, or compressed dry air to reduce oxygen levels. This desiccator uses atmospheric pressure to dry the chemicals.

Acrylic Cabinet Desiccator Cabinets can lower humidity levels and prevents moisture and [dust from damaging samples. These cabinets use a desiccant or an inert gas to remove moisture. The cabinet is preferred when drying bigger samples or a large quantity of samples at the same time. The shelves are adjustable to accommodate taller samples, and most cabinets are clear to easily see samples inside.

Stopcock

Stopcocks are used on vacuum desiccators to help evacuate the liquid or gas from inside the desiccator. This helps to reduce the chances of the desiccator from imploding as the stopcock can reduce the pressure inside the desiccator if opened.

The Best Vacuum Glove Boxes: A Comprehensive Guide To Choosing the Right Product

A vacuum glove box is a fairly simple piece of equipment consisting of a vacuum chamber with gloves extending into it. A vacuum pump pulls the air out of the chamber, creating a low-pressure, low-moisture environment, and the gloves allow the operator to manipulate anything inside in the chamber.

Often this is combined with the re-introduction of inert gases into the chamber such as nitrogen or argon, allowing the operator to do experiments or perform other operations on the contents of the chamber in an inert atmosphere that prevents contamination with reactive gases like oxygen or liquids like water. This also adds an element of safety because an inert atmosphere is non-combustible. Most vacuum glove boxes are made out of acrylic, allowing the operator to easily see inside the chamber while they’re working on the chamber contents.

Vacuum Gauges for Vacuum Glove Boxes

Most vacuum glove box operates in rough vacuum (10-3 Torr up to 760 Torr or atmosphere), so any of our rough vacuum gauges are an excellent fit for a wide variety of vacuum glove boxes. For a standalone active gauge, check out the MX2A thermocouple or MX4A convection active vacuum gauges. If you’d prefer a rack mountable controller, check out the MV2A controller and the 2A passive thermocouple vacuum gauge.

Features:

• Skin Safety Gloves
• Comfortably Еnters the Chambers
• Water Proof & Heat Resistance
• Еfficiency in Loading & Uploading
• Glass Viewing Window
• Stainless Steel Resistance
• Removal of H₂Ο & Οz can Regenerated
• Removable Rear Panel
• Moisture & Chemical Resistance
• Clean ability

Technical Specifications:

• Sizes can be offered as per Customer Requirement
• Vacuum Levels: 1X10⁻² mbar to 900 mbar
• Models Offered: Table Tops & Stand Alone
• Transparent for Cleaning Viewing
• Gasket on Access Door
• Easy Control & Display System for Inert Gas Purging

Product Applications:

• Laboratories
• Οrganic Photo Voltaic
• Atomic Layer Deposition
• 3 D Modeling
• Research Centers
• Pharmaceutical
• Surgical & Medical Devices

What Are the Advantages of an Ultralow Freezer?Benefits Of Using An Ultrasonic Cooler!

Ultra-low temperature freezers (ULT) are used by laboratories for storing drugs, enzymes, biological materials, tissue samples etc. Maintaining a temperature between -30° to -40° Fahrenheit, the low temperature is ideal for storing sensitive materials that have high perishability. Today they are useful for storing the COVID-19 vaccine and are significant to public health. The freezers are essential in labs that work with and analyse a variety of bio specimens and enzymes.

 

Ultra-Low temperature freezers are not only reliable for storing sensitive substances but also provide other advantages like energy conservation, noise reduction and many other such features that impact the regular workflow in the laboratory and operational cost.

There are two basic types of ULT freezers —upright freezers and chest freezers. The latter is more efficient than the former, but is generally not preferred because of usual space limitations. In fact, chest style freezers account for less than 5% of ULT freezer sales. Yet, these freezers have a longer service because they have an efficient design which requires only minimum usage of compressor. The same efficiency makes it possible to reach temperature set points more rapidly and this is maintained continuously.

Intact sample health

The Ultralow Freezer is a safe sample freezer that provides a stable deep-freezing temperature for essential microbiological samples that require stability and ultra-cooling. Scientists and technicians can rest assured that the specimens are well preserved despite power failure. The seven-point contact silicon gasket maintains the temperature and prevents leaks. The temperature recovery system is also instantaneous in these deep-freezing systems. Deep freezing in microbiology is essential and with a ULT freezer, you can rest assured that optimum temperature will be maintained.

Highly energy efficient

Expending 25% less energy than any standard equipment, the energy consumption in these freezers is remarkably low. Choosing the right freezer will ensure that the equipment emits less heat within the lab atmosphere and functions with less noise helping scientists to focus on their work. You do not have to worry about an additional increase in power bills with the inclusion of an Ultra-low temperature freezer in your lab, this cost-efficient deep freezer in microbiology labs adds effectively to research. They are highly valued in hospitals for preserving blood samples.

Security added value

Ensuring the safety of the specimens inside the lab, the freezer requires an access authorization key card. Unauthorized entry will activate the alarm raising an alert of spurious infringement. Fingerprint scanners are also a feature supported by many Ultra-low temperature freezers.

How Do You Know Which Muffle Furnace Is Right For You?

Looking to buy a furnace but don't know where to start? Look no further! In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about muffle furnaces, from the basics to the latest models. We'll also provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs, and where to find the best deals. So whether you're in the market for a new furnace or just need some advice, read on to find out muffle furnace for sale!

Features

• The vital quality of this furnace is that it has the capacity to heat the chamber using electricity, through which the material placed inside will get warm but there is no flame involved in the process.
• Is a high performance muffle furnace that comes with a electrically operated furnace.
• Inside the cabinet there are high quality resistant wires that are insulated with cerwool
• Outer cabinet is made from metal and has a resistant paint so that it can be used extensively without heat dissipation
• Inclusive of thermal fuse which goes off in the event of overriding temperatures
• Temperature inside is maintained in utmost accuracy an uniformity
• Sturdy body ensures that the structure will work extensively even under difficult conditions
• Incline of various safety devices which ensure accurate functioning
• Power supply needed is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC Mains
• Exterior is rugged as it is made from thick steel which enables you to use it extensively without quick wear and tear
• It can be programmed to keep the heat and cooling temperatures at a particular degree
• Has the ability to keep the temperature uniform across the chamber and at the same level
• Has very good insulation which is provided by Cerwool
• Has a compact design, hence can be placed in a small area
• Comes with energy efficiency feature so it will not draw much electricity for functioning
• Exterior is strong and corrosion ftee and its lightweight construction enables it to be easily moved as and when required

Specification

• Temperature Range: 930°C/ 1150°C working (1200°C)
• Temp. Controls: Micro PID at extra as selected.
• Heating Element: Kanthal – A1 (15, S.W.G.)
• Temp. Sensor: Chromel/ Alumel
• Power: 230V, 50HZ, AC Mains
• Muffle Furnace Rectangular horizontal, powder coated
• Complete with indicator lamps
• Installed with Digital Temperature Controller