Laboratory equipment or laboratory apparatus forms the basic requirement of any laboratory set up, a technician or a research scholar working in a laboratory using the various types of equipment. Thus without any hesitation it could be said that the laboratory equipment is a foundation for any lab-based analysis.
Browse
Through the Entire Range of Laboratory Equipment Defined Under Broad Heads
Key Role of Lab Equipment
Starting from extraction of samples, then purification, separation,
processing, movement, storage, creating ambient conditions, protection of
the lab along with its personnel, from contamination in all these sphere
there is use of a broad range of laboratory equipment, instruments devices,
apparatus etc.
From a humble test tube to a say a complex analytical instrument like
Nuclear magnetic resonance system laboratory equipment encompasses
everything in its fold.
Of late there is a new found interest for laboratory equipment with newer
demands. It has accelerated the development of methods for things like
sample preparation, automation, bio-processing. These coupled with the
demand for integration,throughput and standardization are making a paradigm
shift to the concept of laboratory equipment. Irrespective of the nature of
task in hand and the equipment used there are certain basic parameters to
which the laboratory equipment must adhere to.
|
Transition
of the Laboratory Equipment: 16th century to 21st Century |
Recent Archaeological Findings from Oberstockstall, Austria
dating back to 16th century AD has corroborated the proof of existence a
full fledged comprehensive laboratory ever recovered. The equipment
comprise among others fragments of triangular crucibles, adopters,
receivers, chemical apparatuses made of ceramic and glass.
|
 Now
Compare this to a 21st Century highly sophisticated
spectrophotometer. With auto cell scanning and variable band width.
Truly the lab equipment has traversed a long distance!
|
Selecting
the Appropriate Laboratory Equipment
A few tips for choosing the right laboratory equipment are given here.
Safety : Safety is the foremost feature that a prospective buyer
sees in a laboratory equipment. It would be always interesting to know the
type of risk or dangers associated with the equipment.
Energy Requirement : Laboratory equipment like autoclaves, computers
glass washers, refrigerators, require significant portion of the energy. So
it would be worthwhile if a clear cut data regarding the energy requirement
of each of them is procured before hand. Another important factor especially
in developing world is the question of availability of constant power. Some
points to be given consideration here includes:
- » It is better to opt for a voltage stabilizer in case there is
voltage fluctuations hampering the performance of equipment.
- » In the event of complete blackouts there must be a provision
for UPS(uninterrupted power supply)
- » In case the equipment is powered by battery, then what type of
battery is used.
Durability and Robustness : Questions to be asked here include
- » Can the equipment stand the rigours of local conditions for
example high or low temperatures, dust, humidity or drought.
- » How it would fare if the instrument needs regular movement.
Price : While considering pricing two things to be considered
are the initial pricing and the operating costs. Then the cost of the
accessories as well as maintenance also needs to be given a consideration. A
just buyer should not only buy any equipment because it is the cheapest.
Price and quality assessment should go hand in hand. Some pertinent
questions in this regard are :
- » Is there any option for service contract? If yes what would be
the cost.
- » Is sufficient provision is made towards cost of spare parts.
- » What would be the estimated maintenance cost? (add roughly 10%
of the capital value).
- » Resources in hand.
- » Environmental and user requirements.
Spare Parts : As an informed and prudent buyer you must ask the
local supplier to get from the manufacturer a complete list of essential
spare parts along with the expected life(years) of the parts. The local
supplier of the equipment must be qualified to service the equipment. Also
instead of relying fully on the supplier if some spare parts are procured
before hand it can go a long way in terms of savings of valuable resources
in future.
Specifications : By specifications it is meant the details of the
materials used and the design used in the piece of equipment. A perfect
equipment would be the one where your specification matches with that of the
manufacturer's. It is better to prepare your own equipment specification
data sheet and submit it when inviting quotation or ordering. The
specifications should be prepared keeping in mind the following points:
- » Local needs and conditions
- » Resources in hand
- » Environmental and user requirements.
RELATED ARTICLES
Common Laboratory Apparatus and Lab Equipments
Used Laboratory Equipments: Are they useful?
Laboratory Maintenance Checklist
