If you have experience in a research lab, the list below will not surprise you. What will be worth your notice is that the categories below all have modernized alternatives that are saving lab managers and principal investigators lots of money in operating costs. Are you taking advantage of these new opportunities to reduce your operational spend (and convert that savings to better science)?
1. Lab Ovens
Lab ovens are used for moisture drying, curing, baking, aging and general testing. Consider lab ovens that include ergonomic handles and controls.
Other features to look for include:
- Interior surface made of stainless steel
- Attractive and durable exterior surface made of powder coat cold rolled steel with an enamel finish
- Adjustable shelving for lab workers to adjust storage configurations to meet their changing needs
- Adjustable Air-Intake and Exhaust Ports
Possible types of controls available on the market include:
- Mechanical Convection – Programmable Control
- Mechanical Convection – Single Set Point Control
- Natural Convection – Single Set Point Control
In addition to the above "Compare Prices" link, you'll find many of these features from a vendor called "Blue M".More »
2. Pure Lab Water Systems
Water purification systems are essential to lab operations as well. A well-known and trusted manufacturer to turn to when comparing capabilities and pricing is Veolia. Veolia Water has a line of products called Elga Lab Water. You can compare prices and capabilities to begin your research or even make a purchase.
Two product lines in particular show the scope of what Veolia can handle:
- PURELAB Range: This is Elga's "point of use" system.
- CENTRA Range: This is Elga's solution for delivering high-purity water systemically across single or multiple lab sites.
3. Autoclaves (Steam Sterilizers)
Autoclaves (steam sterilizers) come in many different sizes and are used wherever infection control is a prime concern, including university, biotech, and hospital research labs.
What to watch for: Look for manufacturers that use non-proprietary components. This allows for quicker repairs and replacements of key parts to keep your machines running. Some companies have the ability to make custom size sterilizers too. And there are usually upgrades and options to be found as well. You may find something that will serve your lab well.More »
4. Fume Hoods
Fume hoods are necessary in labs to protect lab workers from inhaling harmful gases, vapors, liquids and other particulate matter. The materials are handled under a hood and inside a cabinet where the fumes are exhausted out of the lab and propelled out of the building, or filtered and recirculated in the lab space.
There are also fume hoods and powder enclosures that are mobile, ductless, rust-free, and/or free-standing. There are also filtering systems that use HEPA and others that use carbon. Some also include integrated lighting, monitoring, and detection indicators for added safety measures. Security features such as multi-level administrator access are available as well. Consider whether you need temperature alarms as well.
One To Watch: Take a look at Waldner's website. They explain how and why they have created fume hoods that can be mobile and safe, but also require less energy, thus keeping laboprational budgets lower.
A key challenge with fume hoods is their enormous energy consumption. They are essential, but also very expensive for a lab to run. Searching for a fume hood system should include evaluating how it uses energy. There are definitely differences in the market's offerings. Some fume hoods systems are designed in innovative ways to consume less energy, create less turbulence, and stabilize the inflow air. As a result, the fume hoods offering these modern advantages can lower lab operating costs while also creating a safer and more predictable environment for better science to happen.More »
5. Lab Accessories for Efficiency and Productivity
Labs are full of processes, and where there are processes, there are opportunities to improve. Improvements mean changes in space planning, benchtop organization, inventory replenishment and supply, and ergonomic considerations to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency.
Here are more resources to learn more about Lean, 5S, and the principles, mindset, and culture of these two philosophies.
- 5S, Lean and Lab Design
- Medical Supplies that Enable 5S Lean Healthcare Design
- How To Start a 5S, Lean Program in Your Healthcare Organization
- The ROI for a 5S Lean Healthcare Culture
- 5S, Lean Healthcare Design and Planning - Getting Started