Washers Ensure Reusability Labware washers and sterilizers are relied on to control experiments.
Washers and sterilizers in research labs provide life science researchers with properly cleaned and sterilized glassware while minimizing the overall impact on the environment and controlling overall laboratory costs. These essential components in most high-use lab operations are used because of their reliability, ease of use, and minimal maintenance, according to a recent reader survey performed by the editors of Laboratory Equipment magazine in July 2010. The equipment used is not chosen because of its size (lab footprint) or special features like digital controls or having HEPA filtering drying systems. Researchers mostly rely on washers and sterilizers to do a very specific, basic job and in such a manner that they don't have to be concerned about the equipment breaking down or causing unsafe or improperly cleaned labware.
The primary reasons washers and sterilizers are used is to save the time and expense of hand washing and to ensure the cleanliness of the cleaned product so it can be re-used reliably in additional experiments. Nearly three-quarters of those using washers and sterilizers used them from several times a week to several times a day.
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These basic requirements are not lost on the manufacturers of laboratory washers and sterilizers. Flexibility, durability, maximum cleanliness and energy efficiency are critical engineering guidelines for these suppliers. Most washers, for example, have 304 and 316 stainless steel interiors, interior components (racks and baskets) that resist corrosion, degradation, and contaminant build-up, and are designed for rugged, long-life operation. Seams are often laser-welded on the exterior walls of the wash chamber, eliminating potential corrosion sites on the inside of the wash chamber. Built-in steam generators in the washers can produce hot vapors that penetrate and sterilize deep contours in the labware.
Compared to hand washing, most washers can save overall water consumption for the lab operator. An equivalent washer load of glassware, for example, can use up to 90 L of water, while the washer is only likely to use about two-thirds of that or, 60 L per load, while providing a consistent cleanliness to each and every part. Some washers also can be programmed to wash cycles during off-hours, thereby making use of electricity and water consumption during non-peak (and less expensive) times.
Even entry-level washers now come with multiple pre-programmed wash cycles, allowing the users to satisfy specific cleaning challenges. Reliable washing cycles are provided through an optimized balance of washing time, water temperatures, water circulation and specific detergents.
When equipment no longer performs the desired functions, they're replaced. Nearly two-thirds of those buying the devices bought new systems as a replacement, while only about 20 percent bought them to increase capacity.
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