High-tech laboratory systems awill meet all future demands'

Herbert Hofmann looks at a range of laboratory furniture and technology systems structured in a multi-modular way to include logistical systems, services supply and disposal systems. they also incorporate ventilation systems and facilities management systems.

Every laboratory can be completely planned, furnished and designed with individual working places. In this modular designed Waldner laboratory all future needs are already considered.

Consequent modular structure, keeping strictly the pre-determined screen measurement, and constant design guarantee that all components can be replaced, converted or retrofitted at will.

Individual designs

Every working place is designed individually, ergonomically and economically and can be adapted at any time to future demands.

In the system there are integrated laboratory cabinets as well as special acarcasses' for storage of acids and alkalis, gas cylinders, and flammable liquids.

In order to future-proof the systems services are removed from the original furniture and new flexible installation technology is used. So modular structured and flexible service distribution terminals allow sanitary and electrical services to be installed in any place in the laboratory where they are needed (Fig. 1).

The outlets for water, gas, pressure air and electricity also can be fixed at all tables or steel frames in form of the movable service stations. They are supplied with the corresponding services by a service wing detached from the ceiling.

The whole interior of the laboratory room is totally variable and can be rearranged for the demands of a new project without much trouble.

Service wing

The service wing (see Fig. 2) also offers another advantage. The size of the laboratory room does not matter, on-site there is still needed only one supply level for all working places. As a result considerable construction costs can be saved.

With ChemChange system, the automatic decanting station for supply and disposal of chemicals, quantities tailored to the needs of a laboratory can be decanted in a safe and clean way from barrels (100 to 200 l.) into portable receptacles and small containers (250 to 2500 ml.). Inversely it is also possible to decant used chemicals back into great collecting receptacles up to 1000 l.

Decanting station

The functional range of the decanting station is explosion proof. All decanting processes are electronically controlled. Decanting processes will be made in the walk-in part of the cabin-like decanting station. According to the guidelines for fume hoods there is a constant extraction.

Before starting the decanting processes the laboratory assistant leaves the area of the decanting station.

The start of the decanting process will be made outside the danger zone. So contaminations which could damage health will be avoided.

International standards

Where international standards are missing Waldner develops fume hoods internationally ready for use That means, for example, international operating companies do not have to worry about different standards and guidelines when planning or furnishing laboratories.

Waldner's fume hood meets the German, British, French and American standards and already future EC prescriptions (Fig. 3).

Features of the Euro fume hood include new sliding sash glides for fingertip use; the aerodynamics is equally suitable for light and heavy gasses; and it copes with a much greater air volume.

Walder's new microwave station (microprep system) is a mobile multifunctional microwave cabinet which offers advantages such as non-contact temperature control; increased testing rate of standard preparations by 100 per cent; relief of laboratory fume hoods at standard preparations; contamination-free sweeping with Intergas; automatic parameter acquirement and process visualisation. Working places which can be used totally mobile and multifunctional, a laboratory system growing dynamically with the challenges of the future ­ never was there so much room to move for individual design.

ENQUIRY No 31

Herbert Hofmann is with Waldner, Lake of Constance, Germany. www.waldner.de

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