Do you need to purchase a laboratory refrigerator or freezer? Maybe you’re just starting and don’t know what to get? To help make your decision easier, there are a few things that you need to know to find the right refrigerator for your lab’s needs. These biosafety cabinets come in a ventilated structure in enclosed workspaces that work on negative pressure.
These machines are less with higher efficiency level air filters (HEPA particle filters). A laboratory refrigerator or freezer is used to contain toxins and dangerous material from getting mixed with the environment. In simple terms, every lab’s primary tool is to store d=hazardous elements and protect them from possible contamination and aerosol.
However, it can be difficult to find a perfect one for your lab with different laboratory refrigerators on the market. Therefore, some helpful tips are shared here to help all those looking for the best laboratory refrigerators. So without further ado, let’s jump into some quick buying tips!
Start With Checking The Temperature Range
It is a well-known fact that these refrigerators have temperature ranges, although they differ slightly to suit different applications and needs. For example, laboratories that require working on life science need a laboratory freezer that offers temperatures of -20 to -40 degrees Celsius for safe storage. Take a look at some commonly used temperature ranges across different laboratory refrigerators:
- General Purpose Lab Refrigerator for 0 to -30 oC (-22 to 32 oF))
- Ultra-Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers at -40 to -86 oC (-40 to -122 oF)
- Cryogenic Freezers have an incredibly low-temperature range of around -125 oC (-193 oF)
The best way to get the right temperature is to check the temperature it should operate. You can do that by checking the cooling capacity or simply reading the manual that comes with your appliance.
Start With Checking The Output Power
Most laboratory refrigerators come with advanced features, which might also mean that they require more power. So, first, check how much amperage (output power) your refrigerator or freezer requires for operation. You must understand that not all are required with the same power requirements from your laboratory fridge and freezer units.
You need to match the required power with your electrical supply system. If it doesn’t match, you might change your lab’s wiring system, which is not only costly but also increases the risk of injury. In addition, a slight mismatch in output power can disrupt and damage the compressor in your refrigerator or freezer unit.
Ventilation System Of Your Freezer
Most commonly, these refrigerators use an inline or circulating ventilation system. Inline laboratory refrigerators can be connected with air ducts that expel unwanted and dangerous fumes out of your lab. On the other hand, circulating air through the room is a complete mess for some people as it is quite an expensive option in the long run.
Also, if you have some chemicals or gases in your laboratory, then the last thing you want to do is to allow them to be circulated through your lab. Another problem with circulating air through the room is dust particles and moisture, damaging your equipment over time.
Also, Check The Noise Level
The laboratory refrigerator or freezer is a device that works on a cooling system, which creates noise. So, it’s better to check the noise level of your laboratory freezer before buying one. This can be checked by reading reviews about different models available in the market or even by running a test on your own. Depending on the intensity of noise, there are different ways to reduce its volume:
- Improved airflow design to direct fan away from users and more sound-absorbing materials
- Electronic controls that lower the frequency of sound rather than using the mechanical controls
- Top-mounted compressors to reduce noise to the minimum (for lab use only)
The last but not the least aspect is the ease of use. Lab refrigerators and freezers that are easy to use are best for a busy lab where every day brings new challenges. With such a time-consuming element in your lab, you better make sure it is easy to clean and maintain.
Final Words
In a nutshell, laboratory refrigerators and freezers are mechanical machines that come in various models and sizes, ranging from general-purpose to low-temperature cryogenic types. They vary widely in their output power and cooling capacity. To get the best value for money, it is important to check the cooling requirement of your lab before buying any laboratory refrigerators. Always consider safety when choosing any laboratory refrigerator or freezer.
