Laboratory Ovens.
There are many models and styles of laboratory ovens
available. Looking through laboratory catalogues it is sometimes difficult to
decide where to begin in choosing a lab oven.
When choosing a laboratory oven you should consider the
following:
Temperature-It’s best to choose an oven with a maximum
temperature rating greater than your maximum temperature requirements. This
will allow the set temperature to be maintained more accurately.
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| Laboratory Oven |
Circulation-Ovens use either gravity convection or
mechanical draft (forced draft – ie fan) to heat the oven contents. It is
possible for gravity convection ovens to have "cold" and/or
"hot" spots as the air inside the oven can become stagnant. It
depends on what you are doing as to whether it is critical to have a very
uniform temperature. Circulation depends
on the difference in the air temperature within the oven. Typically, mechanical
or forced draft ovens have fans that induce air flow through the oven to
produce even heating.
Size-Sample container size, the number of samples and
personal preference are important factors in properly sizing an oven. An oven
with extra interior capacity might be nice to have but oversized ovens require
more energy to heat, special electrical power and can take up valuable space in
the laboratory. A number of smaller ovens rather than one large oven may be a
good choice. Nevertheless, large ovens do have a place in the high-production
laboratory or when large sample sizes are needed.
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| Large capacity Lab oven |
Controls-Digital controls as opposed to analogue controls
allow the operator to easily set the temperature requirements and display the
actual oven temperature.
Location-Choose your oven location carefully. Proper
location can be a great time saver. Scales, balances and ovens are the most
frequently used items in a lab. Placing them in the flow path of samples in the
laboratory can save time and labour. Ovens are often placed along a wall, with
the scales and balances located beside the oven or on a work table in front of
the oven. Be sure to consider any exhaust requirements as well.
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| Drying Cabinet |
Motor protection- Should it be explosion-proof for volatile
samples?
Mounting-Should it be a table top or floor mount model?
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