The design of laboratory furniture should be simple to facilitate daily sanitation

Laboratory furniture kits are purchased for a long time, so the savings in this case can do a bad job. In order to choose furniture for a chemical laboratory that will last for many years, it is necessary to understand how really high-quality products differ. Let’s list its main characteristic features:

All-metal structures. They are considered the best because they provide increased reliability. In this case, you need to pay attention to reviews about the manufacturer’s reputation.
Powder coated. The use of special paint will eliminate the occurrence of allergic reactions. It does not interact with the reagents used and does not emit harmful chemical compounds.
Selection of accessories. The quality of furniture is also determined by attention to detail – the manufacture of door handles, hinges, racks, etc.
Surface selection. The coverage of the working space is selected depending on the specifics of the laboratory. Below we will dwell in more detail on the description of various types of materials.

If the manufacturer has a rich selection of models, you can create an interior while adhering to a single style.

What furniture is needed for a chemical laboratory

If the research room was designed from the moment of construction, then it will not be difficult to find furniture for a chemical laboratory. This is due to the fact that it has already provided for the location of the sockets, supplied and drained water, and also installed hoods and ventilation. All that remains is to arrange the interior items in their places, observing the prescribed distances between the work surfaces.

What kind of furniture is needed for a chemical laboratory? It can be divided into several categories:

Fume hoods. Designed for work with volatile and explosive substances. Can be completed with lighting, water taps, sinks.
Tables. They are selected taking into account the total area of the room and the characteristics of the experiments being carried out. The most common are corner, island, end and wall. Separately, it is worth purchasing weighing tables used to install high-precision equipment.

Laboratory tables can be combined in various designs

Furniture for storing materials. This includes various racks, cabinets with shelves, bedside tables, dish dryers.
Chairs. Are included in the compulsory equipment of laboratories to improve the comfort of staff. Adjustable in height and backrest position. Chairs, stools and chairs can be equipped with wheels for ease of movement.

Tables should not be labyrinthine. It is better to make the passages between them straight, so that employees can quickly find a way out in case of danger.

Furniture made of which materials are best for a chemical laboratory

We have already listed the types of furniture for research centers. Now I would like to dwell in more detail on which materials for a chemical laboratory are better to use. Since the main objects in the offices are tables, we will give a detailed description of their coverings.

Laminate

This is a chipboard with a thickness of about 2.8 cm. The top is laminated with plastic up to 1 mm thick. Basic qualities:

Strength.
Duration of operation.
Wear resistance.
Heat resistance up to 170 ° C.

Laminate withstands short-term exposure to alkaline, acidic compounds and organic solvents. Depending on what materials are most often used in a chemical laboratory, and the possibility of using a laminated coating is determined. It is not suitable for use in conditions of high humidity, or if direct contact with strong substances and water is planned.

Scope of application:

Chemical and biological laboratories.
Environmental tests.
Manufacture of student furniture for research.

Ceramic tile

For laboratories, ceramics are used, the firing of which was carried out at a high temperature. Glazing the surface increases its strength and resistance to external influences. The tiles are laid on a chipboard base, the seams between them are sealed with a silicone-based sealant.

Advantages of the ceramic surface:

Resistance to acid-base compounds (except for hydrofluoric acid).
Possibility of heating up to 180 ° C.
Water repellent properties.
Strength.
Durability.

Ceramics are best suited for research centers with a large production load in the following areas:

Petrochemistry.
Work with aggressive environments.
Wet chemistry.
Biology.
Ecology.

Restrictions on the use of ceramics relate to places where it is necessary to maintain sterile cleanliness, since it may be difficult to clean the tile joints

Porcelain stoneware

Unlike ceramics, it is denser and more durable. For the safety of personnel, the edges of the plates are protected by stainless steel strips that protrude slightly above the surface. This collar prevents liquids from spilling out.

The properties of porcelain stoneware and the scope of its application are similar to those of ceramics described above.

Stainless steel

To cover the tables, steel plates with a thickness of 0.8 mm are used, which are laid on a chipboard layer. They are characterized by high resistance to acids, alkalis and solvents. The only exception is hydrochloric acid. Such material for laboratory furniture as stainless steel can withstand heating temperatures up to 250 ° C and retains its properties when frozen.

It is recommended to use stainless steel furniture in laboratory rooms of any orientation, except for work with inorganic chemistry.

«Labgrade»

This is a laminated plastic, the main advantage of which is solidity. It is achieved by impregnating the material with resins and pressing it under high pressure at a temperature of 150 ° C.

Let’s list the advantages of Labgrade plastic:

Resistance to aggressive substances.
Water and vapor tightness.
Possibility of heating up to 200 degrees.
Impact resistance.
Antistatic.
Wear resistance.
Good low temperature tolerance.
Resistant to abrasion, scratches, cracks.
The possibility of disinfection.
Resistant to chemical dyes.

Plastic surfaces are used in laboratory rooms where perfect cleanliness is required. It can also be used when working with food.

“Labgrade-light”

The surface consists of two layers:

Monolithic plastic, the properties of which are described above.
Chipboard substrates.

Stainless steel or aluminum is used as the enclosing frame. The protective strip forms a small side to protect against spillage of liquid substances and solutions

The main characteristics of the Labgrade-light coating:

Resistant to aggressive chemicals and solvents.
Water resistance and vapor tightness.
Possibility of raising the temperature up to 200 ° C.
Impact resistance.
Antistatic.
Resistant to scuffs and scratches.
Ease of sanitization with any disinfectants.

«Durcon»

It is a monolithic composite slab. Polymer compounds of composite resins provide strength comparable to those of natural stone. However, unlike him, “Durkon” does not have a porous structure, its surface is smooth and dense, without seams. Important qualities of the composite:

Resistance to aggressive acid-base compounds, aqua regia, solvents.
Frost resistance and the ability to warm up to 300 ° C.
Elimination of fire.
Lack of hygroscopicity.
Easy cleaning and handling.

The Durcon composite has almost no application restrictions. Exceptions – work with hydrofluoric acid and direct exposure to ultraviolet rays

Before choosing materials for furniture in a chemical laboratory, consult with experts. They will help you navigate the existing variety and select interior items for a specific case.

Functional features of furniture for a chemical laboratory

Understanding what the furniture for a chemical laboratory is for, you should also pay attention to sinks. These are important elements that no research center can do without. They are needed not only to keep the hands of personnel, dishes and work surfaces clean. They merge the remnants of the substances used in the experiments. Therefore, for the manufacture of sinks, the following materials are used:

Stainless steel. It is characterized by resistance to acid and alkaline compounds, as well as temperature rise up to 250 degrees Celsius.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass or glass cloth is reinforced with epoxy or polyester resin to form a composite material that does not corrode. It is durable and environmentally friendly. Serves for installation in laboratories with aggressive and strong substances.
Epoxy composite. It is based on epoxy resin with a monolithic structure. Can be repaired with special glue. Does not absorb liquids and chemicals. It tolerates heat and freezing well. Does not delaminate.

A properly selected sink will serve for more than one year without risking the safety of personnel

We have sorted out which furniture for a chemical laboratory is used most often, what its varieties and features of surface materials exist. As you can see, in addition to the price, it is necessary to pay attention to its many other qualities. If you have any questions, please contact the consultants of the Labor Trading House. Call us, we will help you choose the right furniture.