Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Laboratory and Vacuum Ovens

One of the most important criteria of a highly successful lab is—whether it is equipped with the latest technologies and has essential devices and instruments stocked in the lab. It is also important that throughout the years since its establishment, it has invested in updating the essential instruments. For example, a benchtop workflow system is a traditional work set up but with time, more technological advancements are being made which should be encouraged and applied in one’s field of interest. Similarly, a laboratory and vacuum oven is one such traditional and equally important instrument or device such as a benchtop workflow system.

This article will help you to guide you through a variety of questions related to laboratory and vacuum ovens which will help you gain a wider perspective on the subject. Learning about the features, variants, functions, and beyond will help you understand the basis of this device and also aid in drawing a comparison with other instruments having similar functions. If you are in the field of academics or working in engineering or industrial projects, it is very crucial for you to be up to date with recent technologies. So, you may give this a read.

What is the working mode or principle?

A laboratory and vacuum oven work on the simple principle that—it evaporates liquids at a temperature that is lower than standard boiling temperature. This means an efficient and faster mode of heating can be achieved by using such ovens. Additionally, the chamber inside the vacuum oven has a decreased vapor pressure compared to that of water. This ensures faster drying of liquids within the samples or specimens provided.

Is it resistant to heat, chemicals, and microbes?

The inner walls of the vacuum oven are designed especially with hygroscopic materials which can effectively absorb moisture from the specimens. This is one of the important features of a laboratory and vacuum oven because it is directly correlated with the enhancement of the drying process. Moreover, since a biological or chemical specimen can contain a diverse range of chemicals that can be often harmful or reactive, the inner walls are also embedded with chemical-resistant materials. Even in case of a spill or splash, you can be safe from any unwanted inconveniences.

Are many sizes available?

Yes, there is a good range of sizes within which you can select your laboratory and vacuum oven from. Manufacturers build ovens based on every criterion for a standard or large-scale lab. However, in some cases, users or buyers cannot get the most appropriate fit for their purpose. In such cases, customization is the only way to go with it. It might be possible that you have got your suitable size for the vacuum oven but in that range, not many advanced specifications are available. So, you can request the manufacturer to customize your product based on the features you ask for.

Does it come with efficient insulation?

It is another important feature to look for in a laboratory and vacuum oven. Since there is a need of heating, it can be possible that due to over-heating or any technical malfunctions, unwanted mishaps occur. For such cases, efficient insulation is required which is available in almost all models of such ovens.

Are there variants available?

Yes, there are variants available according to sizes, shapes, functions, temperature range, nature of building materials, wall materials, door styles, storage capacity, etc. Laboratory and vacuum ovens can be available in a wide of sizes—all designed for industrial and research purposes. These are available in square, rectangular, and even circular shapes. Based on the temperature and nature of building or wall materials, you will get many variants from which you can select your best fit. Storage capacity is typically within the range of 5 to 22 liters—ideally fits for large and small-scale projects. Besides, you can get variants depending on various door styles such as steel-made, glass-made (transparent), and PVC-made (transparent).

That was all about laboratory and vacuum ovens. Learning through FAQs is a great method when starting to gain information on something new. This is because you can have the answers to a set of questions which you might have thought of too. Laboratory vacuum ovens can be a versatile instrument if used to its maximum potential. Although, with efficient usage, one should also be aware of the timely maintenance and care that needs to be done responsibly. Primary instruments such as a laboratory oven should be taken the most care among other instruments because a) they are used every day and to a large extent b) they determine the success of any lab.