Most manufacturers offer standard and large-capacity washers and, as with most things, your first consideration should be your actual requirements. In terms of energy efficiency, “there is a huge difference in operation costs between a washer that takes nine gallons to fill and one that takes 15 gallons to fill. When you consider that a wash program is usually five or six fills, this has a large impact on water consumption, detergent amount needed, electricity needed to heat the water and water treatment/sewage costs,” says Ken Austin, Miele Professional Laboratory Division manager.
Another efficiency feature to consider is a delay-start option, which, in places where electricity is less expensive during off-peak hours, facilitates running your washer at night.
Efficient use of time is also important. Cycle times can range from one to three hours, based on water heat-up times, circulation/spray method and other factors. Consider how important a faster wash program is to your lab. In addition to capacity and efficiency requirements, you need to consider what types of glassware are used in your lab. “Variations in the types of glassware a washer can accommodate now and in the future is an important consideration. Ideally, a washer should accommodate both spindle racks for narrow-neck glassware and open racks that hold baskets for wide-mouth and specialized glassware, such as beakers and Petri dishes,” says Jenny Sprung, product manager, Labconco Corporation.
Also, be certain that the glassware washer you’re considering is not simply a home dishwasher converted to have a DI water rinse cycle. “This type of washer cannot be compared with a commercial grade washer that is designed for laboratory applications—from the construction materials (chamber and water path capable of handling 18 megohm 95ºC pure water), to wash programs designed for organic and inorganic compounds, to pumps with four times the circulation rating of a home dishwasher,” says Austin.
Since lab glassware can be soiled with a variety of substances—some requiring high heat for effective removal and others, such as plasticware, requiring lower temperatures—a washer with multiple temperature and cycle time options is important.
And “request that glassware cleaned in your washer has been analyzed for cleanliness, such as with EPA methods for residual metals, volatile and semi-volatile compounds,” says Sprung. Also, make sure that the washer is advanced enough to monitor temperature, dispensing, water flow and other parameters and be able to “notify the user if something in the wash process is not correct, which is important in achieving consistent, validated cleaning results,” says Austin.
Lastly, consider the noise level of various washers. Knowing the product’s dBA level, which measures quietness, is important, “particularly with large-capacity washers. Some brands are very loud,” adds Austin.
Labconco
SteamScrubber, FlaskScrubber and FlaskScrubber Vantage Series laboratory glassware washers offer advanced features and interchangeable spindle and open racks for glassware flexibility. All models include durable Type 304 stainless steel interior and exterior, LCD display, up to six purified water rinses, purified water pump, programmable wash and rinse temperatures to 93°C to sanitize glassware, forced-air drying up to 99 minutes, and up to 10 pre-programmed wash protocols. Additional features include HEPA-filtered forced-air drying through spindles, a water conductivity monitor to confirm rinse water cleanliness, and automatic liquid detergent and rinse aid dispensers.
Miele
The G 7893 compact washer combines the superior cleaning capabilities of Miele’s undercounter washers with true HEPA-filtered forced-air drying. This is the first 24-inch-wide glassware washer capable of complete drying in 15-30 minutes, offering labs with limited space and high throughput demands an excellent glassware washing option. A cool-down step makes it possible to safely handle the glassware after the drying cycle. While some other brands of glassware washers can take three or four hours to complete a washing and drying cycle, the G7893 can do the same job in approximately one hour.
LANCER
The 1400 LXP glassware washer features a larger chamber offering users the flexibility to wash on one to three levels (with four possible rack positions) and HEPAfiltered chamber and spindle drying, which is user programmable in 1°C increments. The washer is microprocessor controlled with up to 40 programs, has an ergonomic top-loading chemical storage compartment, liquid level detectors and two peristaltic pumps for accurate chemical dosing. The washer significantly conserves water, resulting in valuable life cycle cost savings. Many options and accessories are available.
SP INDUSTRIES
Hotpack large-capacity glassware washers offer a spray arch water delivery system that ensures a thorough washing and rinsing. This exclusive feature projects a vertical “wall of water” equally across the entire chamber. Separate plumbing systems for wash and rinse cycles minimize detergent carry-over to provide a clear final rinse. A high-efficiency water management system conserves energy and reduces operating cost. A touch-screen control interface, which is located at eye level, enables easy selection from a range of preset or user-defined programmed operating options. The automatic door operation has watchdog safety functions that only allow washer operation when the door is fully closed. Additional features include a 316L stainless steel interior for easy cleaning, easy access to plumbing and detergent reservoirs, plus an ultra-clear glass door to provide unrestricted observation of machine operation.
If you are in the market for new Laboratory Glassware Washers , Lab Manager and LabX can have qualified companies contact you directly.
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