um—as low as 1.5 Torr and even programmable—to several users at once, and yet still rely
on a small, chemical-resistant, under-bench
pump. In-lab networks also avoid the risk of
interference and cross-contamination from
activities in other labs.
Finally, by using variable speed pumps as
“server” pumps for local vacuum networks, you
have a truly efficient, sustainable vacuum system that reduces energy consumption by 90%
or more, saves lab space and offers the adaptability to accommodate future needs without
overbuilding now. Add an electronic vapor condenser, and you can also trap waste vapors near
the vacuum applications without any external
coolant source, and reduce building emissions.
In summary, modern options for lab vacuum
can either support or compromise your efforts
to build and operate labs sustainably. The right
vacuum choice can: reduce energy consumption; conserve water; use material resources
most efficiently; ensure the long-term performance of lab buildings, by adapting as needs
change; minimize waste-vapor releases to the
atmosphere; improve scientific results; and do
all of this economically over the life of the lab.
Peter Coffey is Vice President – Marketing
for VACUUBRAND Inc. He can be contacted at
pcoffey@vacuubrand.net. www.vacuubrand.com
Let’s take a look at four innovative
approaches to lab vacuum that can make big
contributions to your sustainability goals.
Multitasking pumps can operate two applications at once, saving space and energy.
Depending on the pumping system you select,
the two applications may be supported manually or electronically. Such pumps can even
provide independent, programmable control
to two distinct applications.
Vacuum pumps with variable motor-speed
control take advantage of the principle that
it takes much more pumping speed to create
a vacuum than to maintain it. By having the
motor turn only as much as needed to create
or maintain the vacuum, vacuum conditions
can be continuously optimized while using
80% less energy than needed by a pump that
operates continuously at one speed.
Local vacuum networks extend multi-tasking
a step further. A quiet, oil-free pump under
the lab bench or fume hood provides vacuum
to several users in the lab at once. Vacuum
is installed only where needed, so there is no
need to install vacuum everywhere in the
building just to ensure availability in the
future. Specialized vacuum ports enable the
network to provide high performance vacu-
cell culture labs, for example—but can’t sat-
isfy the deeper, evaporative vacuum levels so
often needed in the chemistry labs. As a result,
labs need supplemental lab vacuum pumps,
adding to the already high lifetime energy and
service costs of central vacuum. The outcome
is that central vacuum supply is often a poor
choice both for sustainability and for scientific
reasons.
Traditionally, individual pumps for each
vacuum user were the only alternative to central vacuum and aspirators, and they do offer
several advantages. Individual pumps can be
matched to the scientific need—including a
need for precise control—and can change as
needs change. There is no need over-invest for
some possible future need, and the pumps can
be operated on demand, matching electrical
consumption exactly to needs. Clearly there is
a sustainability advantage here.
Yet even individual pumps have characteristics that offer possibilities for “greener”
operations. They can be resource intensive,
with low utilization rates, and so may reflect
lower efficiency and sustainability than would
a shared resource. Further, planning for a lab
that relies on individual pumps means planning for additional space for the pumps, and
provision for managing exhaust.
innovative solutions
that make your lab
more productive
Introducing two NEW innovative products – the
Mistral fume hood and Panorama universal
steel cabinet. Specifically developed to meet
the demands of modern laboratories moving
at the speed of science.
Panorama: a steel casework platform offering:
• Inset and flush overlay designs in both steel and wood
• Fixed, suspended and mobile units
• Onsite reconfigurability without full lab reconstruction
Mistral: an advanced fume hood product offering:
• Bench, floor-mounted and high-line models
• Three standard sash offerings
• Advanced, tempered safety glass
What can we design for you?
Visit www.hamiltonscientific.com to learn more.