A scientific lab has a wide range of specialized equipment and scientific apparatus. These equipment and apparatus are useful in chemical, pharmaceutical, biological food, cosmetic, and educational institutions’ labs.
Here are the different types of lab equipment and their uses:Mixers, Shakers, and Stirrers These apparatus are useful when mixing various chemical liquids and solids for different lab applications. Laboratory mixing apparatus come in different ranges: rotators and vortexes, 3D gyratory rockers, microplate shakers, linear shakers, orbital shakers, and magnetic stirrers. If you want to increase the capacity of any shaker, attach a clamp or any other suitable platform. Centrifuge A centrifuge is an equipment used to separate gases, fluids, and liquids with different densities. Centrifuges are mostly used in research laboratories to purify nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, organelles, and cells. In a hospital laboratory, a centrifuge is useful in separating various blood components such as plasma and serum. Spectrophotometer A spectrophotometer is equipment that helps determine the light intensity by measuring the number of photons absorbed as they pass through a specific solution. The equipment is also useful in determining the concentration of chemical substances by analyzing the amount of light intensity. Spectrophotometers are classified according to the wavelength range of their light sources. There are two types of spectrophotometers:
A thermostatic bath is useful in inactivating and incubating cell cultures, thawing frozen samples, processing chemical reactions, and warming bacterial media. It is an important piece of equipment in medical research, a special and standard lab that deals with industrial and scientific experiments. Modern thermostatic baths are equipped with microprocessors with a controller that allows temperature consistency and regulation. There are two types of thermostatic baths:
Cleaner An ultrasonic cleaner perfectly cleans laboratory equipment using high-frequency waves that pass through a cleaning liquid. The immersed part of lab equipment is cleaned by the agitated liquid solution, mainly a solvent or water. The ultrasonic cleaner works by causing cavitation to the solution. Cavitation is when sonic energy dislodges the contaminants from the equipment surfaces by attracting them to the solutions bubbles. Incubators and Ovens Incubators and ovens are mostly used in microbiology, biology, and clinical labs. Lab incubators are used to incubate media, samples, and reagents. A lab incubator provides a steady temperature when warming the samples or reagents. Other applications of incubators include biotech, pharmaceutical, clinical, bacteriology, and food and beverage testing. Ovens are mostly used in laboratories for drying samples and glassware, annealing, product age acceleration, sterilization, evaporation, and polymerization. Rotary Evaporator Also known as rotavap, a rotary evaporator is an equipment that helps separate solvents from a given sample through evaporation. The process is usually done under low or reduced pressure. Lowering the pressure in the flask allows the solvent to boil at a low temperature. The solvent is mostly put in a round bottom flask to provide a larger surface area for faster evaporation. The most common solvents to be separated from a sample are hexane and ethyl acetate. Polarimeter A polarimeter is an equipment that measures the angle of rotation after an optically active material polarizes a light. Some chemicals are optically active and will polarize right, causing it to rotate either clockwise or anticlockwise. The intensity of such a light rotation is called the angle of rotation. The direction of rotation of the polarized light provides the properties of such substance and its concentration in a given sample. Microtome A microtome is cutting equipment used to produce very thin slices of samples under experiment. Microtomes are mostly used in microcopy, where samples are studied through electron radiation or observed through light. Most microtomes have diamond, glass, or steel blades. The blades vary according to the specimen to be used and the thickness of the slices required. Conclusion The apparatus and equipment mentioned above are useful when operating a laboratory, either industrial, research, or standard. At Biotechnical Services, Inc., we supply the latest high-quality equipment for your laboratory needs. Contact us today for any type or make of laboratory equipment. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/understanding-different-types-of-lab-equipment-and-their-uses/
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Calibration Definition
Calibration is testing the accuracy of the lab equipment and adjusting it to meet the required standards. After the equipment or instrument has been calibrated, a report and calibration certificate is issued to prove that it has been restored to the manufacturer’s accuracy specifications. Lab equipment calibration is performed by comparing the accuracy of the equipment to the standard of the measuring instrument. Reasons for Calibrating an Equipment All types of equipment degrade with time, drifting and losing stability. Using equipment over a long time and rough handling may cause inaccuracy reading in equipment. Frequent calibration of equipment restores its accuracy standards and ensures that it conforms to the specified calibration data. Calibrated equipment promotes productivity and quality and increases the value of the production process. How Often Should an Equipment be Calibrated The frequency of calibrating equipment varies from industry and the criticality of the instrument. Critical equipment is calibrated frequently to ensure a quality process. Other equipment can be calibrated periodically or according to the intensity used in a plant. When equipment loses its calibration, it should be re-calibrated immediately. Most types of equipment have the recommended calibration schedule set by the manufacturer. It is important to follow a schedule for optimum production results and avoid losses due to equipment inaccuracy. Terms Used in Equipment Calibration Calibration Range The calibration range of equipment refers to the limits of measuring, transmitting or receiving a quantity. It is expressed by defining the lower range and upper range values. The range usually starts from zero to a given span value. For example, if a pressure gauge measures pressure from 0psif to 500psig, the lower range value is zero while the upper range value is 500psig. The calibration range of such a pressure gauge is 0 to 500psig. Span Span is the difference between the upper range value and the lower range of equipment. Span is denoted by: Span = URV – LRV URV is the upper range value, and LRV is the lower range value. For example if the range of a pressure gauge is 0 to 500psig, then span = 500 – 0 = 500psig. Equipment Range The capability of an instrument is the equipment range. It provides the rating of the equipment. Ranging of an Equipment Ranging equipment sets both the lower and upper range values to match the required sensitivity. For example, if you want to range a pressure transmitter to provide a range of 0 to 200 bar and output of 4 -40 mA, then the range of such equipment will be: 0bar =4mA 200bar =40Ma Zero and Span Adjustment Both smart and analog equipment is adjusted using zero and span measurements. The adjustment allows setting equipment to any range specified by the manufacturer’s limits. Analog equipment has an interaction between zero and span adjustment. However, smart equipment has no such interaction between zero and span. Five Point Calibration The general rule of thumb states that calibration points should be taken between 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent ranges when calibrating equipment. Since calibration is taken at five points, it is commonly known as five-point calibration. When performing a five-point calibration exercise, perform tests from both ends, i.e., increasing or decreasing order. Field Calibration When conducting field calibration, equipment is not uninstalled from the process. Calibration is performed while the equipment is still mounted. It provides an ambient condition to calibrate equipment in its true process. Bench or In-Shop Calibration Under the bench calibration, the equipment is calibrated with a device that simulates its process rather than its actual process in the field. Equipment is uninstalled and taken to the calibration shop, where the simulation is done on a calibration bench. Calibrators These are devices that are used to calibrate specific types of equipment. There are different types of calibrators according to purpose. These are:
Calibration Records These are the various documents that show the calibration history of the equipment. It contains all the calibration information, including the calibration dates and the calibrating technicians’ names. Traceability When calibrating equipment, it should be traceable to an international standard. Traceability ensures that equipment has been properly adjusted according to national and international standards. Most equipments are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Conclusion You should follow the calibration principles to ensure accurate and precise results when calibrating your equipment. The calibration instruments used must be traceable to the national and international standards. Biotechnical Services, Inc. provides premier, accurate and timely calibration of every type of equipment. We use the latest calibrating instruments to achieve the highest precision in our calibration. We are an accredited calibration company and ISO certified. Contact us today for your lab equipment calibration. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/principles-of-lab-equipment-calibration-you-should-know/ The accuracy and reliability of your lab equipment depend on its calibration. You can opt to calibrate your equipment or outsource the service to a calibrating company. Depending on your company’s available resources and workforce, you can choose the type of calibration service that best suits your needs. Generally, outsourced calibration is far much better than in-house calibration. You may encounter some serious setbacks when you calibrate equipment on your own. You can outsource all your lab equipment calibration to Biotechnical Services, Inc. We offer the most comprehensive and accurate lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles.
In-House Lab Equipment Calibration In-house calibration refers to the option where you choose to calibrate your equipment on your own. If you want to perform in-house calibration, you need highly trained technicians and engineers. Furthermore, your lab needs all the necessary calibration instruments in your laboratory. Disadvantages of In-House Calibration Most companies prefer monitoring every step of the production process on their own. However, processes such as calibration are sensitive and expensive. Inaccurate calibration could lead to product failure and severe consequences on the production process, leading to great loss. Due to high risks and chances of less calibration precision, in-house calibration is not the best choice. Here are some problems associated with in-house calibration: Costs The cost of establishing a lab and purchasing calibration equipment can negatively affect your company’s budget. Furthermore, training your staff on how to calibrate various equipment is costly. Since calibration is done periodically, keeping a lab idle cannot justify the lump sum amount of money used in its establishment. Machines In-house calibration results are less accurate than third-party science laboratories. Calibration companies have invested in the latest, accurate calibration instruments. For instance, Biotechnical Services, Inc. offers premier lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles using precise instruments such as auto-collimator, interferometers, rotary tables, etc. It is very expensive for a typical company to install such high-end devices. Moreover, accurate calibration requires a controlled environment with precise altitude, temperature and humidity, and barometric pressure. These factors are difficult to establish in a company’s in-house calibration lab. Training Specialty labs have employed trained and experienced technicians in metrology. These specialists can deliver accurate results using the required calibration parameters. Achieving the same in-house purpose will require taking your staff for further training. When you take your staff for training, you will reduce your company’s productivity. Hiring qualified technicians will increase the running costs of your company due to elevated compensation. Longer Turnaround Third-party companies operate on a full-time mode offering calibration services hence a shorter turnaround time. Your in-house team may have other tasks to perform in your company, resulting in a longer turnaround period. For efficiency, your lab needs a dedicated team which may be costly for your company. Outsourced Lab Equipment Calibration When you need to outsource your calibration services, you can ship your equipment to their lab, or the company can send some of its calibration specialists to your firm. Outsourcing your calibration services is a wise idea since you will save time and money and get verified results from a scientific laboratory. Here are the advantages of outsourcing your calibration services: Save on Costs Getting calibration services from a third-party company eliminates the costs of establishing a lab and training your staff. An in-house calibration lab is also expensive to maintain. You will incur equipment maintenance, heating, cooling, and space costs if you have a calibration lab. Since calibration is done occasionally, outsourcing is the best option to save on operational costs. Verifiable Results You will get consistent and verifiable results when you outsource your equipment calibration. Since standardization organizations regulate calibration companies, you will be certain to get the most accurate results. Furthermore, a calibration company will provide you with documentation verifying the tests and your company audits. Fast Turnaround A third-party calibration company provides a faster turnaround, especially with on-site calibrations. Since these companies specialize solely in calibration, you will receive your adjusted equipment within a short time. Relying on your lab for calibration takes time since your staff has other tasks. Even if you prioritize calibration in your in-house lab, other production processes will fall in the schedule. Therefore, it is best to take your equipment to a calibration company so that your staff can concentrate on their duties. Secure Lab Environment Calibration companies operate under strict standards and lab controls. The strict requirements ensure that you get the most accurate calibration results. These requirements are difficult to achieve in an in-house lab due to the high cost of establishing such a facility and the money needed to employ or train existing staff. Outsourcing your calibration services ensures that your instruments are adjusted in a secure environment according to the protocols, and the results meet the manufacturer’s standards. Conclusion Choosing the best method of calibration service depends on your equipment requirements, budget, and time. Establishing a functional lab with qualified personnel could strain your company’s budget. Outsourcing your calibration services will guarantee accuracy, save time, and produce results that meet acceptable standards. Biotechnical Services, Inc. has a modern scientific laboratory with premier calibration equipment. Our lab is ISO certified and is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. We offer precise and reliable lab equipment calibration in Los Angeles and the neighboring regions in California. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/in-house-calibration-vs-outsourced-calibration-know-the-difference/ In industrial laboratories, ovens are useful for reliability testing, sterilization, and quicker drying of lab appliances. For instance, soldered chip joints are tested for their strength in semiconductor industries using ovens. A precise temperature must be kept accurate and constant during the experiments when using ovens. The accuracy of an oven can be determined through testing and calibration. Biotechnical Services Inc. offers precise oven calibration in San Francisco using advanced thermocouples and thermometers. Contact us when in need of equipment testing and calibration.
Reasons for Calibrating an Oven Ovens are tested and calibrated to maintain the accuracy and precision of oven enclosure temperatures. Since most parts of an electric oven are mechanically operated, especially the thermostat, it experiences stress, leading to deviation and making your oven operate out of precise temperature range. An oven thermostat is mechanically operated by dialing its knob, which triggers on and off settings when the desired temperature range is attained. When the thermostat sensor loses its accuracy, the oven will be operating at a different temperature than expected, affecting the quality of the product. When an oven loses its accuracy, it becomes less efficient and should be calibrated immediately. Oven calibration is also done after an oven has been repaired to test its accuracy. When dealing with industrial products, calibration is important when checking the positions with minimum and maximum temperatures for proper positioning of items and necessary adjustments. Contact Biotechnical Services Inc. for oven calibration in San Francisco when you need any tests of lab equipment. We accurately test and calibrate your industrial or laboratory oven using the latest technology and calibration equipment. Electric Oven Calibration An electric oven is calibrated to check its temperature accuracy at a given set value. More reasons that call for oven calibration include:
Calibration Method Calibrating an electric oven entails comparing the temperature generated by the set value in the dial knob and comparing it with a digital thermometer fitted with a thermocouple or wireless sensors. The thermocouple used in the calibration is fitted with a data logger with thermos shield capability to perform calibration at high oven temperatures. Requirements A warm-up time of about one hour for the oven under calibration for stabilization of chamber temperatures
Reference Standards
Oven Calibration Setup Insert thermocouple wires into the oven chamber. When performing standard calibration, place the cable at three points: the mid-right, mid-left, and center. Use a temperature recorder with the capability of recording more than five channels. A temperature recorder can take the temperature readings at intervals automatically. Calibration Procedure
Conclusion Keeping the temperature reading of your oven accurate helps you deliver high-quality products. An accurate temperature is required for various processes when dealing with the food industry and pharmaceutical industry products. Therefore, you need to check your oven regularly to determine if it is still accurate or needs calibration. At Biotechnical Services Inc., we offer premier and professional oven calibration in San Francisco and its neighborhood. Contact us today for onsite calibration of your oven and other lab equipment. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/electric-oven-calibration-to-test-your-ovens-accuracy/ Lab equipment validation technicians are professionals who specialize in pre-testing and testing equipment and systems for product manufacturing. The work of validation technicians entails inspecting, testing, and calibrating instruments, analyzing, measuring, and auditing procedures, equipment, and industrial machines. When validating the equipment or machines, validation technicians prepare documented evidence proving that they produce consistent, defect-free, and highest quality results according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In regulated and sensitive industries such as medical and pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing, validation technicians plan, monitor, and implement the set validation strategies. Biotechnical Services Inc. has fully certified validation technicians for all types of lab equipment in Los Angeles and its environs.
Some of The Varied Names of Validation Technicians
What Is Validation? Validation refers to generating documented evidence to prove that equipment, a procedure, or a system is functioning as expected. Validation is conducted by maintaining strict compliance throughout the production process and ensuring consistency in the results. What is The Work of a Validation Technician? A lab equipment validation technician follows a validation master plan. The master plan is a document generated at every validation risk assessment, with specified validation procedures in a system or during a manufacturing period. During the process of validation, a technician follows an equipment validation protocol. Equipment validation protocol is a technician’s plan when validating equipment, processes, or systems. It contains test parameters, production equipment, characteristics, decision points, and acceptable validation results. Each process has its validation protocol which outlines the required measurements, steps to be followed, the required proof, and the expected outcome. A deviation from a validation protocol requires instant action to correct it. The general duties of a lab validation technician include:
Types of Validation and Technician’s Roles Validation technicians have different roles in each manufacturing process within an industry with specific validation specialization. Biotechnical Services Inc. has a team of specialized technicians that can handle the validation of any lab equipment in Los Angeles. Here are the types of validations: Process Validation It provides evidence that a system has a consistent production or results. Process validation entails prospective, retrospective, and concurrent validations. It requires in-depth validation knowledge, relevant experience in the transfer and design, and downstream and upstream manufacturing processes. Equipment Validation It proves that the equipment and the whole facility or industry are functioning properly according to the set requirements by the regulatory authorities. Equipment validation follows the Installation, Operational, and Performance Validation Protocols (IQ OQ PQ). The technicians in this department are tasked with testing the equipment and verifying that they indeed meet the expected specifications. Cleaning Validation Validation technicians in this field provide an outline to follow when cleaning manufacturing equipment and new products. Other tasks of cleaning validation technicians include investigation, analyzing, and troubleshooting deviations in unvalidated cleaning processes. Computer Systems Validation Validation technicians in this department ensure that GxP computer systems process data and information the way they were programmed and that no deviation occurs. When conducting computer system validation, a CSV process is initiated to ensure that the whole system runs accurately, is robust, and has no tampering or software intrusion. Skills Possessed By Validation Technicians
Conclusion Lab equipment validation technicians play a significant role in ensuring that your equipment, process, or facility is accurately validated according to the relevant protocols. Validation ensures that various devices and systems run and produce the expected results. For this reason, validation technicians must have the technical background and relevant experience in a specific validation field. Biotechnical Services Inc. has specialized validation technicians who can handle any of your system, process, or lab equipment in Los Angeles. Source - https://www.biotechserv.com/lab-equipment-validation-technicians-who-are-they-and-what-do-they-do/ |
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