Downflow workstations are a common site in laboratories which involves working with harmful chemicals and fumes. It is a ductless fume hood with advanced features. Downflow workstation works like the conventional fume hood. But it is more compact and works without a visible duct, hence making it less bulky.This machine is specially designed to protect the lab workers from inhaling any kind of toxic gas or fumes which may be created during experimentation). This machine is technologically advanced and supports complex and fragile and special actions during the experiment. It comes with a chamber on top. This chamber channels a downward airflow to protect the operator. Since it channels the airflow in the downwards, it is named downflow workstation.
Parts of the downflow workstation A Downflow Workstation has some common parts and features that allow it to work efficiently and protects the operator and other lab workers. This machine comes with a strong stainless steel frame. This frame is chemical resistant and is very durable. Some machines may have a polypropylene frame instead of the steel frame to make it more lightweight. Usually, the downflow workstations have movable wheels so that operators can change the position of the machine whenever it is required.
1. Control Panel- Most of the downflow workstation has a digital control panel. It has all the electronic controls including the switches, the timer, the blower, the airflow alarm, the hour counter.
2. Inside chamber– This is the space where all of the experiments are conducted. This section comes with a specially designed vapor resistant fluorescent lamp. This lamp lightens up the inside chamber while an experiment is going on.
3. Worksurface– it is a polypropylene tray inside the stainless steel frame. This tray is designed to store if any chemical or solution spills during the experiment
4. Electrostatic Pre-Filter– An operator can use this pre-filter from the inside chamber. This filter is very advanced. It can filter materials of size from 1 to 3 micron with efficiency.
5. Filter I. D. Window– A front cover window. It contains all the necessary information like the filter part number, the date of installation, the model number, the brand name, etc. It is basically to make the lab operators remember to keep the filter maintained and in fine health for the optimum result.
6. Filter door key- This key is used to lock and unlock the filter from unauthorized access. It also prevents any type of accidents and accidental fume discharges.
7. Airflow alarm- It is a security alarm. This alarm keeps the filter efficiency in check and alerts the operator in case there is not enough airflow in the machine to avoid casualties.
Special Features of A Downflow Workstation A downflow workstation works with the basic features of a fume hood but has a lot of advanced features to make any experiment secure and effective. Some of the special features are-· 270 degrees visibility- This is one of the best features. The DWS offers the user to etch the experiment in three ways- the frontal view and the side views. The workstation comes with a fluorescent lamp and you can watch over the experiment without any problem. Advanced Display panel- The downflow workstation comes with an advanced display board that mentions all the details of the experiment Centrifugal switch- This allows the user or operator to have greater control over the experiment. This manual switch allows the user to control the centrifugal speed at their will. Better fume extraction facility- This is the main feature of the DWS. It has better control of filtering the fumes and toxic gases. Hence, offers more efficiency· 270 degrees visibility- This is one of the best features. The DWS offers the user to etch the experiment in three ways- the frontal view and the side views. The workstation comes with a fluorescent lamp and you can watch over the experiment without any problem. Advanced Display panel- The downflow workstation comes with an advanced display board that mentions all the details of the experiment Centrifugal switch- This allows the user or operator to have greater control over the experiment. This manual switch allows the user to control the centrifugal speed at their will. Better fume extraction facility- This is the main feature of the DWS. It has better control of filtering the fumes and toxic gases. Hence, offers more efficiency
Some maintenance Tips- The downflow workstation is an integral part of a laboratory. But, if you want to attain optimal results, then you need to maintain it properly. This will make the machine efficient and also retain its good health. Here are some common tips Always make sure to switch off the machine after the experiment is over, This is an important safety method and also prevents any type of problem.· Keep the downflow workstation in a safe place free from obstacles. It is movable and can be moved as per your convenience, but make sure to not use it in a clogged space.
The machine needs to be maintained properly. The filter should be replaced regularly and repaired if something occurs.So, here is a complete guide about the downflow workstation. It is widely used in pharmaceutical and chemistry laboratories. Globallabsupply.com has a wide range of the DWS of different sizes and with exciting features. This eminent laboratory equipment supplier offers downflow workstations at a reasonable price to their clients.For any query related to any lab equipment, you can feel free to contact them as they are available 24*7 for their customers.
