All News : University Communications : University of Vermont

All News : University Communications : University of Vermont

Video on our Team's recent UVM laboratory.

Clean Room Construction and Garments Adapt to a Changing Industry

Clean Room Construction and Garments Adapt to a Changing Industry By Mike Auerbach, Editor In Chief, PharmaPro

Modularity for adaptability and "on-time" construction.

Millipore Achieves Gold LEED Certification | Controlled Environments Magazine®

Millipore Achieves Gold LEED Certification Controlled Environments Magazine®

Congratulations to Millipore on LEED Gold for their clean room. Clean rooms certainly take a special effort to save energy given traditional practices. I am willing to venture that the payback for the upfront cost is under 2 years.

Selecting PTFE for ultrahigh-purity fluid handling applications - Solid State Technology

This is a nice article on the selection of PTFE for high purity water applications. PTFE can also be utilized for lower grade waters where applicable.

Executive overview
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is an ideal material for semiconductor fluid handling applications. It is inherently inert because it is composed of only carbon and fluorine atoms. This carbon fluorine bond is one of the strongest known. The strength of these bonds prevents PTFE from being degraded by chemicals or absorbing them. These bonds also permit PTFE to withstand temperatures ranging from -270°C to 260°C. This article discusses the selection criteria when using PTFE for ultrahigh-purity fluid handling applications.

Selecting PTFE for ultrahigh-purity fluid handling applications - Solid State Technology

Understanding laboratory plumbing systems: water

@RandDMagazine This article from R&D Magazine outlines many of the laboratory water system design issues typically encountered.

Yale postdoc shot, killed - The Scientist - Magazine of the Life Sciences

Saddened by the news. Are thoughts and prayers are with those associated with the person: Yale postdoc shot, killed - The Scientist - Magazine of the Life Sciences

Understanding Laboratory Waste and Vent Systems

RT @RandDMagazine Understanding laboratory waste and vent systems
 http://bit.ly/dxnAKW
 
Nice basic understanding of laboratory waste systems. We are finding that local neutralization, while requiring more maintenance, is also more desirable by local Officials/AHJ. Additionally, it reduces over-all costs on the piping systems substantially. This approach is not always possible, but should be reviewed at the outset of a project during the engineering planning stages.

I also must add that I do not fully agree with the “Glass Manufacturer’s” comment. In my personal experience, glass is rarely a viable choice because other materials can typically be found that substitute as nicely and have lower budget impact.  Laboratories inherently rarely have the plenum ceilings that make plastic a problem. Localized neutralization in any case limits the lengths of acid waste piping. Glass certainly has its place and should not be dismissed. Matching the application to the materials is the early engineering we need to do.

Pfizer Liquidation Center - All lots

Pfizer Liquidation Center - All lots

I see some Mass Spec's, NMR's and some other items I know our clients are looking for. I can't endorse this site or company, so check them out if you're seriously thinking about purchasing.

Cleanroom Design in 10 Easy Steps

This article in “Engineered Systems” magazine by Vincent A. Sakraida, P.E. is a simple approach to clean room design. I like the treatment of air balance design because it has far reaching application for many science construction applications. I also appreciate the consideration for energy conciousness in our LEED orientated industry as well as the consideration for proper determination of activity and use of the clean room space.

Controlled Environments BSC's Article

This is a great article on BSC's, their uses and how they work. A basic MUST for Facilities directors, architects, engineers, or anyone in the sciences. Controlled Environments Magazine® Biological Safety Cabinets: Controlling Contamination, David Phillips, November 2008

The Great Fume Hood Debate

The great fume hood debate goes on and is outlined very well in this R&D article. Basically, a more surgical approach needs to be applied when selecting hoods. Individual lab spaces and even individual lab hoods need to be planned for actual long term perceived use without compromising safety. I highly recommend the following approach:




1. Consider the possibility of isolating the use of more hazardous chemicals to a single lab or a single hood sized for traditional flow types.

2. Low to moderate hazard chemicals can then be grouped and utilized in the newer low flow hoods.

3. The lowest hazard of chemicals can then be utilized in a recirculating hoods with carbon or other appropriate filtration.

4. Depending on the primary science that takes place, the lowest consuming hood type should be utilized for any use at benches dedicated to single researchers.

5. Other hoods can be located for optimal sharing at strategic points throughout the lab.

Basic Review on BSC's

This article posted in "Lab Manager" magazine about 5 months ago is a great basic primer on Biological Safety Cabinets and their classifications.

Merck KGaA acquires Millipore

While this could be good for our industry, the aquisition of Millipore might spell a tightening of good R&D at the sacrifice of corporate profits.

Energy Tied to System Static Pressure

I just read a recent white paper sponsored by a controls company comparing energy usage in a laboratory system.  Basically the study found that by switching from a venturi style valve to a blade damper style will cut energy consumption of the fans in half.  Should we still be using venturis?