Type of Lab Oven
Depending on the intended use, there are a variety of oven types to choose from.
How does sample or material type influence the ideal type of lab oven?
Depending on your intended use there are a variety of ovens to choose from. For general drying or baking purposes, a gravity convection oven can be used. These are typically cheaper and offer a degree of temperature uniformity, but they can develop cold or stagnant spots. Alternatively, a mechanical convection oven can be used which has a blower unit to allow for increased temperature uniformity, as well as fast recovery when the oven has been opened. If the oven is required for drying, desiccating, moisture determination, or outgassing a vacuum oven may be best.
Will the size or volume of samples you need to heat affect which style of lab oven should be used?
Laboratory ovens come in a wide range of sizes—from very small personal use to large-scale industrial units with walk-in capabilities. For larger ovens, a separate power source may be required. These units can draw a lot of electricity and increase the overhead and maintenance requirements of the laboratory. Alternatively, if the sample volume is large, but the size of the samples is small, it may be wiser to invest in multiple smaller ovens as opposed to one large unit.
How will the type of analysis or laboratory affect the type of lab oven required?
For some laboratories which have stringent compliance guidelines on samples, such as work involving semiconductors and electronic applications, a specialized variety known as a clean room oven may be needed. These ovens utilize a HEPA f ilter system along with very precise temperature control and uniform heating. For samples that are volatile or potentially explosive, the Class A division of ovens should be used, which includes safeguards against explosive or volatile samples.
Let us know if you’d like a recommendation tailored to your lab’s needs.