Latest Laboratory Equipment & Their Uses (2023)
The laboratory equipment are used majorly for the carrying out of research work and facilitating efficiency through them. While the laboratory on the other hand is a place where a lot of scientific experiment and other processes of discovery are done, we shall also be defining it as the manufacturing room for knowledge and new terrains of understanding or knowledge.
In the light of efficiency, the best laboratory equipment and their uses will be highlighted and briefly explained in subsequent discussion for you.
Laboratory equipment refers to the various tools and equipment used by scientists working in a laboratory. Laboratory equipment is generally used to either perform an experiment or to take measurements and gather data. Larger or more sophisticated equipment is generally called a scientific instrument.
Best Laboratory Equipment And Their Uses in Nigeria
laboratory equipment or apparatuses are the basic things that are applied everywhere, in physics and chemistry, in medical laboratories and educational institutions. Each piece has its unique name and is meant to be used in a particular way. Let us help you pay attention to the list of the very best laboratory equipment and their uses in this article:
1. Funnels And Bottles
If you are working on experiments that involve liquids, funnels and bottles in different sizes and stem lengths are necessary. These funnels and bottles are usually narrow-mouthed for easy pouring of liquids. They are available in both plastic and glass.
2. Beakers
Beakers are the ideal equipment for mixing chemicals, dissolve or stir solutions, heat or cool down liquids or do water baths. Some beakers are broad-mouthed with a flat bottom and have a beak-shaped spout for easy handling. However, some beakers are also available in a test tube shape.
3. Volumetric Flasks
It is a popular type of laboratory apparatus used in chemistry. Whenever you have to measure a particular amount of liquid (and the volume matters a lot), you should choose the special volumetric flask that is designed to hold only a precise amount and no more. These glass flasks can be of different volume, for example, a 200-millilitre flagon, a 500-millilitre cup, etc.
4. Conical Flask
This lab equipment comes handy when you want to stir or shake the liquids without risking any spillages. It has a narrow opening which expands towards the bottom. The narrow mouth allows closing it with a glass or a rubber stopper and then keeping it aside safely for later use. It can also be used for the heating purpose by clamping it to a ring stand.
5. Bunsen Burner
What laboratory apparatus is used for heating? Bunsen burners are the most common equipments that perform multiple functions. It not only heats various chemicals to create a particular reaction, but also works as a sterilizer.
6. Lab Stands
Lab stands come with rings or clamps to hold a beaker or a flask over the source of heat. They are available in different styles and clamp/ring sizes, depending on what your exact requirement is.
7. Test Tubes
A test tube is a transparent glass or plastic container in a cylindrical shape with a U-shaped bottom. It is non-reactive equipment which means that you can safely conduct experiments that require a chemical reaction. It is also used to hold science samples.
8. Microscopes
Science lab equipment, especially the microbiology one is incomplete without microscopes. You can buy low-powered, high-powered microscopes or both as the need may be.
9. Burettes And Pipettes
Burettes and pipettes are very thin tubes like apparatus to transfer very small quantities of liquid. It is used to dispense the accurate amount of liquid. While both have the same purpose, they may be used differently. A pipette is small than a burette. The key difference lies in their release mechanism. A burette has a stopcock at the bottom whereas a pipette works on a dropper like a system to release liquid in the desired amount by reducing the vacuum.
10. Lab Burners
Many experiments involve heating, melting, boiling or burning. Lab burners can run on butane, propane and alcohol.
11. Rubber Tubing
Owing to its materials like natural or synthetic rubber, these tubes are very flexible and resilient. They are very useful in distillation processes.
12. A Voltmeter
Students love this electronic meter. Voltmeters are used in electrical circuits. With their help, it is possible to measure the voltage between 2 points. It helps in scientific experiments, at schools and home.
Others are:
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Lab coats
- Fire extinguishers
- Chemical fume hoods
- First aid kits
- Eyewash station
- Safety shower cubicle
- Fire blankets
What is the most important laboratory equipment?
Test tubes are one of the most important apparatus as they are functional from storing to mixing reagents in any chemical or biological reactions. Test tubes come in various sizes and shapes, including plastic tubes used in medical labs.
What are the uses of laboratory equipment?
These tools are meant for use by scientists, students, professors, and medical professionals. Some scientific lab equipment is used for weighing materials, mixing and creating solutions, and cleaning containers.
What lab equipment do we use for safety?
Pieces of lab safety equipment that every laboratory should have to reduce the risk for serious injuries include: Goggles and garments. First aid kits. Eye washing stations and showers.
Which equipment is used to stop fires in a laboratory?
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers and Blankets
For the average laboratory, the NFPA recommends an ABC extinguisher, which is composed of dry chemicals and can be used to put out most fires, including electrical fires. A fire blanket should be on every laboratory safety equipment list.
