As laboratory professionals, ensuring safety is a top priority when working with volatile materials. Proper storage of flammable, hazardous, or other volatile substances is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment. When it comes to cold storage, traditional laboratory refrigerators and freezers pose potential risks due to their exposed electrical and heating components. These risks can lead to sparks and/or explosions depending on what is being stored or where its being stored. To address these concerns, two specialized Spark-Free Cold Storage options have been designed to provide a safe solution: Flammable Material Storage Refrigerators or Freezers and Hazardous Location (Explosion Proof) Refrigerators or Freezers.
Flammable Material Storage Refrigerators or Freezers:
Flammable material storage units offer a spark-free interior environment, ensuring the safety of stored volatile substances. These units are designed without any internal components that could potentially cause sparks. The electrical components, temperature controller, and other wiring are located on the exterior of the unit. By eliminating electrical exposure within the storage space, these refrigeration systems significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Hazardous Location (Explosion Proof) Refrigerators or Freezers:
Hazardous location refrigeration systems take safety a step further by offering both a spark-free interior and exterior environment. These units are specifically designed for use in areas classified as Class 1 Division 2 or similar classifications. All electrical components and wiring, including the temperature controller and evaporator, are enclosed within sealed conduit housings on the exterior of the unit. Moreover, to ensure maximum safety, these units are hard-wired into the power source, eliminating the need for a plug.
Choosing the Right Spark-Free Cold Storage Option:
When determining which type of spark-free cold storage system to choose for storing volatile materials, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your laboratory environment. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you make an informed decision:
- Flammable Material Storage Unit:
- Features a spark-free interior environment.
- Suitable for standard laboratory settings where other items may potentially cause sparks.
- Offers enhanced safety by isolating electrical components on the exterior of the unit.
- Comes with a plug for easy installation.
- Hazardous Location/Explosion Proof Unit:
- Provides both spark-free interior and exterior environments.
- Ideal for laboratories with designated areas classified as Class 1 Div 2 or similar classifications.
- Requires hard-wiring into the power source to eliminate any electrical exposure.
- Ensures the highest level of safety for storing volatile materials.
Spark-Free Cold Storage in Simple Terms:
- Flammable Material Storage Unit = Spark free interior so volatile materials can be stored inside (example ethanol or gas)
- Hazardous Location/Explosion Proof Unit = Spark free interior and exterior, plug is hard-wired so refrigeration unit doesn’t cause any sparks in areas that could have highly volatile chemicals in the atmosphere
Safety is paramount when it comes to storing flammable, hazardous, or volatile materials in laboratory settings. Standard laboratory refrigerators and freezers are not suitable due to the potential risks posed by their exposed electrical and heating components. However, by choosing specialized options such as flammable material storage refrigerators or freezers, or hazardous location (explosion-proof) refrigerators or freezers, laboratory professionals can ensure a spark-free storage environment. Assessing the specific requirements of your laboratory will help determine the most appropriate option for storing volatile materials, providing peace of mind and maintaining a safe working environment for all personnel.
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