Types of Laboratory Equipment

For experiments to be carried out, various lab apparatus is required. These include instruments for measuring, storing, and mixing samples and equipment that assists in conducting investigations.

Investing in first-rate lab instrumentation helps to enhance laboratory efficiency and reduces maintenance issues. In addition, it protects the safety of all lab patrons.

Microscopes

Microscopes help you examine the most miniature objects in your laboratory. From a single grain of sugar to a hair, you can’t see these things without help from a microscope.

Scientists use microscopes to examine microorganisms, cells, and crystalline structures. They are also used to study and create new materials.

There are many microscopes, including optical, fluorescence, and electron microscopes. The type of microscope you need will depend on the application.

A microscope comes with a stage (where the slides are placed for observation) and lenses, which provide magnification. The type of illumination is also essential, and it depends on what the specimen is. Some microscopes, like stereomicroscopes, use incident light to illuminate the samples, while others, such as compound microscopes, utilize transmitted light. Other microscopes, such as trinocular microscopes, incorporate a camera for capturing still images or projecting them on a computer or television screen.

Beakers

Beakers are cylinder-shaped glass containers that hold, store, heat, mix, and stir liquids. They often have a tiny sprout or spout for pouring.

“beaker” is derived from the Latin word barium, which means “drinking vessel.” Beakers are commonly used in laboratories to store an assortment of fluids, as holding containers for chemical reactions, and to measure various liquids used in experiments.

Beakers can be made from various materials, including glass, metal, or plastic. Generally, glass beakers are the most common type in the lab because they can withstand temperatures up to 340 degrees Celsius and resist cracking from rapid temperature changes.

Thermometers

Thermometers are an instrument used to measure the temperature of an object. These instruments are commonly found in laboratories and can be analog or digital.

Laboratory thermometers are handy for various lab experiments that must be conducted at particular temperatures. They come with high precision and resistance to get accurate results.

Generally, they are liquid-in-glass thermometers that use mercury. They have a glass bulb attached to a sealed glass tube called the stem or capillary tube.

These types of thermometers expand when the temperature rises and shrink when the temperature goes down. This is the primary way they are used to measure the temperature of an object.

These are the most commonly used type of thermometers in laboratories. They can be found in both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales and are usually accompanied by an electronic display.

Separatory Funnels

A separatory funnel is a type of laboratory equipment used to separate liquids based on density. This method is commonly used for separating oil from water.

A separating funnel is typically made from borosilicate glass and comes with stopcocks (tap) at the bottom. They are also available in plastic but are not as popular as their borosilicate counterparts.

They are used in laboratories to separate two liquids that do not mix well based on their unequal densities. Examples include a mixture of oil and water or gasoline and water.

They are also used in liquid-liquid extractions, allowing you to add the two phases slowly without mixing them up. This is important because emulsions can cause the liquid layers to mix and disrupt separation.