different handling equipments used in the laboratories and their safety measures.

1. Use and handling of microscope, laminar
flow, vacuum pumps, hot air oven, shakers
Presented by
CHITRA DEVI A
2022520004

2. Microscope:
• A microscope (from the Ancient Greek: mikrós, "small" and skopeîn, "to look" or
"see") is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye.
• The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called
microscopy.
• Microscopic means invisible to the eye unless aided by a microscope.

3. Types of microscopes
• Simple microscope
• Compound microscope
• Electron microscope
• Stereomicroscope
• Scanning probe microscope

4. • Simple Microscope - A simple microscope is defined as the type of microscope that
uses a single lens for the magnification of the sample.
• Compound Microscope - A compound microscope is defined as the type of
microscope that has more than one lens. It has a combination of lenses and two
optical parts known as an objective lens and an eyepiece or ocular lens.
• Electron Microscope - An electron microscope is defined as the type of microscope
in which the source of illumination is the beam of accelerated electrons. It is a
special type of microscope with a high resolution of images as the images can be
magnified in nanometers.
There are two types of electron microscopes:
The transmission electron microscope (TEM)
The scanning electron microscope (SEM)

5. • Stereo Microscope - A stereo microscope is defined as a type of microscope
that provides a three-dimensional view of a specimen. It is also known as a
dissecting microscope. In a stereo microscope, there are separate objective
lenses and eyepiece such that there are two separate optical paths for each
eye.
• Scanning Probe Microscope - The scanning probe microscope is defined as
the type of microscope that finds applications in industries where the
examination of the specimen is done at the nanoscale levels.

6. Electron microscope

7. Using of microsope
• Place the microscope on a stable place on a laboratory bench.
• Place a stool behind the laboratory table for sitting to look into the microscope.
• The stool should have a convenient height to let you see through eye piece without
bending.
• Place microscope near the window if daylight is used for illumination. Provide
illumination from any of the three sources - build in lamp, external lamp or sunlight.
• Use the concern side of the mirror. Use the plane side of the mirror if there is condenser.
• Direct the path of light to pass through the hole of the stage with maximum intensity
while setting the mirror.
• Put the slide between the clips provided on the stage.
• Revolve the nosepiece and align the low power objective (10X) to examine the object on
the slide.

8. Handling of microscope
• Improper handling is a common cause of many problems that occur with
microscopes.
• When carrying a microscope, hold it by the base and the metal support arm.
• The stage on a microscope is the flat plate where the slides are place for
observation.
• Avoid picking it up by the stage or the eyepiece holder, as this can cause
misalignment.
• Never use force, inappropriate tools or over-tighten when making adjustments
to your microscope, as this will only result in equipment damage.

9. • Oil immersion is a technique used to increase the resolving power of a
microscope.
• Both the objective lens and sample are immersed in a transparent oil of high
refractive index so that high magnifications can be achieved while still
maintaining good resolution.
• It is essential to ensure careful cleaning takes place immediately after using
immersion oil and do not use damaging solvents.
• Microscope lenses are delicate. Treat them carefully to avoid any scratches.
• Use an aspirator to remove dust.
• Moisten special lens paper with distilled water or appropriate cleaning solution.
• Never use anything abrasive on microscope lenses.

10. • Ensure you store your microscope in a clean, dry space with good ventilation.
• Salt air or damp air can cause damage to equipment overtime.
• Expensive, precision equipment should not be stored next to solutions that may
leak.
• Keep your microscope away from areas with potentially corrosive chemical
fumes.
• These fumes can destroy lenses or corrode metal parts.
• Moving parts should be cleaned and lubricated.

11. Uses of microscope
• They are used in different fields for different purposes.
• Some of their uses are
Tissue analysis,
The examination of forensic evidence,
To determine the health of the ecosystem,
Studying the role of protein within the cell,
The study of atomic structure.
Soil analysis:
• Microscopy can be used to measure the relative levels and diversity of microbes and animals from multiple trophic levels
in soil.
• The use of a microscope to assess soil health is called “microscopy”, “direct microscopy”, or sometimes “direct count.
• Determining the health of an ecosystem: It is common for field biologists to monitor the health of a particular ecosystem,
such as a steam, by using microscopes to identify the number and diversity of organisms in a particular region over time.

12. Laminar flow
• Laminar flow also known as streamline flow
• Occurs when the fluid flows in parallel layers, with no disruption
between the layers
• The opposite of turbulent flow (rough)
• In fluid dynamics (scientific study of properties of moving fluids),
laminar flow is:
• A flow regime characterized by high momentum diffusion, low momentum
convection, pressure and velocity independent from time.
• momentum diffusion refers to the spread of momentum (diffusion) between
particles of substances, usually liquids

13. TYPES:
1. Horizontal Laminar Air flow
• It is designed for the handling of materials wherever sterile, particle free
environment is required. Horizontal laminar flow hoods pull air from the
environment; the air goes through a filter and then blows smoothly out the
front of the hood back into the room.
• 2. Vertical laminar Air flow
• It has vertical direction flow and particle retention above 0.5micron.They are
appreciated for low noise and versatile usage. A vertical laminar flow hood
works in mostly the same way, but the air is blown from the top of the hood
straight down.

14. Handling of laminar flow
• The operator must wear safety goggles, long gloves, and a laboratory coat
while operating the device.
• All the components and devices present inside the cabinet must be
sterilized before and after use.
• The UV light and airflow must not be used simultaneously.
• The laminar air flow cabinet needs to be thoroughly irradiated with UV
light before and after use. This helps to prohibit the growth of bacteria and
foreign particles inside the device, thereby ensuring a proper sterile
environment.
• Any sort of ongoing process should be immediately terminated while the
UV light is still on

15. Uses of laminar flow
• Laminar Flow Cabinets are suitable for a variety of applications
• Where an individual clean air environment is required for smaller
items, e.g. particle sensitive electronic devices.
• In the laboratory, Laminar Flow Cabinets are commonly used for
specialised work.
• Laminar Flow Cabinets can be tailor made to the specific
requirements of the laboratory
• Ideal for general lab work, especially in the medical, pharmaceutical,
electronic and industrial sectors.
• Soil analysis - Laminar flow is a type of fluid flow where the fluid moves in
smooth layers that do not mix. It is characterized by the smooth flow of the fluid
in layers that do not mix. Laminar flow is used in soil analysis to study the
movement of water through soil pores.

16. In soil:
• Laminar flow chambers are used in soil science to study the
movement of water and solutes through soil samples.
• They are used to create a uniform flow of water through soil samples
and to measure the hydraulic conductivity of soil.
• The laminar flow chamber is used to create a laminar flow of water
through the soil sample. This is done by placing the soil sample in a
chamber with a glass plate at the bottom.
• Water is then pumped into the chamber at a constant rate, creating a
uniform flow of water through the soil sample.
• In microbiology, laminar flow chambers are used to prevent
contamination of biological samples.

17. Vaccum pump
• A vacuum pump is a tool that eliminates gas molecules from a
sealed volume so as to leave behind a partial vacuum.
• It removes gas from an area, leaving a partial vacuum behind.
• It also will remove water from one area to another, exactly like
sump pump does In a basement.
• They are utilised in an industrial setting in order to produce
vacuum tubes and electric lamps, and to process
semiconductors.
• The pumping speed is a very important factor in measuring its
performance.
• Pumping speed means the volume flow rate of a pump at its
inlet.

18. Types of vacuum pump
• Rotary vane vacuum pumps – They are small and compact, and can reach a level
of rough vacuum. They are particularly effective for aqueous samples and high-
boiling solvents.
• Diaphragm vacuum pump - extremely resistant to corrosion and chemicals. For
this reason, they can be used for any type of viscous, acidic and corrosive
product. They are also used for rotary evaporation and treatment of volatile
compounds.
• Liquid ring vacuum pumps - operate by supplying a liquid that is centrifuged on
the pump walls. These vacuum pumps are not very sensitive to the passage of
liquids, small solid particles or vapors. Additionally, their isothermal compression
is ideal for explosive and heat-sensitive products, which ensures a high level of
safety.

19. • Scroll vacuum pump - They are used widely in the research field and
in laboratories.
Rotary vane vacuum
pump
Diaphragm vacuum
pump
Liquid ring vacuum
pump

20. Handling of vaccum pump
• Make sure hot parts of the pump are not be accessible during operation and/or
are fitted with protective guards
• Make sure electrical components such as cords and switches are defect free
• Do not operate pumps near containers of flammable chemicals, flammable
chemical wastes, or combustible materials such as paper or cardboard
• Do not use solvents that might damage the pump
• Make sure that belt guards are in place during the pump’s operation
• Always close the valve between the vacuum vessel and the pump before shutting
off the pump. This prevents sucking vacuum oil into the system. You may also
install a non-return/check valve or use a pump with an integrated check valve at
the suction;

21. Cont.
• Always place a pan under pumps to catch oil drips
• Check oil levels and change oil when necessary
• Conduct all vacuum operations behind a table shield or in a fume hood and
always wear safety glasses
• Always use a trap on vacuum lines to prevent liquids from being drawn into
the pump, house vacuum line, or water drain
• Record oil change dates and to keep track of the pump’s maintenance
schedule
• Never place your hand over the suction inlet of the pump to check the level
of suction as this may result in a serious injury
• Pump may start without warning. Always isolate the power supply to the
motor before commencing any work on the pump and motor or any other
element of the vacuum system.

22. Uses of vaccum pump
• To provide suction to drive the aspiration or filtration of liquid or suspended
samples
• To induce or control solvent evaporation by reducing vapor pressure, as in ovens,
rotary evaporators, gel dryers, and concentrators
• To improve instrument-detection sensitivity by evaluating air molecules that
might obscure or contaminate samples, as in a mass spectrometer
• To collect gas samples from test chambers or the atmosphere
• To provide a negative pressure (that is, less than atmospheric pressure)
environment to prevent escape of potentially hazardous sample materials.

23. Soil analysis:
Vacuum pumps are used in soil experiments such as the specific
gravity test and permeability test.
• Measurement of Specific Gravity of Soils - vacuum pump to remove air bubbles -
2-3 minutes for sands and 10-15 minutes for clays.
• Soil permeability test - The test is performed by saturating the soil sample inside
a large sealed chamber using a vacuum pump. Water flow is monitored to
determine if the Constant Head method is applicable. Saturation achieved after
24 hours.

24. Hot air oven
• A hot air oven is an essential laboratory equipment that uses to dry heat (hot air)
to sterilize laboratory objects and samples.
• This type of sterilization is also known as dry heat sterilization.

25. Handling of hot air oven
• A laboratory oven should never be used for warming food items as it can pose serious
contamination hazards.
• Always keep volumetric flasks un-stoppered as otherwise there can be breakages due to expansion
of hot air inside.
• Make use of heat resistant gloves for removal of glassware kept for drying.
• Take care not to heat volatile organic liquids as they may lead to formation of volatile or toxic
vapours inside the oven.
• Mouths of flasks, test tubes, and both ends of pipettes must be plugged with cotton wool.
• Glasswares to be sterilized such as Petri plates and pipettes may be arranged inside metal canisters
and then placed.
• Place the glasswares at sufficient distances so as to allow free circulation of air in between them
and to ensure uninterrupted airflow.
• Shut the door and switch on the hot air oven. When the thermometer shows that the oven air has
reached sterilizing temperature, heating is continued for the required period of time (e.g. 160°C for
an hour).
• Allow the temperature to fall up to 40°C (approximately 2 hours), prior to the removal of sterilized
materials; which prevents breakage of glassware.

26. Uses
ANNEALING
• The process of annealing reduces hardness and increase ductility.
• High-temperature ovens are used in the application of metallurgy, medical
device manufacturing and material science industries.
DIE-BOND CURING
• Through a combination of drying and baking, lab ovens cure substances in
order to harden their chemical composition.
• This is a means of creating epoxies, glues, plastics and rubbers used in
polymer research, nanotechnology and semiconductor industries.
• Many of which are used in military, space and medical systems.

27. DRYING
• Gravity convection ovens, meanwhile, are often used to dry fine
particles as these are liable to scatter with high air flow and need a
more natural airflow in order to protect these delicate samples.
STERILISING
• At their most basic, laboratory ovens can also be used to sterilise lab
equipment and glassware. Carried out in a hot air oven, the ideal
temperature needs to be at least 160°C, with contents monitored at
this heat for 45 to 60 minutes.
• Hot air ovens are used in soil experiments to dry soil samples. The
test procedure of the “Oven Dry method” to find the moisture content
of soil.
• Glassware like petri plates, test tubes, flasks, pipettes, syringes,
glass or aluminium petri dishes (not plastic dishes), glass tubes
(rimless) and bottles fitted with aluminium caps or non-absorbent
cotton wool plug.

28. In soil analysis
• Soil Aggregate Stability - for 24 h at 105°C to calculate the moisture
content in the sample.
• Soil Moisture Content (Gravimetric Method) - 105 to 110 oC for 16 to
24 hours.
• Soil Sampling - at 30°C
• Food products - 105±1°C for 4 hours
• Bulk Density, Particle Density - 105 ºC for 24 hours.

29. Shakers
• Laboratory shakers and rotators are used to blend or agitate
samples within flasks or tubes.
• These devices consist of a housing containing the motor and
control panels, upon which an agitation platform is attached.

30. Types of shakers
• Reciprocating motion devices move alternately backward and forward.
• Rocking motion devices are capable of a rocking or seesaw motion.
• Rolling devices slide from side to side with a slight upward, then
downward tilt.
• Rotating shakers turn about an axis and function similarly to centrifuges,
although they do not reach the same speeds.
• Orbital shakers are the most common variety of laboratory shakers. They
create an orbital (horizontal circular) shaking motion sufficient for mixing
liquids in flasks and conducive to culturing cells. Most incubator style
shakers are of this design.
• Wrist or hand motion laboratory shakers duplicate the swirling motion of
hand mixing. Instead of cradling flasks or tubes within the agitation
platform, these devices have long arms attached to the housing, which
swing and swirl when the device is turned on.

31. Handling of shakers
• Place the lab shaker on a level table or bench that can support the weight of the shaker
and all associated accessories. Make sure the table or benchtop has a flat surface to
avoid any imbalance issue of the unit during operation.
• Put the shaker near an electrical outlet that matches the unit’s nameplate requirements.
• Prior to installation, ensure there is enough clearance around the unit for free air
convection.
• For open-air shakers, make sure there is enough space for the platform to move freely.
• For temperature-controlled shakers with hood, allow clearance for the hood to fully rise.
• The equipment is recommended to use a dedicated power source installed with
protective grounding. The main power plug should be easily accessible and free of any
obstructions.
• It is critical that the shaker is properly leveled. Most lab shakers include leveling feet that
can be adjusted to level the unit. Adjust the feet to level the unit from front to back and
left to right. To determine whether the bearing housing is completely leveled, place a
bubble level on the center drive.

32. Uses of shaker
• The resulting sample should be uniform in composition and free of clumps,
lumps, or other imperfections that can affect the accuracy of test results.
• Laboratory Shakers are used to mix, emulsify, homogenize, disintegrate,
suspend, disperse and dissolve samples safely, controlled, and in a reliable
manner.
• This mixing action can also help break up sedimented materials and
disperse particles evenly in a liquid medium.
• Some laboratory shakers have tilting plates that shake the solution in
multiple directions for an added mixing element.
• These Shakers come in various sizes, styles, and types to accommodate any
laboratory setting: from bench-top models with digital control panels to
free-standing units with automated mixing cycles and timers.

33. In soil analysis
• In soil texture, grain size analysis test - mechanical sieve shaker - for
10 to 15 minutes.
• The amount of available phosphorus - Horizontal shaker - for 30
minutes(Olsen’s method), 5 minutes(Bray’s P-1 method).
• Soil Aggregate Stability - rotary sieve shaker - for 20 minutes
• Measurement of wet aggregates - wet sieve shaker - for 10 minutes.
• CEC, Electrical Conductivity, Measurement of calcium carbonates in
soil - mechanical sieve shaker - for 1 hour.