Laboratory-Type Glassware Washing and Disinfection Machines

In laboratory work, glassware of various sizes and shapes is used for different purposes. Examples include Erlenmeyer flasks, volumetric flasks, glass pipettes, beakers, and bottles. In order to safely reuse these non-disposable materials, they must undergo an effective washing and disinfection process. Today, this process is carried out using automatic “Laboratory-Type Glassware Washing and Disinfection Machines.” These systems save time and labor, reduce human error, and can be customized according to the specific needs of each laboratory.

Washing machines perform the following processes;

  • Cleaning; the pre-wash with cold water and the washing stage with detergent.
  • Disinfection; thermal disinfection performed at temperatures above 90°C. (Disinfection is not sterilization.)
  • Rinsing; the process of removing detergent residues from the washed items. If requested, the rinsing process can optionally be connected to a demineralized/deionized water system.
  • Drying; the evaporation of water remaining on the items after rinsing.

How should washing and disinfection machines be selected? What should be considered?

When selecting laboratory-type washing and disinfection machines, several key questions must be answered in order to fully meet the user’s requirements.
  • Under-counter or large-capacity model?
  • Should the device have hot and cold water inlets?
  • Will deionized/demineralized water be used for the final rinse?
  • Is drying required? External only or internal and external drying? (Using heated air)
  • What types of materials will be washed in the device? What are their volume, height, width, and inner/outer diameter dimensions? (This information is required to select the appropriate basket types.)
  • Some devices operate on 220–230 V, while others require 400 V. Therefore, knowledge of the laboratory’s infrastructure is also necessary.
In laboratory-type glassware washing machines, the baskets used to load materials and their required features are selected and configured according to the characteristics of the items to be washed. Not all glassware can be effectively washed using the same type of basket. While the main wash arms of the device are sufficient for washing wide-mouth items such as beakers, special accessories are required for narrow-neck items such as pipettes, volumetric flasks, and Erlenmeyer flasks. These accessories are injection nozzles that allow detergent and water to enter the interior of the glassware.
These nozzles used in washing machines vary according to the type and dimensions of the items being washed. They may be long, short, branched, with holders, etc. The primary function of injection is to spray water and detergent into the glassware and, if supported by the device, to blow filtered hot air for drying. This ensures effective washing and thermal disinfection of narrow-neck items. The correct injection type is selected based on the mouth diameter and height of the item. These parameters also determine how many injection points are required per basket.

With the Steelco LAB series, you can customize washing baskets for all types of glassware in your laboratory.

Steelco offers the LAB series of laboratory-type glassware washing and disinfection machines with usable capacities ranging from 170 liters to 600 liters.
For the LAB series; you can review our products and request a presentation via the Lab Type Glassware Washing and Disinfection Machines link.

Lab-Type Washing and Disinfection Machine Prices

There are many features that affect the prices of lab-type washing and disinfection machines. In small laboratories, under-counter models are the most commonly preferred.
The Steelco LAB 500 series, with its compact under-counter design, meets basic washing, disinfection, and drying needs. Devices can be customized according to user requirements with many available options. These requirements determine the final price. Factors include the number of programs, control panel type (LED, LCD, or touchscreen), number of detergent dosing pumps, distilled water source, water heating tank, built-in or separate side compartments, number and type of baskets used, number and type of injections in the baskets, etc.
To select the LAB series suitable for your laboratory with all available options; you can review our products and request a presentation via the Lab Type Glassware Washing and Disinfection Machines link.

Use of Lab-Type Washing and Disinfection Machines

Liquid detergents are used in LAB series washing machines. This prevents residue from remaining on the inner surfaces of the glassware during washing and ensures more effective cleaning. The ideal detergent properties are listed below.
  • Effective against a wide range of contaminants.
  • Compatible with the materials being washed.
  • Non-foaming.
  • Should not leave toxic residues.
  • Effective with hard water.
  • Safe to use and store.
  • Easy to rinse.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Cost-effective.
Lab-type washing and disinfection machines do not perform sterilization. They provide chemical disinfection using acidic and neutralizing detergents and thermal disinfection at 93°C.

Most Preferred Lab-Type Washing and Disinfection Machines

Features LAB 500SC LAB 500CL LAB 500DRS
Internal Volume 171 Liters 171 Liters 171 Liters
Drying Chamber Drying with Electric Heating Element Fan-Assisted Hot Air Drying Fan-Assisted Hot Air Drying
Panel LED, LCD, Touchscreen LCD LCD, Touchscreen LCD LCD, Touchscreen LCD
Side Compartment Optional Optional Optional
Number of Programs 5 + 5 10 + 10 20 + 20
Number of Racks 2 2 2