The Starfish multi-experiment workstation from Radleys is reducing waste and costs while increasing productivity in the chemistry laboratories at Bradford University.
Alan Hague, laboratory manager from the School of Life Sciences at the university, invested in multiple Starfish systems for use in the Chemical and Forensic Sciences (CFS) teaching laboratories.
The main focus of the CFS is in the teaching of chemistry and forensic science as specialised subject areas, which include chemistry, forensic recovery and laboratory examination techniques, with preparative and analytical chemical techniques also forming a major part of these programmes.
Hague said: 'Before we invested in Starfish, we would often have five individual water baths or heating mantles set up, each taking up space, requiring their own electric and water supplies and individual condenser setups.
'We wanted a simple, versatile alternative to improve the student experience, make better use of laboratory facilities and space as well as give the students an experience of up-to-date technology in use in industry; the Radleys Starfish delivered in all aspects.
'Using only one heat source, as opposed to five, reduces the electrical energy requirement and therefore the carbon footprint and cost of operation.
'Instead of five individual condensers running water to waste, there is significant saving in having only one restricted input and outlet, giving a lower and more effective cooling flow than achieved by five setups.
'By the use of inserts, round bottom flasks from 5ml to 500ml can be accommodated, including the use of different sizes on the same base plate at the same time.
'The ease of attachment of water supplies, a small footprint, all flasks being capable of stirring simultaneously and the ease of removal from the heat source mean both our research students as well as our undergraduates have found Starfish a very useful addition,' he added.
