Eco-Friendly Splash at University Chemistry Labs

The innovative StarFish Multi-experiment Work Station from Radleys reduces waste and costs whilst increasing productivity in the chemistry labs at Bradford University.

Laboratory Manager, Alan Hague, from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford has invested in multiple StarFish systems for use in the Chemical & Forensic Sciences (CFS) teaching labs. 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.

Commenting on their existing methods Alan 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 set-ups. 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.“

“Bradford is an Eco-versity and the StarFish sits very well with the Universities’ aim of reducing energy and waste. 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 set-ups.’’

“The versatility of StarFish has meant it has been an ideal addition to the lab. By use of inserts, round bottom flasks from 5ml to 500ml can be accommodated, including the use of different sizes on the same baseplate, at the same time. 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.”