The required purity level of water that is supplied to a glassware washer for rinsing has been the subject of debate in regards to the ultimate goal of producing clean laboratory glassware.
First it should be noted, the term ‘Deionized Water’ does not reference any specific water purity level. The deionization of water is a process that can produce water within a wide range of purity levels. The deionization process can be used to make medium grade water at 10-20 microsiemens of conductivity or it can be used in polishing systems to produce water with a 16-18 megohm resistivity level.
There are four points to consider when selecting the purity level of the water used for rinsing in a stainless steel mechanical glassware washer:
Labconco has completed third party testing on glassware cleaning efficiency using 1 micro ohm/microsiemen purified water rinses in the FlaskScrubber Glassware Washers. Chemical contaminant carry-over tests have been completed with the FlaskScrubber Glassware Washer using analytical test methods EPA 200 series metals, EPA 524.2 volatile organics, EPA 525.1 semivolatile organics and EPA 8270 semi-volatile organic compounds. Results measured remaining contaminants at the parts-per-billion level.
The significance of this test data will vary based on application and analysis needs. Test results for the analytes tested are available in spreadsheet format from Labconco Corporation.
For Labconco’s glassware washers, we recommend our WaterPro RO Station. The internal 17 liter storage tank supplies up to 2 rinses, out of the potential 6 rinses, of RO water. If the glassware washer will be programmed for 6 rinses in pure water, we recommend the addition of our 70 Liter RO water storage tank. Labconco’s glassware washers use 12.9 liters of water for each fill. Two fills of tap water are required for detergent washes and up to 6 rinses with tap water or pure water are available, each requiring 12.9 liters.
chevron_left | Visit us at Pittcon booth 1525! | Articles | Need personnel protection? Take a look at the Purifier Class I Enclosure | chevron_right |