Lab designs

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bindibadgi
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Lab designs

Post by bindibadgi »

Hi all,

we're in the process of designing completely new science labs on our middle school campus, Years 7-10, & I'm hoping to pick your collective brains.

If you've had new labs built in the last 5 years, & you have photos of the finished product, or you'd be willing to take some photos, could you please post them here or send them to me at kkrassay@pembroke.sa.edu.au ?

With thanks,

Kiah :-)
bindibadgi
CC
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School: Goulburn High School
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Re: Lab designs

Post by CC »

My only suggestion would be to have the prac benches around the outside and not divide the classroom in half like we did. Not practical at all.
vickir
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Joined: 04 Apr 2016, 10:50
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Re: Lab designs

Post by vickir »

Bindibadgi

You're lucky to have a say in the design of your new Science labs. We are having some of our labs and prep room renovated (hopefully started soon), the architect and staff from public works have come in and drawn up plans without any say from Science staff. There hasn't even been a chemical store room drawn into the plans.
linotas
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Re: Lab designs

Post by linotas »

I've been through lab design 3 times, coming in at various stages. There are lots of things I would do differently. Message me if you have specific questions. Design really depends on which graders/types of students/teachers are using it. If they are used as classrooms as well as prac spaces, then work benches around the sides with island benches for the actual work is the ideal IMO, with desk in the centre. However, if they are just labs and/or only for seniors, benches in the centre work the best. try and get one piece moulded bench and sink and don't, whatever you do, use stainless steel or Corian bench tops.
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Kathryn
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Re: Lab designs

Post by Kathryn »

We will be installing a new mini lab in an existing classroom. My HOD has asked if anyone on here has advice as to what material the sink should be made from - has anyone used the epoxy sinks?
Thanks
Kathryn
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Labbie
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Re: Lab designs

Post by Labbie »

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Which sinks are more highly specified in laboratory applications by architects and consultants: Epoxy sinks, Stainless steel, Polyethylene or ceramic

A) Epoxy sinks by Durcon are the most specified type sinks for lab applications. The Durcon epoxy sinks are heat and fire resistant, stain resistant and are compatible with epoxy resin lab tops, solid Phenolic composite panels and may be used with Plam / plastic laminate counter top material under certain conditions.

Q2) Are Epoxy sinks competitive to the other types of laboratory sinks available:

A) Epoxy sinks are the least expensive brand of lab sink when compared for features and benefits, resistance factors and price. Stainless steel, ceramic and Poly sinks are more expensive on average than epoxy laboratory sinks.

Q3) What type applications are available with Durcon Epoxy Sinks:

A) Under mount; drop-in and in some limited cases, surface mount are the three methods of applying epoxy resin sinks to laboratory tops. Under mounting and drop-in applications for Durcon epoxy sinks are the most popular methods used in industry and highly specified by architects and consultants in Section 12345 of laboratory casework.
Surface mounting of the epoxy ¼” rim thickness is accomplished with the use of stainless steel rims, into which the epoxy sink rim is inserted and sealed at the surface of the counter top.

Q4) Are Epoxy sinks corrosion and stain resistant:

A) Durcon epoxy laboratory sinks are chemical resistant, heat resistant and corrosion stain resistant when proper care and maintenance procedures are put in place. Chemical spills should be wiped up immediately and washed with clear clean water to prevent staining, which are a function of time, temperature, humidity and the concentration of the chemical in contact with the counter top materials.

Q5) Which type epoxy sink is more widely specified, under mount or drop-in?

A) The architectural specifications for Durcon epoxy sinks are about 50% Under mount and 50% drop-in although drop-in application is becoming more popular due to ease of installation and does not require a sink support.

Q6) What thickness of Epoxy resin lab top is needed to support the weight of under mount epoxy sinks?

A) The minimum recommended thickness for under counter mounting of epoxy sinks is ¾” (19 MM) however 1” (25 MM) is highly suggested and is considered the industry standard thickness in laboratory applications of epoxy resin or solid phenolic counter top materials.

Q7) Do epoxy sinks have a molded in drain waste or is the drain waste a separate product?

A) Polyethylene sink wastes are supplied separately for field attachment in the factory
pre-drilled drain outlet hole. A poly overflow and stopper set are also suggested.

Q8) How do you attach drop-in type epoxy sinks into a routed cutout on the epoxy countertop?

A) Apply a liberal amount of two-part Smooth-on epoxy adhesive to the vertical wall and horizontal ledge of the cutout and place the epoxy sink into the rabetted cutout. Wipe away excess adhesive with a rag dipped in acetone or mineral spirits and taper the adhesive towards to sink bowl. The rim of the epoxy sink should be set approx 1/8” (3 mm) below the surface of the epoxy or solid phenolic counter top to allow for free entry of spilled liquids on the laboratory counter.

Q9) Can epoxy sinks be repaired if cracked or damaged by dry ice?

A) Epoxy sinks are non-repairable and should be replaced immediately if damaged by dry ice or liquid nitrogen. Dry ice and liquid nitrogen should not be placed in contact with epoxy resin countertops or epoxy sinks.

Q10) Are the cutouts for under mounting Durcon epoxy sinks cut the same size as the inside dimension of the sink bowl?

A) Typically, the sink cutout is 1/8” to ¼” less than the ID of the bowl, on all four sides of the sink bowl in order to provide an overhang of the counter top materials into the bowl.

Q11) What is the recommended sealant for creating a chemical, liquid seal for a drop-in or under mount epoxy sink, silicone or epoxy adhesive?

A) An equal proportionate mixture of two-part Smooth-on epoxy adhesive is the recommended product as specified by architects and epoxy sink manufacturers. Silicone may be used if epoxy adhesive is not available. The mixture of the epoxy adhesive
is a 1 to 1 ratio of resin and hardener.

Q12) Does under mounting of epoxy sinks require a sink support?

A) Due to the weight of epoxy sinks, as opposed to polyethylene and stainless steel sinks, sink supports are specified and required. Durcon epoxy sinks should not be installed under mount of laboratory tops, without the proper sink support.


Taken from Epoxy sinks website??
Regards Labbie

Lab Manager/Lab Tech, mind reading etc etc
Now retired :wub:
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Kathryn
Posts: 389
Joined: 01 Jun 2006, 10:00
Job Title: Lab Technician
School: Cedars Christian College
Suburb: Farmborough Hts, Wollongong
State/Location: NSW

Re: Lab designs

Post by Kathryn »

Great information but does anyone have any actual experience with the epoxy?
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