If you’re interested in getting into the chemical research business, then there’s a lot you should know. Running an RC lab at home can be dangerous business, and you should be properly prepared before you bring any chemicals in lab spaces.
This article will discuss some of the most important research chemical equipment for your studies. We’ll also help you learn how to set up a proper, safe, and structural chemical research lab. You’ll be able to perform a safe and reliable analysis of various chemicals without the risk of harming yourself or others if you follow the advice in this article.
However, don’t let this article be the end-all. Starting from the very beginning, you should learn as much as you can about setting up your own lab in a safe and reliable manner. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and when you’re working with research chemicals, there’s a lot of room for error. The more you know about health, safety, and proper precautions, the better.
How to Build a Research Lab
Alright, so the first thing you’re going to need to do is actually build, or at least design a space, for your research lab. There are lots of different ways that you can do this, but there are some things you’re gonna want to keep in mind.
Here are what we consider the most important factors of the actual lab design and build.
Power
Unless you want to be running everything on batteries and running back and forth from the nearest shop every time they run dead (inconvenient!), you’re going to want a location with a nice array of electrical outlets.
Ideally, a spare room or shed on your property that’s connected to power will work. If you don’t have an entire space that you can dedicate to your laboratory, then that’s okay. You’ll just need to clear any non-essential laboratory items out of another space in your home to use as your lab.
If you don’t have a ton of electrical outlets, you can always use a power bar to increase the function of a single outlet. However, you don’t want to run too many things off a single outlet. It may be wiser to bring in power from another source through a solid extension cord, especially if you’re going to be running big equipment.
Water
Ideally you’re going to get your lab in a space with running water. This is important for washing chemicals, whether that means out of a beaker or off of your skin. Running water also allows you to install an eyewash station which can be critical if an accident ever occurs.
If you can’t get running water, make sure that you’re able to fill up a large jug of at least 10 gallons with water. Keep that in the lab with you and refill it periodically to ensure that you’re never without an abundance of water.
Air
In terms of air, or more specifically, airflow, you’re going to want a space that’s got a lot of ventilation. Ideally, you’ll also want a lab space that can be kept at a reasonable temperature. Extreme temperatures can damage chemicals and can influence research. This is especially important if you’re storing chemicals in cupboards or cabinets as opposed to a refrigerator.
So, while you might want to use a basement because it’s large and cool (temperature-wise… and aesthetically, if you dig that sort of thing), you’ll also need to remember that they’re not generally great for ventilation. Unless your basement reaches above ground level and has a window that you can attach an exhaust fan to, you might need to reconsider.
All that said, if you’re going to be doing experiments that you know will produce lots of smoke and fumes, you should probably be doing them outside in the first place.
Space
You’re going to need a lot of counter space and cabinet space. Otherwise, where are you going to do your experiments?
Cluttered workspaces are a nightmare when it comes to lab work. You’ll need to make sure that you have a lot of wide-open counter space for your experiments. If you’re able to, you should secure enough counter space to have a separate section for wet and dry work; wet work meaning where the actual experiments occur, dry work being where equipment and chemicals are stored.
On top of chemical storage you’re also going to need plenty of space for all your gear. This means drawers, floor space for cabinets (unless they’re built into the structure of the room) and enough room for a cooling unit like a fridge.
Light
Light isn’t as big of a deal as some of the other issues, since natural light isn’t a necessity in a laboratory. However, due to the necessity of electricity and outlet space, having an abundance of natural light in your lab can certainly be a boon.
Flooring
It’s important to take care of your flooring when you’re building a lab. You want to make sure to avoid floors made with porous materials. Carpet and wood are no good, as these materials tend to absorb chemical spills easily which results in stains.
Good options include vinyl and linoleum, since they’re easily cleaned and they tend not to absorb any spilled compounds. Concrete is another decent choice, although you may want to give it a coat of latex or epoxy since concrete can also absorb spills.
Supplying Your Chemical Research Lab
Once you’ve got a place set up, you’re going to need to go about equipping it properly. Since you’ve already got your major purpose figured out – chemical research – you’re going to want to get gear suited to doing chemical experiments.
If you’re new to the research chemical scene then you might do well getting an introductory science kit. A home science kit may include several beakers, some scales, some safety equipment, and other important gear that you need to do experiments.
More realistically, though, you should opt to get some accurate measuring scales, some proper heating equipment, and some sturdy glass gear.
Gear
Each lab will be supplied differently. It ultimately depends on what you’re hoping to achieve. Here’s a few ideas of basic lab gear that you’re probably going to want.
- Filters. Filters will help you strain out chemical solutions and reduce the chances of contaminating another batch.
- Glass beakers.
- Erlenmeyer flasks with stoppers to hold chemical solutions.
- Graduated, glass cylinders of various sizes.
- Plastic pipettes.
- Test tubes and racks to hold them.
- Heat resistant tubing.
- Funnels of various sizes.
- Burettes for doing chemical titrations.
- Scales for doing measurements.
- Thermometers.
- pH strips.
- Hot plates.
- Stir plates and stir bars.
- Tools like forceps, several scoops, and tongs to hold hot objects.
- A microscope.
When buying gear you don’t necessarily need to break the bank. Usually, student-grade equipment is sufficient for home experiments. Professional grade equipment is always better, but also more expensive. Avoid buying anything too cheap, though.
Chemicals
When you’re starting to stock your research chemical laboratory, you’ll need a good source. Fortunately, you’ve already found one. Realchems can supply you with chemicals of all types, ranging from tryptamines to arylcyclohexylamines.
In addition to getting research chemicals it’s always a good idea to have a selection of solvents on hand, such as acetone, vinegar, and bleach. Also keep some alkaline substances like baking soda on hand.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few ideas to keep your lab running smoothly.
Keep a Lab Journal
A lab journal will help you keep track of all your experiments and data. This will prevent you from making the same mistakes and will also allow you to build on your previous knowledge. Keep track of all the work that you possibly can, recording your expectations, the actual results, and what you plan to do with the knowledge gained.
Wear Protective Gear
Never forget your protective equipment! Always equip yourself with a lab coat, lab gloves, and goggles to prevent damage being done to your eyes or skin. If you have long hair, you should also tie it back.
Label Everything
Make sure that all your chemicals are properly, visibly labeled. Just because you know what something is when you put it away doesn’t mean that you’ll remember what it is when you find it again three months later, or when you need to find it quickly.
Label everything with not only its name, but also the strength, weight, pH, the date, and any other information you can think to include. You may also want to include information on the proper storage of individual chemicals.
Fires & Spills
You’ll want to keep both a fire extinguisher and a spill kit nearby in case of emergencies. A spill kit contains equipment that will prepare you to stifle a spill before it becomes too serious. In it, you should include gloves, goggles, a spare apron, a dustpan and brush, absorbent materials, and neutralizing materials.
Conclusion
Starting a research chemical lab isn’t really that hard. You just need to figure out the right spot, get the right research chemical equipment, and then get chemicals in the lab. You’ve already found a site to supply you with chemicals and some lab gear. Just gather the rest of the things you need and you’ll be well on your way to doing your own experiments.
