A laboratory hot plate is primarily made from metal or ceramic materials, but some are made from plastic or other materials. A hot plate typically has channels in the middle that help distribute the heat evenly throughout the surface. Depending on the model, these plates may also have temperature controls or timers to let users adjust how much heat they want and how long they want it to last. It can reach a temperature as high as 350℃ and evenly heat any material it touches.
Many laboratory hot plates are on the market, including those designed for specific applications or precision heating and stirring. Some have clamps to hold beakers, flasks, and other containers in place while heating. You may find a stirring magnet on some hot plates to keep the liquid moving. Others utilize pots and beakers that are available separately.
Different Types of Laboratory Hot Plates
Based on the material used in making a hot plate surface, there are mainly four types of Laboratory hot plates:
Aluminum hot plates:
These are typically inexpensive and can reach high operating temperatures. However, they may wear out quickly with consistent use and require periodic cleaning to avoid leaving a residue on the surface. It provides better heat, and it's also durable. It was suitable for high-throughput lab operations like chemical companies.
Ceramic hot plates:
These are made from porcelain and can withstand high temperatures without damaging the surface. Because of this, they can last a long time and may not need any cleaning. The surface is ideal for heating liquids or other materials that must be protected from exposure to aluminum or other metals. They're best suited for lab experiments where heat is generated over long periods, such as analysis in environmental research labs.
Polypropylene hot plates:
These are constructed from plastic materials and can withstand high heat without changing their shape or structure. They can be cleaned quickly using a damp cloth but may not be suitable for liquids that have corrosive properties. Some plastics may also release fumes when they come in contact with other chemicals, which adds an extra step to the cleaning process after each use. These types of hot plates work well for wet chemistry experiments using acids or bases.
Stainless steel hot plates:
These are made from high-quality materials and withstand the highest operating temperatures possible. Because of this, they typically last longer than other types of hot plates but may be more expensive to purchase initially. They may also need specialized cleaning agents or compounds unavailable to the end user. If you need to generate quick, broad heat in your lab and are concerned about corrosion, these types of plates are perfect for you. They're also resistant to ethers and most alcohols.
Stirring hot plate:
The heating and stirring elements are installed under the machine's flat top surface in this hot plate. Unlike other types of stirring hot plates, these do not have a clamp mechanism on the top surface and instead require vessels to be attached to the bottom surface using a separate magnetic bar or clamp. These hot plates are best for research labs that need to obtain precise temperatures quickly or for manufacturing processes where you must heat large volumes of materials at once.
Magnetic Stirring hot plates:
These have an additional stirring magnet built into the top plate for mixing liquids as they heat up on the surface below. Some Laboratory Hotplate with a Magnetic Stirrer can maintain a constant temperature over time by automatically adjusting their heating element. They're often found in chemistry research labs where you must maintain specific temperatures throughout an experiment. The electric magnet causes the magnetic bar immersed in the solution to spin at 2,500 rpm in a circular motion.
What Is the Best Way to Use Laboratory Hotplates?
Laboratory Hot plates can still pose a significant risk if used improperly. When using a hot plate, it is important to always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines and take all necessary precautions for safe operation.
When heating flammable organic liquid samples, take particular precautions. Organic compounds can ignite easily and are prone to explosion if overheated, so it is important to always use a hot plate in an enclosed space. Make sure all flammable containers or equipment are placed well away from the hot plate while in use, and also make sure that you maintain sufficient ventilation to minimize the risk of fire or explosion. Always employ a condenser. On the other hand, a water bath is advised to heat these solvents.
The temperature and stirrer control of each hot plate varies with the brand, so some functions may be more advanced than others. Some models also come with multiple stirring speeds and temperature ranges, so it is important to carefully consider your specific needs when choosing a hot plate for your lab.
Be extra cautious when handling potentially dangerous substances like acids. Always wear appropriate protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and face masks when working with any samples that may be hazardous. When heating these materials, be mindful of potential splashes or spills resulting in serious burns or other injuries. Use a dropping funnel to add solvent when they are already hot.
Do not use thick-walled glass vessels or flasks on hot plates. These vessels can break easily and cause serious injuries, so it is important to use only thin-walled glassware rated for high temperatures. Check the container as well if there is any crack during use. Before use, double-check that the 'On' and 'Off' buttons are functional. Check to see whether the hot plate is larger than the heating vessel.
Following these safety guidelines, you can use your hot plate safely and effectively in your lab to complete your research projects and other experiments.
What to pay attention to before purchasing Lab Hot Plates
Before buying a hot plate for your lab, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you get a model that is the right fit for your specific needs and budget. Some of these factors include:
1.Size and shape:
The size and shape of your hot plate will depend on the experiments you typically conduct in your lab. If you need to heat large volumes of liquid or materials at once, then a larger hot plate may be necessary to have ample space for vessels and other equipment. However, if you are mostly working with small samples or only need to heat liquids for short periods, a smaller model may work just as well for your needs. You should use a plate larger than the vessel you'll be working with.
2. Temperature range and controls:
The temperature range of a hot plate refers to the maximum temperature it can reach and the minimum temperature at which it can maintain steady heat when in use. Most Laboratory hot plates have a wide temperature range, typically from 100-550 degrees Celsius, but some may be limited to lower or higher temperatures depending on their design and construction materials. Some models also include digital displays or adjustable controls to easily set your preferred operating temperature before starting an experiment. Hot plates with analog thermostats do not have temperature accuracy.
3. Temperature uniformity:
Some Laboratory hot plates offer better temperature uniformity than others, which means that the heat gradually decreases over the surface of a plate to prevent hot or cold spots from forming. These models are ideal for applications where precise temperature control is essential, such as chemical synthesis and analytical testing.
5. Capacity:
The capacity of a hot plate refers to how much liquid or material it can hold in one experiment. This can vary depending on the size and design of the hot plate, so you should consider your typical volume requirements when choosing a model. Most models in the market have 20 liters to 200 liters capacity, with some models having 500 liters capacity.
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right hot plate for your lab, including size and shape, temperature range and controls, sample viscosity, capacity, and safety features. By considering these factors carefully and researching the available models in the market, you should be able to find a model that is perfect for your specific needs and budget.
Best Laboratory hotplates 2022-2023
1.
DIGITAL LABORATORY HOT PLATE 175*175MM 300 DEG C
Temperature can be displayed in °C or °F.
Top plate size: 175X175mm
Temp. stability: ±1°
Dimensions:W200xH150xD260mm
Optional Temperature programmer sp540
2.
DIGITAL SUPER GIANT HOTPLATE 500X250MM UP TO 300DEG C
Temp. range: 40-300°C (optional 400°C
Top plate: 500x250mm
Temp. stability: ±1° W500xH150xD250mm 3000W 6.6kg
Temp stability: ±1°
Overall dimensions: W500xH150xD250mm, 6.6 Kg
3000W
3.
LABORATORY DIGITAL HOTPLATE 400X400MM 370DEG C
Temperature range :up to 370°C.
Temperature can be displayed in °C or °F.
Top plate size: 400x400mm
Temp. stability: ±1°
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