Point-of-Use Glassware Washers Presentation

Point-of-Use Glassware Washers

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Learning Objectives

How to choose the correct washer

Specifications that are important to glassware washer users

Cost of machine washing vs. hand washing

Types of Glassware Washers

Three types of Laboratory Glassware WashersBench top: Sits on the bench, limited features, low capacity – single level rackPoint of Use: Free standing or under counter, medium capacity – upper and lower racks, features such as pure water rinse, spindle racks or open racks.Central: Large, free standing model, high capacity – up to 5 racks, features such as pure water rinse, hot water temperatures up to 205F, spindle or open racks.

Economy (low features, bench top) $4,000 and underMid-range (point of use with features specific for laboratory use) $4,000 to $11,000Advanced (higher-end features such as automatic detergent dispense, HEPA air drying) $11,000 and upLarge capacity (Central location washers) Up to $50,000

Market Applications

Glassware washers are a logical solution for any lab using at least 25 pieces of reusable glassware and plastic ware daily.

Analytical labs can program “wash protocols” and have consistent, repeatable results.

Manual Cleaning

Three Steps of Manual Cleaning

Soaking in Immersion BathBest if washed immediately after useWater and detergent addedPotential overnight soaking to remove stubborn residue


RinsingRinse in separate container with drinking grade water or pure water to prevent cross contamination


DryingCan be done in autoclave or drip board

Automatic Cleaning – Residential Washer

Heated wash water only up to 140ºF in most models, 160ºF at the mostPure water rinses are not availableEngineered to remove food and beverages, not agar, media and solventsRacks are designed to hold dishes and cups, not pipettes, Erlenmeyers, etc.Detergents generally contain phosphates, which alter laboratory resultsWarranty is voided if installed in commercial applications

Laboratory Glassware Washers

Wash cyclesPre-wash rinses glasswareWash cycle adds detergent• Detergents work better with hotter

water. Hot water wash temperatures react with laboratory detergents to clean glassware.

Steam removes tough, dried-on soil

Cycle Components

Laboratory Glassware Washers

Cycle Components

Pure water rinseFor analytically clean glasswareHeated pure water cleans better than non-heated

Dry CycleBetter drying = less handling of glasswareNo transferring wet glassware to a drying oven or drip board

Selecting the proper laboratory washer

Questions to ask:What type of glassware are you using?

• Narrow neck or wide mouth

What is the soil level in the glassware?• Heavy, viscous or thick: i.e., media, agar, waxes, etc.• Light, general laboratory soil, liquid chemicals, aqueous, etc.

Are you using any acids?Does your glassware need to be dry out of the washer?

Effects of Residue on Laboratory Glassware

Ghost peaks can appear in a chromatogramSurfactant residue can impair or prevent the growth of bacteria and cell culturesPotential cross contamination Residue traces can catalyze or make chemical syntheses impossible Glassware can become etched or corroded from residue alkaline

Wash water should be heated up to 199°F, tap water generally is set to 110°F in most laboratories

Results should be reproducible each time

No need for overnight soaking

Controlled use of detergents

Less handling of glassware = less breakage

Does glassware washer offer forced air drying?

How long is drying cycle?

Save water usage

13.6 gallons glassware washer vs. 20 gallons hand washing

Automated cleaning using a laboratory glassware washer

What features should I look for?

Glassware racks specific for laboratory glassware

Injector spindles for narrow neck glasswareOpen racks for wide mouth glasswareOptional inserts for pipettes, culture tubes, Petri dishes

Hot water heater to heat water up to 199ºF for sanitization


Forced air dry cycle through spindles to ensure dry glassware after wash cycleInternal component materials to withstand laboratory chemicals


Hand washing vs. Machine washingHand washing uses more water and detergent than machine washingDifferent variables in hand washing can lead to different levels of cleanliness day to day

Shell washers vs. fully equipped washersLess expensive on paper, but racks are needed for the washer to operate. Costly in the end.

What type of detergent is neededA glassware washer uses less detergent than hand washing

Other considerations - costs

What if I am worried about particulate contamination?

Possible contamination may come during the forced air drying since air is pulled from the room, heated and forced into the washer. If the washer uses a HEPA filter before the forced air drying, the particulates are removed.

HEPA Filter

What washer works best for beakers?

A laboratory glassware washer equipped with standard upper and

lower baskets

Inserts allow customization of the glassware for Petri dishes, culture

tubes, utensils, etc.


High water circulation rates - greater than 96 gallons/minuteHot water heater to heat water up to 199ºF for sanitizationPure water rinse option

Pure water pump, pressurized pure water not requiredAbility to heat pure water rinse


Wash arms on each level including middle wash arm if upper rack is usedForced air dry cycle to ensure dry glassware after wash cycleInternal component materials to withstand laboratory chemicals

A washer for flasks or washer for beakers?

Which to choose?

Interchangeable racks give flexibility to run a combination of glasswareRemovable spindles Spindle racks can do narrow neck flasks as well as pipettesOpen racks will run wide mouth glassware, test tubes, Petri dishes


Accessory options…Spindle rack or open rack for washers that allow interchangeable racksInserts to customize washer

Tertiary Considerations - The Options

Accessory options:Liquid detergent dispenser

• Washer hooks up to liquid detergent; which is dispensed during the wash cycle. Exact amount of detergent is used every time.



Accessory options:Drain water cooling kit

• Cools water to < 60ºC in municipalities where hot drain water is not allowed



Glassware cart to load and unload directly from the washer

Water Softener—is it necessary?

Use of a water softener may be recommended if the water is 140ppm or greater.Most water is less than 140ppm. Water softener is not required.

1mg/L = 1 ppm

Can pure DI water be used with a glassware washer?

Pure DI (deionized) water works with glassware washers. By the time the DI water gets to the washer, it is no longer as pure as it started in the tank.

DI water does not leach the steel out of the washer.

DI water can also be hooked up to the Tap Valve as long as it is pressurized and heated

It’s not easy being green…

Some washers have an 8-hour delay to wash during non-peak hours to save on electricity.Water usage

Too little water creates a dirty wash environmentToo much water is a waste of detergent, water and energy

How much of the washer parts can be recycled?Are service parts easily available?Allow reuse of expensive glassware vs. disposable.Is the washer manufactured in theAre parts, customer service and sales reps readily available to you?

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Regulatory Agencies

Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) mark is accepted by AHJs and retailers across North America as a product's mark of compliance to applicable electrical, gas and other safety standards. and accredited as a Testing Organization and Certification Body by the Standards Council of the U.S.A. and Canada.

UL evaluates more than 19,000 types of products, components, materials and systems. UL's worldwide family of companies and network of service providers includes laboratory, testing and certification facilities.

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Point-of-Use Glassware Washers Presentation