A Comfortable Lab Environment for Solving Global Challenges
Customer Visit： Department of Applied Chemistry College of Life Sciences Ritsumeikan University
Tomonori Hanasaki Ph.D. (Prof.)
College of Life Sciences at Ritsumeikan University explores the life sciences in four academic disciplines: applied chemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and biomedical sciences. Through these disciplines, the students cultivate the skills necessary to address critical global challenges, such as issues concerning natural resources, energy, the environment, food, and medicine.
The college initiated a project to renovate its laboratories in 2020, and Shimadzu RIKA’s air supply and exhaust control systems were installed in 4 laboratories. This time, we visited one of these newly renovated facilities, specifically the Organic Materials Chemistry Laboratory.
What were your priorities for the new laboratory and why?
Creating a comfortable laboratory environment
This laboratory conducts research on the synthesis and physical properties of various materials, ranging from low molecular weight to polymeric substances, including liquid crystals, while maintaining an optimal laboratory environment. As part of our renovation efforts, our primary goal was to improve the energy efficiency of the laboratory by installing fume hoods that automatically adjust the amount of exhausted air based on the size of the front opening (sash height). Before the renovations, outside air was drawn into the laboratory without conditioning, and experiments were consequently conducted in uncomfortable conditions (cold in winter, hot in summer). After installing the new fume hoods, the most significant improvement has been the ability to effectively air condition every space in the laboratory, facilitated by Shimadzu RIKA’s air supply and exhaust control system. Furthermore, the fume hoods were equipped with built-in scrubbers that can switch between dry and wet filters depending on the experimental requirements, creating a more suitable environment for each experiment.
What were the benefits of working with Shimadzu RIKA, and what else would you like to see Shimadzu RIKA offer?
Shimadzu RIKA was sincere in their dealings with us, and we are delighted to have worked with them.
The display panel on each fume hood offers clear visual confirmation of how the air supply and exhaust are controlled based on the size of the front opening (sash height).
We anticipate continued follow-up support from Shimadzu RIKA in the future.
Shimadzu’s liquid chromatographs are also being used in the Organic Materials Chemistry Laboratory.
Thank you for sharing your valuable insights.
