Uniform laboratory configuration
Broen, Friatec and Trespa – Cooperation between specialists
Cooperation between specialists is always a guarantee for optimum results. For the configuration of approximately 1,640 sq. mtrs of research laboratory at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel, a decision was made in favour of three leading companies in the area of laboratory configuration. The working space manufacturers Friatec, the fittings specialist Broen and Trespa have many years experience in the industry.
The cooperation enables a uniform laboratory configuration. The architects selected the highly-resistant Trespa TopLabPLUS panels for the measuring and analysis work spaces, installed at lower height. Standing work positions and drains in the research area, which frequently come into contact with chemicals, as well as the spouts, were provided by Friatec’s high-quality technical Fridurit-Keramik. A total of 224 m of stoneware tabletops, 40.3 m spouts tabletops with stoneware basins and 145 m Trespa TopLabPLUS tabletops were installed. The Broen fittings for volatile and gaseous media which were mounted on table working spaces and drains, perfectly complement the new environment.
”In our tender we had specified the quality that the individual materials had to fulfill in advance,” explains Dr. Herbert Pausch from Kiel Christian-Albrechts University. The benchmark was set by the high demands placed on the materials for the laboratory area. In Pausch’s opinion, the cooperation between Broen, Friatec and Trespa has paid off. On the one hand, due to the uniform, well-coordinated design and on the other hand, due to the resulting functionality. “Thanks to the different panel materials, individual working spaces are clearly separated from each other.”
Moreover, additional details play a major role, for example the fittings. Broen fittings, featuring state-of-the-art metering options, also provide media labeling via individually integrated spouts in addition to the standard color identification. At the laboratory’s large wash sink, a single-lever mixer with a flexible lever was installed, which can be easily operated using the arms when the hands are contaminated. The usual mounting time for sanitary installation was able to be minimized thanks to the flexible installation of the fittings.
The installation flexibility of Trespa TopLabPLUS panels enabled greater optimal adaptation of the working surfaces. For example, the optimized retrofitting of a free-standing, supporting column in the room was unproblematic. Furthermore, beveled working spaces could be implemented with ease. The excellent surface of Fridurit-Keramik ensures that high performance working positions remain intact and good as new in the long term. In the event that aggressive substances are accidentally spilt, lab technicians are protected by the integrated ceramic bunded edge.
The laboratory has been in operation since early 2008. Dr. Herbert Pausch is convinced that the high-quality materials, tested for many years in laboratories worldwide, will prove their high functionality in practice. Additionally any possible future alterations of tasks have been taken into consideration in advance. The fittings, power supply and the exhaustion source in the center of the room are anchored to the ceiling, allowing easy redesign of the laboratory equipment, if or when required. With their cooperation in the area of laboratory configuration, Broen, Friatec and Trespa combine their strengths to provide customers with optimum results that focus strongly on consultation and service. Ensuring optimized combination options that make use of quality products for laboratory equipment is the envisaged target.