StarFish provided a simple, versatile alternative to replace five set-ups, making better use of laboratory facilities.

Contacts: Alan Hague, Laboratory Manager
Organisation: School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford
Department: Chemical and Forensic Sciences teaching labs
Country: United Kingdon
Product: StarFish
Case Study No: CS1004
Situation
To make better use of laboratory facilities and space instead of using individual set-ups such as water baths and heating mantles, requiring space, their own electric and water supplies and individual condenser set-ups.
Objective
Bradford is an Eco-versity and the Universities’ aim was to reduce energy, waste and costs whilst increasing productivity in the chemistry labs.
Results
- One heat/stirring source was able to replace five set-ups, reducing the electrical energy requirement and therefore the carbon footprint and cost of operation.
- Using inserts, round bottom flasks from 5ml to 500ml could used on the same baseplate, at the same time.
- Instead of five individual condensers running water to waste there is significant saving in having only one restricted input and outlet giving a lower and more effective cooling flow than achieved by five set-ups.
We wanted a simple, versatile alternative to make better use of laboratory facilities and give our students an experience of up-to-date technology; the StarFish delivered in all aspects.Alan Hague, Laboratory Manager, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford