Currently, lighters are applied in laboratories around the world, for the sterilization of flasks. However, through the integration of sterilizers such as the Bacticinerador, their functions are different and they are in charge of disinfecting the handles for microbiological tests, besides being modern and has been relegating the Burner Bunsen to the role of an auxiliary medium, although still with great presence in the laboratory practices of many academic disciplines.
In this sense, both teams use heat as a method used for the sterilization of glass material, surgical instruments, metal needles, non-miscible materials with water, etc., placing the material directly on fire until it turns red hot. This burns the contaminants to ashes.
Differences between Bacticinerador and the Lighter
The use of lighters is one of the aerosol-creating and insecure devices used in scientific laboratories to heat, sterilize or incinerate chemical samples or reagents. Although references about its use are few and have fallen a bit into oblivion. The use of lighters inside the cabinets are two problems, first, that have the ability to interrupt the air flows inside the cabinets putting at risk the staff working and, second, that serious accidents, including explosions, have been reported.
On the other hand, the Bacticinerador is a device that, unlike the lighter, has a cylindrical axis that is superheated and that allows the sterilization of culture handles. Most are electrical and have the advantage that during the course of incineration, the aerosolization of materials present in the bacteriological loops is prevented. They can also be used inside biological safety cabinets, unlike lighters, as these alter air flows and are contraindicated. These Bacticinerators reach temperatures of at least 800°C, killing microorganisms in the first 5-10 seconds.
Advantages and Disadvantages
By using lighters and bacticinerators as a laboratory tool, they provide certain advantages and disadvantages of use, which are:
- The Lighters:
- Temperatures of up to 1500 ºC are obtained
- Produces rapid heating of materials
- Its base provides great stability and good fixation
- It manages to regulate the airflow that supplies the oxygen needed to carry out incineration with flame formation in the mouth or top of the vertical tube.
- Cannot be used for chrome or nickel plated metal elements
- Does not sterilize powdery substances
- It does not sterilize fatty substances.
- The Bacticinerators:
- It’s portable
- It’S Economic
- Leaves no toxic waste in the materials
- It is easy to obtain
- No heat vapor
- Does not sterilize plastic handles
According to the above, these equipment are understood to destroy contaminated disposable material, when working with microorganisms that can damage human health or the environment.
The use of gown, chemical or biological gloves, footwear, eye protection or respiratory protection appropriate to the type of substance and state of aggregation is recommended, since depending on the sample to be heated, it is possible that toxic vapors are composed, so the lighter will have to be used inside a chemical safety display case or under localized extraction.
In addition, in case of having to heat the culture handles for biological agents with the use of the Bacticinerator, it is also advisable to use the biological cabin by possible aerosols.
Bacticinerator brand Kalstein
If you are looking to buy your first incineration and disinfection device, or renew the one you already have in your laboratory, we at Kalstein offer you the best equipment that is ideal for you. HERE We have at your disposal the Bacticinerator belonging to the YR series, which has a high temperature center of 825°C ± 50°C. Max-diameter of Φ35mm sterilization products, and a length of the sterilizer of 100 mm. And many other attractive features, which can be appreciated from our web HERE