Radleys StarFish Multi-experiment workstation

The Radleys StarFish Multi-experiment workstation is claimed to reduce waste and cost while increasing productivity.

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Bradford has invested in multiple StarFish systems for use in the Chemical & Forensic Sciences (CFS) teaching laboratories. The main focus of the CFS is in the teaching of chemistry and forensic science as specialised subject areas which include chemistry, forensic recovery and laboratory examination techniques, with preparative and analytical chemical techniques also forming a major part of these programs.

Before investing in StarFish, CFS would often have five individual water baths or heating mantles setup, each taking up space, requiring their own electric and water supplies and individual condenser set-ups. The lab wanted a simple, versatile alternative to improve the student experience, make better use of laboratory facilities and space as well as give the students an experience of up-to-date technology in use in industry.

Using only one heat source, as opposed to five, the StarFish reduces the electrical energy requirement and therefore the carbon footprint and cost of operation. 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.

By use of inserts, round-bottom flasks from 5 to 500 mL can be accommodated in the workstation, including the use of different sizes on the same baseplate, at the same time. Ease of attachment of water supplies, a small footprint, all flasks being capable of stirring simultaneously and the ease of removal from the heat source make the unit particularly versatile.