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Basic Supporting Infrastructure for the Physicochemical Laboratory Advances to a New Level

Release time:

2026-03-19 14:23

As the demand for scientific research and testing continues to rise, the development of basic infrastructure for physicochemical laboratories has garnered widespread attention. Modern water supply and drainage, gas supply, power, and lighting systems constitute the “lifeline” of laboratory operations, providing a reliable foundation for accurate analytical testing.

Plumbing and Drainage System: The “Lifeblood” of the Laboratory

The water supply and drainage system is a core component of laboratory infrastructure. Newly constructed laboratories are typically equipped with dedicated ultrapure water systems, incorporating various water-generation technologies such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation, to meet diverse water-quality requirements ranging from routine analytical applications to high-precision instrument-based testing. Ultrapure water is delivered to all points of use via recirculating pipelines, ensuring stable and reliable water quality.

The drainage system design fully incorporates environmental protection requirements. Acidic and alkaline wastewater is treated in neutralization tanks to meet discharge standards, while organic wastewater is collected separately and handed over to a specialized treatment facility. Leak-proof containment berms are installed on laboratory floors to prevent the spread of liquids in the event of accidental spills. Emergency shower stations and eyewash stations are provided within a 30-meter radius of all work areas, with sufficient quantities and clear signage, to ensure immediate protection for personnel.

Gas Supply System: Centralized Gas Supply Becomes the Mainstream

The traditional decentralized gas-supply model using individual cylinders is being replaced by a centralized gas-supply system. Cylinder storage areas are uniformly located at the periphery of the laboratory, with stainless-steel piping conveying nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, compressed air, and other gases to all point-of-use locations. This design not only reduces the risks associated with cylinder handling but also conserves valuable laboratory space.

Centralized gas supply systems are equipped with comprehensive safety features: the cylinder room is fitted with leak detection alarms that are interlocked with the ventilation system; pipeline networks are provided with emergency shutoff valves that automatically close in the event of an anomaly; and secondary pressure-reducing regulators are installed at each point of use to ensure stable gas pressure. Some high-end laboratories further incorporate gas purification units to meet the stringent purity requirements of trace analysis.

Power System: Stability Comes First

Precision instruments have extremely stringent requirements for power quality. Newly constructed laboratories generally adopt a dual-power-supply configuration, with critical equipment equipped with voltage-stabilizing power supplies and online uninterruptible power supplies ( UPS) to ensure the instrument continues to operate normally during voltage fluctuations or brief power outages. A 20–30% capacity margin should be incorporated into the power supply design to accommodate future equipment expansion.

Grounding protection should also not be overlooked. The laboratory is equipped with a dedicated grounding system, with the grounding resistance maintained within Impedance is kept below 1 ohm to effectively prevent electrostatic interference and leakage risks. Power outlets are strategically distributed according to functional zones, with waterproof and corrosion-resistant models now standard in chemical work areas.

Lighting System: Scientific Lighting Enhances Efficiency

Lighting design has shifted from simply illuminating spaces to the scientific application of light. The illuminance in ordinary work areas reaches Illuminance ranges from 300 to 500 lux, with the precision work area requiring 500 to 750 lux. The light source has a color rendering index greater than 80 to ensure accurate color discrimination, and its color temperature is maintained at 4,000–5,000 K, closely resembling natural daylight to reduce visual fatigue.

Zone-specific independent control is another key feature. Different functional zones can be switched on and off and dimmed individually, meeting diverse operational needs while achieving energy-saving goals. In cleanrooms, sealed cleanroom luminaires are installed flush-mounted in the ceiling; their smooth surfaces are easy to clean and leave no sanitary dead zones.

Industry experts note that basic infrastructure is continuously evolving toward greater intelligence, modularity, and energy efficiency. Intelligent monitoring systems enable real-time tracking of water and electricity consumption, with early warnings for abnormal usage; modular design facilitates future upgrades and renovations; and the adoption of energy-saving technologies significantly reduces laboratory operating costs. A well-developed infrastructure is thus laying a robust foundation for research and testing activities.

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