In an effort to bolster high-end experimentation and research at the under/postgraduate level, a new state-of-the-art Chemistry lab was inaugurated at IIT Delhi on August 1.
The lab is equipped with all safety measures and is eco-friendly.Inaugurating the lab Institute Director Prof V Ramgopal Rao said: “We must strive to make optimal utilization of the lab. This state-of-the-art should be emulated by other labs that are in pipeline.”“Besides the UG students, the new lab will cater to the need of advanced research, will serve as a platform for holding workshops and training of teachers,” says Head of Chemistry Department Prof Ravi Shankar.Spread over an area of 8000 square ft, the impeccably designed lab has 14 Island Tables (benches) that can accommodate as many as 8 students at a time.
Each of the tables has vacuum cabinet for conducting experiments that require a vacuum, a vacuum pump, raw water valve, a de-mineralized valve for specific experiments. The tables are also armed with an eye wash in case of any hazardous substance going inside the eyes. There is also a Spot Extractor with a robotic arm that filters out the chemicals to the terrace where it is scrubbed before being released into the environment.The Solvent Storage Cabin is designed in a way so that it can withstand fire for around 90 minutes. The Acid Storage is equipped with exhaust for running out the hazardous vapour. The 8 fume hoods have been designed to conduct advanced experiments under safe conditions preventing exposure to chemicals.There is a Safety Shower that can be used in case of emergencies.
