An oven is laboratory equipment used for heating, drying, or sterilizing samples. They come in various sizes and configurations to meet different laboratory needs.
Some of the common types of ovens used in laboratories include gravity convection ovens, forced air ovens, vacuum ovens, and cleanroom ovens.
Gravity convection ovens use natural convection to circulate heat throughout the oven chamber, while forced air ovens use a fan to circulate hot air for more uniform temperature distribution. Vacuum ovens are used for drying samples under vacuum to prevent oxidation, and cleanroom ovens are designed for use in cleanroom environments to minimize contamination.
Ovens may also have various features such as digital temperature control, timers, alarms, and safety mechanisms to prevent overheating or fire. They may also be made of different materials such as stainless steel or aluminum depending on the intended use and application.
In addition to laboratory use, ovens can also be found in industrial and commercial settings, such as food processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing, where precise and consistent heating is critical to product quality and safety.