How does the anaerobic workstation achieve anaerobic conditions?
ANAEROBIOSIS Maintenance of anaerobiosis in anaerobic workstations is normally achieved through the reduction of oxygen by hydrogen in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The combination of hydrogen and oxygen occurs in the ratio of 2:1 by volume to form water vapour. The reaction, in the presence of a palladium catalyst, commences at room temperature. The reaction is exothermic and the heat generated amounts to a temperature rise of approximately 10°C for each 0.1% oxygen removed. The resultant water vapour is removed by the atmospheric conditioning system in the Don Whitley Scientific range of anaerobic workstations. The efficiency of the catalyst is impaired in the presence of volatile organic compounds (volatile fatty acids) and hydrogen sulphide and when it gets wet. Anotox is present in Don Whitley Scientific anaerobic workstations and serves to remove volatiles including hydrogen sulphide consequently protecting the catalyst. For further information on Anotox see Brazier J S (
