Dear Lab Guy,
I need to do infiltration of plant tissues with a solution containing bacteria. The literature suggests to expose plant tissue to a low vacuum of around 80.000 Pascal/24 inches Hg. To perform this experimental step, I am looking for a desiccator.
The major difficulty I have is that those desiccators come without the vacuum gauge. I have been searching for the proper gauge and how to connect it to the tubing between the desiccator and the pump and got lost. Could you please recommend:
Hi Sergei,
I have 3 recommendations for you, all of which will not require and drilling or integrity-loss to your desiccator.
The first choice, and the easiest, is our SP Bel-Art Lab Companion Clear Polycarbonate Round Style Vacuum Desiccator; 6 Liter. This vacuum desiccator is similarly sized to our F42010-0000 you mentioned, but already arrives with a built-in vacuum pressure gauge.
Secondly, we offer a Vacuum Pressure Indicator. This simple device uses the same type of stopcock already on your desiccator. This set-up is easy and effective, but does not give you an analog reading of the vacuum pressure.
My final recommendation uses the same idea as the pressure indicator I just described, but instead of the bellows, you would use an analog vacuum gauge attached to your stopcock with ½“-tubing and small hose clamps. You would want a separate stopcock to make this.
We don’t offer vacuum gauges, but they are easy to find. This example is just one of the many found on Amazon.
I hope this helped and answered your question. Thanks for writing in, and please feel free to write back if I can help in any other way.
Yours in science, Lab Guy
