In a chemistry laboratory a Solvent Cabinet is a cabinet or cupboard, properly labeled and equipped, for the storage of solvents (especially those that are combustible). A solvent cabinet is separate from acid cabinet or base cabinet (used for storing acids and caustic bases respectively, which should be kept separate from each other and solvents). (Some carts for transporting containers of chemicals come equipped with a built in solvent cabinet).
A solvent cabinet must incorporate several safety features. It should prevent the release of excessive fumes (being either sealed or vented), contain fires and isolate the contents from sources of ignition, be grounded (to prevent sparks and static discharge). Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be available to, but not in, a solvent cabinet.
Famous quotes containing the words solvent and/or cabinet:
“Analysis as an instrument of enlightenment and civilization is good, in so far as it shatters absurd convictions, acts as a solvent upon natural prejudices, and undermines authority; good, in other words, in that it sets free, refines, humanizes, makes slaves ripe for freedom. But it is bad, very bad, in so far as it stands in the way of action, cannot shape the vital forces, maims life at its roots. Analysis can be a very unappetizing affair, as much so as death.”
—Thomas Mann (1875–1955)
“In a cabinet of natural history, we become sensible of a certain occult recognition and sympathy in regard to the most unwieldy and eccentric forms of beast, fish, and insect.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)