Workhorses of the laboratory exhaust system and fume hoods are flexible engineering solutions for varied chemical handling requirements. Also known as lab hoods or chemical hoods, these ventilation devices safely contain and remove hazardous contaminants, like dust, vapor, and gas, thus protecting the lab workers from inhalation.
Well-designed fume hoods can contain and ventilate 99.999% to 99.9999% contaminants, a significant reason behind the expected increase of fume hood market share by $16.03 million from 2020 to 2025.
The clear sliding windows on fume hoods protect the lab workers from splashes and spills, baffles and slots to direct airflow along, and alarms or gauges to warn the users of low airflow and the risk of being exposed to dangerous fumes.
Since safety from hazardous chemicals is one of the main functions of a fume hood, it is crucial to choose the equipment carefully by considering several factors. These include:
1. Check Fume Hood Usage
Consider the type of work and chemicals to use inside the fume hood. For example, some companies use potent chemicals that produce thick fumes that can be dangerous if the facility lacks proficient fume hoods.
Hence, know the chemical type to understand the fume hood you must buy. These devices, made of varied materials, feature specific surface types, like fiberglass, stainless steel, polypropylene, or PVC.
While the chemical fume hood is for educational and research laboratories, protecting lab professionals from radiological and chemical exposure, the laminar flow hoods are for sample protection.
They may not be effective in protecting lab workers. Hence, they are useless when working with infectious or toxic chemicals. Also, know about educational or demonstration hoods specifically designed for teaching. With entry points on both sides, these double-faced hoods make 360-degree viewing easy.
2. Consider the Hood Size
If you want your chosen fume hood to perform optimally, ensure that you choose the right size. But this again requires considering several other important factors, like:
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Available space in the laboratory. For example, bench-top fume hoods without a support or mount system are perfect for just a work surface used as a lab. The lab area determines the fume hood's height, width, and length.
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Number of users in the lab. If the fume hood needs to be used by several lab professionals simultaneously, choose those with double entrances, allowing access from both sides. Similarly, the movable varieties are perfect for using the fume hood in varied locations.
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Type of lab equipment. Remember, placing larger equipment inside requires a larger fume hood. For example, the walk-in or floor-mounted fume hoods that appear like small rooms enable lab personnel to work within the space. These are perfect for accommodating robots and oversized tools when handling hazardous chemicals.
3. Always Think about Ultimate Convenience
The convenience factor may initially seem minor and hugely affect the lab environment. Crucial fume hood convenience factors to take into account include:
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Hood lighting
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Hood understructure for storing required chemicals
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Control panels with easy access
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Noise levels
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User-friendliness
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Visual and auditory safety gauges and alarms
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Hoods with real-time displays and status
4. Check the Fume Hood Installation Cost
Like all other products, the cost of fume hoods may vary per brand, size, quality, and type. Also, top-quality, feature-rich hoods like the ducted varieties will cost more to install since they need mechanical ducting systems and can only be handled by professional installers. Conversely, ductless systems with low operational expenses are more cost-efficient.
Fume hood operational costs may depend on the air volume being exhausted. The higher the air volume exhausted, the higher the operating cost. Consider automatic sash positioning and VAV systems that reduce the exhaust air volume to save cost.
Consider the number of fume hoods you may require in your lab to determine the installation cost further. While single installations are cheaper, multiple installations mean extra effort and time, thus resulting in price hikes.
Nevertheless, you may also find fume hood manufacturers offering free installations. So, choose accordingly and ensure going for the cheaper option where you need to pay only for fume hood maintenance.
5. Determine the Fixtures, Accessories, and Enclosures
Consider all fixtures and accessories required in the fume hood and whether they will be added on-site or available from the manufacturing unit. Some essential accessories and fixtures are:
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Supporting base cabinet,
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Exhaust blower, ergonomic chairs,
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Lab tables,
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electrical outlets,
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water and vacuum fixtures,
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compression air,
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light fixtures,
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base cabinets,
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sinks,
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airflow monitors, and
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gas fixtures
Ensuring the proper fume hood enclosure is also important because this determines the device’s efficiency. It should have a five-inch space between the wall and the chosen fume hood, and check the hood qualities carefully.
Leaving this area may help with better chemical processing without the chemicals affecting the airfoil and roof. The perfect enclosure also helps avoid dangerous vapor spreading into the entire facility, especially those dealing with solvents.
6. Consider Fume Hood Energy Efficiency
Besides providing required protection, energy-efficient modern fume hood models are eco-friendly and recirculate lab air after filtering fumes and particles instead of venting out the same.
Such fume hoods feature air velocity and airflow meters to ensure they function properly and maintain a safe lab environment. When determining fume huge energy efficiency, important aspects include ductless designs, access area opening dimensions, and fan efficiency.
The Bottom Line
So, there you are! Considering the above points will help you make a good fume hood purchase that ensures long-term service and satisfaction. You must also consider going for products from qualified and compliant manufacturers.
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