Chemical Fume Hood Introduction

A chemical fume hood in laboratories is an essential safety device , designed to protect users from hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust by containing and exhausting them. Below is a detailed overview covering its functions, types, material structure, certifications, and applications.

Glorylab offers a variaty of chemical fume hoods including ducted fume hood, ductless fume cupboard, as well as polypropylene fume hood etc.

Functions of Chemical Fume Hood

– Containment & Ventilation: Captures and removes toxic gases, chemical vapors, and airborne particles.

– User Protection: Shields lab personnel from inhaling harmful substances.

– Fire & Explosion Prevention: Reduces risks by limiting exposure to flammable chemicals.

– Contamination Control: Prevents cross-contamination between experiments.

Types of Chemical Fume Cupboard

– Ducted Fume Hoods: Connected to an external exhaust system; ideal for high-risk chemicals.

– Ductless (Recirculating) Fume Hoods: Uses filters (e.g., HEPA/activated carbon) to clean air before recirculation; suitable for low-toxicity substances.

– Auxiliary Air Hoods: Supplies external air to reduce room air consumption.

– Perchloric Acid Hoods: Special acid-resistant construction for perchloric acid use.

– Radioisotope Hoods: Reinforced for radioactive material handling.

Material Introduction

– Body: Stainless steel, epoxy-coated steel, or polypropylene sheet.

– Work Surface: Chemical-resistant materials like phenolic resin or stainless steel.

– Baffles: Adjustable panels to optimize airflow.

– Transparent Viewing Window: Tempered glass or polycarbonate for visibility.

Certifications for Chemistry Fume Hood

– ANSI/ASHRAE 110: Standard for airflow performance testing.

– EN 14175 (Europe): Compliance for fume hood safety.

Applications

– Chemical Labs: Handling solvents, acids, and volatile compounds.

– Pharmaceuticals: Drug synthesis and quality control.

– Educational Labs: University teaching and research.

– Industrial R&D: Material testing and product development.

– Healthcare: Pathology labs and toxicology studies.

A well-designed chemical fume hood is critical for lab safety, combining robust materials, advanced airflow control, and compliance with international standards. Choosing the right type depends on the chemicals used, lab size, and ventilation requirements.