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A walk-in fume hood is a large, self-contained ventilation system designed to protect individuals from exposure to hazardous fumes, vapors, or gases in a laboratory or industrial setting. It allows users to walk inside the enclosure to conduct experiments or work with hazardous materials safely. Here are different types of walk-in fume hoods:
Conventional Constant Airflow:
Conventional constant air flow fume hoods have a uniform air flow throughout the sash opening. They are the most common type of fume hood. They are easy to install and use. Their initial cost is lower. However, their operation costs are higher because of constant air flow. Also, they are not energy efficient. Their containment might be affected if the lab conditions change.
Variable Air Volume (VAV):
These fume hoods use advanced sensors to monitor and control air flow in real time. The sensors detect the hood's sash position and the level of contaminants in the air. Then, they adjust the air flow to maintain constant face velocity. This leads to energy savings and reduced operational costs. Their design is more complicated. Also, they require a sophisticated control system. Thus, their initial installation cost is high. Moreover, their performance largely depends on the control system.
Re-circulating Fume Hoods:
These hoods are ideal where ducting is not possible. They use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to clean the air. Then, they re-circulate it back to the lab. Their installation cost is low. They are also easy to maintain. Further, they are energy efficient. But, their filtration system can be overloaded. This leads to increased operational costs. Also, they are not suitable for handling highly toxic or volatile chemicals.
Walk-in Fume Storage Cabinets:
These fume hoods provide safe storage for chemicals. Their design resemble that of a walk-in fume hood. They have large, ventilated cabinets that store hazardous materials. This makes them easily accessible. They have a solid construction. Also, they have alarm systems that ensure safety. Walk-in fume storage cabinets protect chemicals from exposure to light and air. This increases their shelf life. They lower the risk of spills and contamination. They also enable centralized storage of hazardous materials. However, they require regular inventory management.
Safety:
Safety is the most important function of a fume hood. It protects users from toxic fumes, vapors, and chemicals by venting them away from the workspace. The fume hood contains a sash that acts as a barrier and prevents the chemicals from reaching the users. It also has baffles that regulate airflow and traps that filter out harmful substances.
Airflow Regulation:
Proper airflow is crucial in a fume hood. The air is constantly pulled into the hood and filtered, providing a clean and safe working environment. The baffles control the speed of the air so it doesn't disturb any ongoing experiments. Regular airflow regulation ensures that toxic fumes are not trapped inside the hood and poses a risk to the users.
Containment:
Once the toxic fumes enter the fume hood, they are contained and vented through exhaust pipes safely. The sash and internal components ensure the chemicals are not released to the environment. The baffles inside the hood trap the fumes and prevent them from circulating back to the workspace. The fume hood provides a safe space for handling reactive chemicals.
Versatility:
Walk-in fume hoods are versatile since they can be used in various laboratory settings. They come in different sizes, from small to large, and can handle different amounts of toxic fumes. This versatility allows researchers and scientists to use one fume hood for different tasks without looking for another that fits the specifications.
Durability:
The materials used to make walk-in fume hoods are very strong and resistant to different chemicals. This ensures the hood will last a long time even with regular use in laboratories. Users don't have to worry about the fume hood being damaged by the chemicals used because it is designed to withstand any chemical reaction.
Easy Maintenance:
Walk-in fume hodes are easy to maintain. They have a simple design that allows technicians to access the internal parts without any problems. Regular maintenance is important to keep the fume hood functioning properly. Technicians inspect the hood and clean any trapped fumes. They also check the airflow and sashes to ensure everything is working as required.
Walk-in fume hoods are commonly used in large laboratories and industrial settings. They are suitable for applications that require the safe handling of hazardous chemicals. Here are some common scenarios where walk-in fume hoods are used.
Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry uses walk-in fume hoods to provide a controlled environment for drug formulation and manufacturing. The hood helps to contain harmful chemicals and prevents them from being released into the air. It protects workers from exposure to toxic substances. The large size of the hood allows the accommodation of big equipment used in the drug manufacturing process. It also enables the safe processing of large quantities of drugs and chemicals. This is because; the fume hood has a high flow rate that ensures adequate ventilation.
Large-scale Chemical Laboratories
Walk-in fume hoods are commonly used in large-scale chemical laboratories. Here, they provide a controlled environment for the safe handling of large volumes of toxic or hazardous chemicals. The fume hoods protect laboratory technicians from exposure to harmful vapors, gases, or dust particles. They do this by trapping them in the hood workspace and preventing them from escaping into the air. Some chemical reactions release heat or produce fumes. The fume hoods provide a space where such reactions can be conducted safely without the risk of overheating or the release of toxic fumes into the lab.
Manufacturing Industry
In the manufacturing industry, walk-in fume hoods are used to ventilate areas where toxic gases, vapors, or fumes are produced. For example, in metalworking or welding operations, the fume hoods help to remove harmful byproducts from the air. This is done to prevent workers from inhaling them. Some manufacturing processes involve the use of flammable liquids or solvents. The fume hoods provide a safe environment by constantly ventilating the space and reducing the risk of fire or explosion.
Hazardous Material Cleanup
Cleanup operations involving hazardous materials often use walk-in fume hoods. The hoods provide a controlled environment for the safe handling and disposal of these materials. This is done to prevent workers from being exposed to harmful chemicals. For example, asbestos abatement or lead paint removal activities can be conducted safely in a walk-in fume hood. The hoods contain the hazardous particles and prevent them from being released into the air.
Deciding on the right fume hood involves considering many factors before making a decision. Here is a detailed discussion of the factors to consider when buying a fume hood:
Type of Fume Hood
There are two types of fume hoods: the constant air volume and variable air volume fume hoods. The VAV fume hood is the most economical and energy-saving option, as it can reduce airflow and energy consumption when the sash is lowered. The CAV fume hood is user-friendly and has minimal maintenance costs.
Size and Dimensions
The size of the fume hood should be large enough to accommodate laboratory equipment and instruments. More importantly, the walk in fume hood price increases with the size. Fume hoods come in different sizes to fit different laboratory needs. Also, consider the depth and height of the fume hood.
Materials
The best material for a fume hood is galvanized steel because it is durable and affordable. However, depending on the chemical exposure, some fume hoods can be made of other materials like epoxy or polypropylene.
Airflow & Sash Control
For effective operation, the airflow should be adequate. It can be controlled by a manual or electronic sash control. The airflow is constant in CAV, but it varies in VAV fume hoods. The VAV fume hood provides better containment and energy efficiency because the airflow is adjusted based on the sash position.
Safety Features
Safety should be the number one consideration when purchasing a fume hood. The fume hood should have safety alarms, emergency shut-off valves, and airflow monitors. It should also have interlocks and flame arrestors. Most importantly, it should have a built-on fire extinguisher.
Additional Features
Consider extra features that will add more value to the fume hood. This includes built-in lighting, electrical outlets, and work surfaces. Other features that improve the functionality of the fume hood include pegboards, sink fixtures, and storage cabinets.
Walk in Fume Hood Price
The price of a fume hood varies depending on the size, type, material, and additional features. The price range can be very wide, so it is advisable to choose a fume hood that meets the laboratory budget without compromising quality.
Q1: What are the fume hood requirements?
A1: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Occupied Spaces, is a standard that is frequently referenced in relation to laboratory air handling units and laboratory ventilation systems. This standard specifies minimum ventilation rates and required outdoor air for various types of occupied spaces. It is important to note that this standard may not be sufficient to meet the needs of every laboratory environment. Some laboratories may require additional standards or guidelines to be followed in order to ensure the safety and well-being of its occupants. For example, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed several standards specifically for laboratory facilities. These include ANSI/NIOSH 2015, Occupational Exposure to Nitrous Oxide in the Healthcare Workplace; and ANSI/ISEA 1102015, Classification of Cutting and Puncturing Resistant Gloves.
Q2: What are the two types of fume hoods?
A2: There are two main types of fume hoods: ducted and recirculating.
Q3: What is a Class 2 fume hood?
A3: Class II fume hoods are biological safety cabinets that are designed to protect the user, the environment, and the samples or materials being handled from exposure to hazardous biological agents or pathogens. These fume hoods are equipped with a ventilated enclosure, HEPA filtration systems, and airflow monitoring to ensure safe and contained handling of biological materials.
