When looking at all the types of fume hoods for a laboratory, you should select a model that fits your specific safety needs, usage demands, and space requirements.
Fume hoods are designed to contain and exhaust harmful fumes, particles, and vapors from workspaces, providing a safer environment for laboratory personnel. With several options available, knowing each type’s unique functions can help lab managers and designers choose the optimal hood for their lab’s requirements.
Ducted Fume Hoods: Traditional Protection for Hazardous Chemicals
Ducted fume hoods are among the most widely used fume hood types for laboratories handling toxic and corrosive chemicals. These hoods connect to external ventilation systems that expel contaminated air outside, so any hazardous vapors or fumes are effectively removed from the workspace. Ducted hoods are appropriate for labs with high chemical usage and can manage consistent, heavy-duty operations.
One advantage of ducted fume hoods is their ability to handle large volumes of chemicals, making them perfect for industrial, research, and healthcare labs. They do, however, require complex installation due to the ductwork, which often involves coordination with building infrastructure.
Despite the installation demands, ducted fume hoods remain an important part of lab furniture and components for environments with strict safety standards.
Ductless Fume Hoods: Flexibility and Mobility for Safer Spaces
For labs that may not handle highly toxic substances or require frequent relocations, ductless fume hoods offer an adaptable alternative. Unlike their ducted counterparts, ductless hoods use specialized filters, like activated carbon or HEPA filters, to capture and neutralize contaminants before recirculating air back into the lab. This makes ductless hoods versatile for spaces without complex ventilation systems.
Ductless fume hoods are best suited for laboratories with low-risk chemical handling and are particularly popular in educational institutions or small research labs. Since they don’t need a fixed exhaust system, they can be easily relocated or reconfigured as laboratory needs change.
Careful monitoring and regular filter replacement are essential to maintain their effectiveness as filters can degrade over time with chemical exposure.
High-Performance Fume Hoods: Energy-Efficient Solutions for Modern Labs
High-performance fume hoods (HPFs) are an innovative choice for labs that need energy-efficient solutions without compromising on safety.
These hoods are engineered to minimize energy consumption by using advanced airflow technology that reduces the volume of conditioned air exhausted while maintaining containment. This makes them good for labs that need to lower operating costs or meet green building standards.
Besides energy savings, high-performance fume hoods are often quieter than traditional hoods and provide better temperature control within the lab.
Their modern design fits well within environmentally conscious laboratories and helps meet energy goals without sacrificing safety. This balance of efficiency and safety positions HPFs as a forward-thinking option within lab furniture and components.
Perchloric Acid Fume Hoods: Specialized for Highly Reactive Compounds
In laboratories where perchloric acid is frequently used, specialized perchloric acid fume hoods are necessary. This compound is known for its highly reactive properties, which can create potentially explosive residues. Perchloric acid hoods incorporate wash-down systems that clean the hood interior and ductwork, preventing the buildup of hazardous residues.
These fume hoods are engineered with non-corrosive materials, such as stainless steel, to withstand the aggressive nature of perchloric acid. Labs in the pharmaceutical, industrial, and research sectors often rely on these hoods when working with any compound that may leave reactive residues.
The integrated wash-down feature distinguishes perchloric acid fume hoods from other fume hood types, making them a critical component in settings with stern safety requirements.
Radioisotope Fume Hoods: Designed for Radioactive Material Handling
Radioisotope fume hoods are designed specifically for laboratories that handle radioactive materials, often found in healthcare, biotechnology, and research facilities.
Constructed with reinforced, lead-lined materials, these hoods protect lab personnel from radiation exposure and contain any radioactive particles released during experiments. Also, radioisotope hoods often have seamless interiors to simplify decontamination.
Radiation safety regulations require strict adherence, making radioisotope fume hoods an important component for certain specialized fields. Their durability, combined with precise airflow control, helps maintain a secure environment when working with potentially dangerous isotopes.
These hoods meet the dual requirements of protecting users from radiation while safely exhausting harmful particles.
Portable Fume Extractors: Compact Solutions for Flexible Laboratory Needs
Portable fume extractors provide a compact and mobile solution for labs that require flexibility in their workspace configurations. Equipped with wheels, these hoods can be easily moved to different locations within a lab or shared between facilities. They typically feature ductless designs, using filters to capture and neutralize airborne contaminants.
The portability of these hoods makes them suitable for educational settings, field research, or smaller labs where space is limited. They allow laboratories to adjust their setups on demand, which can be especially beneficial for projects that involve varied experimental protocols.
Portable fume extractors offer a unique alternative among fume hood types by combining flexibility with effective fume containment.
Biosafety Cabinets: Managing Biological Hazards with Controlled Airflow
While technically not classified as traditional fume hoods, biosafety cabinets play a similar role in laboratories that focus on biological research. These cabinets use HEPA filters and controlled airflow to protect both the user and the environment from potentially infectious biological agents.
Biosafety cabinets come in different classes (Class I, II, and III), each designed to provide different levels of containment based on laboratory needs.
Biosafety cabinets are perfect for microbiology labs, healthcare facilities, and any setting where biological contaminants could pose a risk. They provide a barrier against exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, helping labs adhere to biosafety standards. Though distinct from typical fume types, biosafety cabinets are recommended for complete laboratory safety.
Why Choose PSA Laboratory Furniture for Your Fume Hood Needs?
At PSA Laboratory Furniture, we know the role that fume hoods play in maintaining laboratory safety and efficiency. Our expertise in providing high-quality lab furniture and components means we are able to offer a broad selection of fume hoods to match the specific demands of any laboratory environment.
With our commitment to both domestic and international clients, PSA Laboratory Furniture provides a smooth and easy experience by offering single-point project management for all laboratory design and installation services.
This includes custom solutions specialized to your lab’s unique requirements and challenges, supported by dedicated professionals ready to assist you every step of the way. Get in touch with us now.