Ducted vs. Ductless Fume Hood Differences
29 September 2021Industries that want to conduct vital experiments, research, or other related measurements would often maximise laboratories. Laboratories are maximised in conducting these things since as they are equipped with specialised tools and equipment pieces. They are likewise utilised as they are constructed with safety features in mind, protecting the people inside and around these facilities from potential harm.
Some of the safety features that laboratories would often utilise include fire detection and protection system, eyewash station, emergency shower, and biosafety cabinets. Another important safety feature that laboratories would typically possess is the fume hood.
A Quick Overview of Laboratory Fume Hoods
A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that can draw in fumes, vapours, and gases from a specific room or place and release it into the atmosphere. With an effective fume hood, it can easily remove dust, fumes, gases, vapours, and other hazardous substances from the laboratory. It can likewise sustain the condition and quality of the air, ensuring that people working in the laboratory will be protected from illnesses and bad health effects. A properly designed fume hood can also prevent people from injuries that can be obtained from fires, minor explosions, and splashes inside the ventilated enclosure.
Most types of fume hoods are equipped with a movable front sash and an interior baffle. The movable front sash protects people from potential harm that a specific experiment or research may bring. The interior baffle, alternatively, can control the flow of the air being exhausted.
Comparing Ducted and Ductless Fume Hoods
Fume hoods that are being offered today boast different designs to meet the requirements of laboratories. Two fume hood options that laboratories can choose today are ducted and ductless fume hoods.
- Ducted Fume Hood: A ducted fume hood pertains to a ventilated enclosure that maximises ductwork in sending the drawn air into the atmosphere. It normally utilises a base, work surface, hood, blower, and ducting to pull contaminants out of the laboratory. Compared to the ductless option, the ducted fume hood is safer for workers since its exhaust system keeps most types of hazardous substances away from the facility. It is also easier to operate and maintain. This type of fume hood, however, is more expensive and more difficult to install, move, and relocate.
- Ductless Fume Hood: A ductless fume hood, alternatively, works alongside a carbon filter system instead of an exhaust system, ensuring that the air inside the laboratory will be filtered and remained clean. As the ductless fume hood draws in the air from the laboratory, the filter system removes all hazardous substances from the air before sending the air back to the facility. The working principles of this type of fume hood make it more energy-efficient. A ductless fume hood is also easier and cheaper to install. It can, however, expose workers to more chemicals and fumes.
Opting for ducted fume hoods made from stainless steel can be great for laboratories that prioritise durability, resistance to different chemicals and extreme temperatures, appeal, and energy efficiency. Ductless fume hoods, alternatively, are great for laboratories that want to save some money and be mobile. To know more about them, feel free to call us at Metcon.
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