A fume hood is a special furniture for working with toxic substances in the laboratory. The equipment is used to conduct experiments, analyzes and research. Suitable for industrial enterprises, educational institutions, individual laboratories. Its peculiarity is the presence of an exhaust hood that absorbs dangerous volatile substances. This ensures safe operation and accurate results.
Types of fume hoods
Laboratory cabinets with ventilation may differ in design, dimensions, and materials. The standard version consists of the following parts:
- working chamber;
- pulling dome;
- stand.
The working chamber has a tabletop for carrying out analyses, water, gas or electricity can be supplied. There is a movable door made of transparent materials. At the top of the dome there is an exhaust hood that removes air masses with particles of toxic substances from the chamber. The cabinet can be used to store materials and tools necessary for research.
Varieties of furniture
To choose suitable furniture for your laboratory, you need to familiarize yourself with the main types of cabinets:</a p>
- general laboratory;
- dryers;
- specialized.
General laboratory cabinets with a fan and exhaust system are suitable for educational institutions, medical institutions and industrial enterprises. They are equipped with lighting and sockets and are made from sustainable materials. There is an auto shut-off feature that guarantees safety in case of emergency. Drying ovens are used to remove moisture, dry equipment, and also for processing equipment and conducting laboratory experiments.
Specialized cabinets are more difficult to choose, since they have a more complex design and additional functions. They are designed to work with flammable substances, acids, and petroleum products. The covering of the working area is made of materials resistant to aggressive influences. To heat substances in a special gas environment, a muffle furnace is used. Models with a built-in oven are popular, as they save space and time.
Industrial laboratories often use titration designs for two workstations. They are equipped with protective tempered glass partitions and multiple exhaust zones that purify the air. Vacuum pumps are used, there is a water supply, and lighting. The working surface is made of a solid ceramic plate or stainless steel.
Chemical cabinet for one workplace – the best option for evaporating acids and working with petroleum products. Its production uses solid polypropylene, which is resistant to aggressive influences. The most popular materials for the production of fume hoods are porcelain stoneware, glass, melamine, stainless steel, fiberglass.
Air flow control for fume hoods
The air flow of the fume hood is controlled by a special controller that performs the following functions:
- provides automatic and manual ventilation modes, display of flow rate;
- notifies about violations of the regime using a sound signal;
- indicates air overheating in the work area, as well as equipment fire;
- allows you to turn lights and power sockets on and off from a common control panel.
The use of a controller increases the efficiency of air exchange and the ergonomics of the equipment. Its operation requires minimal human intervention; most processes occur automatically. The controller sensors react to all changes that occur in the operation of the cabinet and promptly report them.
How to choose a fume hood?
When choosing laboratory furniture, several factors are taken into account:
- strength and stability;
- substances to be used;
- work intensity.
For small laboratories, a tabletop fume hood is suitable. It is characterized by compact dimensions and a small working surface area. The equipment performs the same functions as large laboratory furniture. The cabinet without a cabinet does not require additional space for installation; it can be installed on an existing free table surface.
For industrial enterprises, specialized cabinets with built-in muffle furnaces would be a more suitable option. Such models are lined with porcelain stoneware, which can withstand high temperatures. They are suitable for working with any aggressive substances.
In standard laboratories, it is appropriate to use metal cabinets and powder-coated polypropylene structures. They are fire-resistant and suitable for working with acids and petroleum products. An additional fiberglass dome will provide reliable protection when working with concentrated acids and alkalis.
For educational institutions, models with a transparent back wall will be an advantageous option. They allow you to conveniently and safely demonstrate experiments that take place in the work area.
Reliable and comfortable laboratory furniture contributes to both successful work and personnel safety. Choose high-quality equipment that will eliminate unnecessary worries and risks when conducting research.
For additional information and advice, please call: ☎ +38 (067) 822-85-58.
