A lab fume hood is an essential safety device used in labs to protect personnel from harmful vapors, gases, and particulate matter. It works by containing and ventilating hazardous substances during experiments.
Below are the most important parts of a laboratory fume hood
1. Sash
- The sash is the movable front panel of the fume hood, usually made of tempered glass. It can be lifted or lowered to control the airflow and create a physical barrier between the user and the hazardous materials.
- Importance – Protects the user from splashes and fumes while allowing manipulation of materials inside the hood.
2. Exhaust Blower
- The blower, typically located at the top of the hood or in the building’s ventilation system, helps draw air and fumes out of the hood, ensuring that dangerous chemicals are vented outside the laboratory.
- Importance – Maintains constant airflow, ensuring that hazardous fumes do not escape into the room.
3. Work Surface
- The flat, durable area inside the fume hood where experiments are conducted. It is resistant to chemicals and corrosion, providing a stable platform for laboratory equipment.
- Importance – Ensures that equipment can be safely placed without risk of contamination or damage.
4. Airfoil
- Located at the bottom and sides of the sash, the airfoil helps maintain smooth airflow into the hood, preventing turbulence and ensuring optimal containment of hazardous materials.
- Importance – Enhances airflow efficiency, keeping fumes inside the hood and away from the user.
5. Baffles
- Adjustable panels located at the back of the hood that control the airflow pattern. Baffles help ensure that air moves smoothly through the hood and that fumes are properly vented out.
- Importance – Improves ventilation by directing airflow, preventing dead spots where hazardous gases could accumulate.
6. Control Panel
- The control panel allows users to adjust airflow, monitor airflow velocity, and operate the hood’s lighting. Some hoods also feature alarms that alert the user if airflow falls below safe levels.
- Importance – Provides easy control of the hood’s operation, ensuring that the environment remains safe during use.
7. Face Velocity Monitor
- A device that measures the speed of the airflow entering the fume hood through the sash opening. It ensures that the hood is operating at the correct speed to contain fumes.
- Importance – Helps maintain the necessary airflow speed for safety and efficiency.
8. Ducting
- The system of ducts that directs the contaminated air out of the fume hood to the external environment, often through a building’s HVAC system.
- Importance – Ensures proper ventilation, preventing the accumulation of harmful substances in the lab.
Each component of a laboratory fume hood plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of lab personnel by providing effective ventilation and containment of hazardous materials. Proper use and maintenance of these components are essential for creating a safe laboratory environment. Lab Creator is a Leading Manufacturer of Lab Fume Hood.