What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Bernouee Fume Hood

Businesses use laboratories in a multitude of ways these days. And, with tight budgets, limited square footage, changing business dynamics and safety considerations involved, businesses sometimes struggle when it comes to purchasing lab furniture.

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One important decision comes when it’s time to purchase a chemical fume hood for your new laboratory or during a redesign.

And, let’s be honest, the stakes can be high. Just check out this article about a tragic laboratory accident at UCLA to see the potential consequences of working in a fume hood.

Here we look at your options...a ducted fume hood or a ductless fume hood?

The Standard – Ducted Fume Hood

Ducted fume hoods have ventilated enclosures, operate within the framework of your building infrastructure and pull contaminants out of your building through the HVAC system. 

Ducted fume hoods have a base, work surface, hood, blower and ducting that carries the air outside of the building. The engineer of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system needs to determine if your room has enough air to provide the necessary volume of ventilation to the hood.

The maintenance of the fume hood is performed as part of the building's maintenance, and is generally performed by those in charge of the mechanical systems. Typically, the Maintenance or Environmental Health and Safety team take care of any issues.

Your HVAC engineer can work with your team to provide optimal air supply and balance, so that everything functions properly within the fume hood.

Ducted fume hoods are considered safest for workers in laboratories, and its often the easiest for employers to maintain. Many universities ONLY allow ducted fume hoods in their facilities to maintain worker and student safety.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ducted Fume Hoods

Advantages Disadvantages Safer for lab workers More expensive Can handle a wide range of chemicals More difficult to install Easy to operate and maintain Stationary in the lab Exhaust system keeps contamination outside lab More difficult to move or relocate Uses more energy

The Alternative – Ductless Fume Hoods

Ductless fume hoods operate off a carbon filter system that recirculates filtered air into your building. Ductless hoods are often referred to as re-circulating range hoods.  They filter the air and then return the clean air back into the workspace.  They are self-contained filtered laboratory enclosures. Their primary features are mobility, they save energy, are easy to install and cheaper because no ductwork is required.

The disadvantage is that workers are at a greater risk of chemical exposure, filter maintenance is required, they can be noisy due to the internal blower and there are limited applications for filter options.

Ductless fume hoods are ideal for labs that require mobility, handle light to moderate chemical loads and are looking for a cost-effective option from both an installation and operational perspective.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ductless Fume Hoods

Advantages Disadvantages Less expensive Handles Limited chemicals Easy to install Need to replace filters  Mobile in the lab Not as effective at removing chemical fumes Easily moved or relocated Not for constant use Use less energy

Is A Ducted Fume Hood or Ductless Best for My Laboratory ?

So, how do you determine which is the right fume hood for your laboratory...ducted or ductless?

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

    1. Do you work with more than 10 different chemicals?
    2. Are you working with small or large volumes of chemicals?
    3. Does your lab have a high volume of inexperienced people working with chemicals, such as a university lab?
    4. Does your building have an HVAC system and a team to manage it?
    5. Is mobility necessary for your operation?
   6. Do you have techs that can properly maintain a system, e.g. changing out filters?
   7. Will the chemicals you are using adequately filter through carbon?

Answering these questions about how you work with chemicals in your lab will help you determine the appropriate application for your needs.

Laboratory safety and workload should be the primary deciding factors in your decision. In a ductless fume hood, there should be no extreme heating, no more than 10 chemicals should be used per application, small volumes of chemicals should be used (approximately 500 mls or less) and exposure time should be within 2-3 hours per day. 

There are a range of filters that have different chemical trapping capacities, but if your application doesn’t match available filters you’ll be required to move forward with a ducted fume hood. Talk to your fume hood provider about the various filters for chemical groups.

Lastly, determine how often you will be replacing your carbon filter, this will also give you a more accurate financial cost. Keep in mind that the filter life depends on the chemicals used, evaporation rate, chemical volume, duration of usage and the temperature of the chemicals.

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Fume Hood Safety Considerations

Regardless of which type fume hood you choose, safety is always important. Fume hoods, when used properly, help protect lab employees and students working with toxic or volatile chemicals and compounds.

The fume hood serves as a physical barrier between the employee and the harmful fumes, fires, explosions and spills that might result from handling or experimentation. Because of this, fume hood safety is extremely important and can help protect your employees and student workers from injury.

Even though fume hoods are designed to protect against unexpected reactions of volatile chemicals, laboratory workers must serve as the first line of defense against. The equipment can only perform and protect if used properly. 

Learn more about safety in our article, A Fume Hood Safety Checklist For Everyday Use.

Summary

It is important to make sure that you have the right fume hood for your lab application, because the safety of your work and your employees is at stake.

It is always best to consult with an expert fume hood manufacturer, so that your lab does not go up in smoke!

What is a Ducted Fume Hood?

A ducted fume hood is connected to a building’s ventilation system, where it draws in air from the laboratory and expels it outside. This air is filtered inside the hood, capturing hazardous fumes, gases, and vapors, then venting them through ducts leading to the outside of the building.

These hoods are ideal for labs that handle volatile chemicals and substances. The key benefit is their ability to remove hazardous fumes from the workspace. For this reason, they bring the safest choice for laboratories dealing with toxic or flammable materials.

What is a Ductless Fume Hood?

A ductless fume hood, on the other hand, is a self-contained unit that filters air and recirculates it back into the laboratory. Instead of venting the air outside, the hood uses filters, often activated carbon or HEPA, to capture and neutralize harmful contaminants before releasing the air back into the room.

These hoods are more portable and cost-effective to install compared to ducted systems. This makes them a suitable choice for labs that do not handle highly dangerous chemicals or need a temporary or flexible solution.

Ducted Vs. Ductless Fume Hood: Key Differences

Installation and Setup

• Ducted Fume Hoods: Installing a ducted fume hood requires connecting the hood to a building’s exhaust system. This means you will need ductwork, an exhaust fan, and possibly additional equipment, which can be costly and time-consuming to set up.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: These are easier to install. Since they do not require ductwork or external ventilation systems, you simply place the hood in your desired location and connect it to a power source. They are a great option for labs with limited space or short-term setups.

Airflow and Safety

• Ducted Fume Hoods: A ducted fume hood offers continuous airflow and draws contaminants away from the user and venting them outside. As a result, it’s more effective for handling toxic chemicals and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: While ductless fume hoods filter the air and recirculate it, they do not vent contaminants outside the building. Therefore, they are generally less effective for labs that deal with particularly harmful fumes or chemicals.

Maintenance Costs

• Ducted Fume Hoods: These systems require regular maintenance to make sure the ductwork and exhaust system are functioning properly. This maintenance is typically less frequent and more straightforward than the ongoing upkeep required for ductless systems.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: The main ongoing cost of ductless fume hoods is replacing the filters. Depending on the chemicals being used, these filters may need to be replaced frequently, adding to the operating costs over time.

Space and Mobility

• Ducted Fume Hoods: Ducted systems are stationary, as they are installed with fixed ductwork and external exhaust systems. This limits their mobility and flexibility within the lab.
• Ductless Fume Hoods: These hoods are more flexible. You can easily move or relocate them within the lab as needed. They are ideal for labs that require adaptable setups or for temporary workspaces.

Choosing the Right Fume Hood for Your Lab

Type of Work Performed

The type of work performed in your lab plays a key role in your decision. If your lab handles highly toxic, corrosive, or flammable chemicals, a ducted fume hood is the safest option. On the other hand, if you are working with less hazardous substances, a ductless fume hood can offer a more affordable and practical solution.

Space and Layout

Space is often a limiting factor in many laboratories. Ducted fume hoods require extensive ductwork and exhaust systems, which can take up significant space and complicate your lab’s layout. If space is limited or your lab needs flexibility, ductless fume hoods offer a more compact and adaptable solution.

Installation and Costs

The initial installation of a ducted fume hood can be expensive due to the need for ductwork, external exhaust systems, and possibly an HVAC upgrade. Ductless fume hoods are more budget-friendly and easy to install, which makes them a good choice for labs with a limited budget or short-term needs.

Ongoing Maintenance

Consider the long-term costs of maintaining the hood. While ducted fume hoods typically have lower ongoing costs, ductless fume hoods may require frequent filter replacements. Factor in these costs when evaluating which option makes the most sense for your lab.

PSA Laboratory Furniture: Your Partner in Lab Design and Setup

PSA Laboratory Furniture delivers lab furniture, fume hoods, and lab design services tailored to your laboratory’s unique needs. If you need a durable ducted fume hood for handling hazardous materials or a ductless fume hood for lighter applications, we have the solutions to keep your lab safe and efficient.

Our team works closely with you to design a lab that fits your specific requirements, so your workspace is optimized for both safety and functionality. We bring flexible, customizable lab furniture that complements your fume hoods and enhances your lab’s overall workflow.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lab

Both ducted and ductless fume hoods have their place in laboratory settings, depending on your specific needs. If safety is your top priority and your lab works with toxic chemicals, a ducted fume hood is likely the best choice. However, if you are looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution for less hazardous materials, a ductless fume hood could be the better option.

Are you interested in learning more about Bernoulli Laminar Air Curtain Hood? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!