Ductless Fume Hood price

A ductless fume hood, also known as a recirculating or filtered fume hood, is a self-contained ventilation system designed to protect laboratory personnel and the environment from toxic chemical fumes, vapors, odors, and particles. Unlike ducted fume hoods, which vent air outside the building, ductless fume hoods filter contaminated air through specialized filters and recirculate clean air back into the laboratory. Here’s a concise overview based on available information:

 

 How It Works

Airflow Process: A fan draws contaminated air from the work area through a pre-filter to capture larger particles, then through a main filter (typically activated carbon or HEPA/ULPA) to remove chemical vapors or particulates. The filtered air is then released back into the lab.

 

Filters: 

Activated Carbon Filters: Adsorb organic vapors, acid gases, or specific chemicals like formaldehyde or ammonia. Different filter types are used based on the chemicals involved.

Capture particulates (e.g., 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns for HEPA) and are used HEPA/ULPA Filters for powders or biological hazards. Some hoods combine both for dual protection.

  HEPA/ULPA Filters: Remove particulates (e.g., 99.97% efficient for particles down to 0.3 microns for HEPA; 99.9995% for 0.12 microns for ULPA). Used for powders or biological hazards.

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Key Features

Mobility:Portable and easy to relocate due to no ductwork requirement.

Plug-and-Play:Simple installation with minimal infrastructure, ideal for labs without external venting.

Energy Efficiency:Recirculates conditioned air, reducing energy loss compared to ducted systems that exhaust heated/cooled air.

Safety Features:May include VOC sensors, filter saturation alarms, or sample ports for manual filter testing (e.g., using gas detectors like Draeger Accuro pumps.

Construction:Often made of chemical-resistant materials like polypropylene or stainless steel. Some models have transparent walls for visibility (e.g., for demonstrations)

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Applications

Ductless fume hoods are suitable for:

• Light to Moderate Chemical Use: Ideal for applications like dilution, mixing, titration, or handling small volumes (e.g., ≤500 mL) of chemicals with low hazard levels.
• Specific Processes: Chemical fume control, solvent vapor control, pharmaceutical powder filling, light grinding, and biological applications.
• Cleanroom Environments: Models with HEPA filters are used for handling powders or particulates.

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Limitations

• Chemical Compatibility: Not suitable for all chemicals, especially those with low molecular weight (e.g., methane, propane) that carbon filters cannot effectively capture.
• Filter Maintenance: Regular filter replacements and DOP testing are required, which can add to operational costs.
• Limited Capacity: Best for labs using fewer than 10 chemicals, small volumes, and short exposure times (2-3 hours/day). High-volume or heavy-duty applications may require ducted hoods.
• Filter Saturation: Continuous operation (e.g., 24/7) can lead to rapid filter saturation, requiring frequent replacements. Chemicals should be stored in designated cabinets, not inside the hood.