Fume Hood Key Functions Use Cases
A fume hood (also known as a fume cupboard or fume closet) is a laboratory local ventilation device. By providing ventilation, fume hoods limit the possibility of contamination in a confined laboratory space. Fume hoods prevent contamination by drawing air away from users and the laboratory environment.
Whilst ventilation is the primary purpose, fume hoods also serve many secondary functions like protection against the chemical spills, reactions, and fire mishaps. In this blog, let’s explore the various purposes and functions of the fume hoods.
Capture the Harmful Fumes in the Laboratory
Many experiments and chemical reactions release hazardous gases, vapours, or fumes in the labs. These fumes can be fatal and lethal inside the chemical and biological labs. The primary purpose of the laboratory fume hood is elimination of exposure to volatile liquids, dust, and mist.
Stop the Fumes from Spreading Further
The fume hoods also serve the purpose of preventing the fumes from the experiments escaping back into the laboratory environment. This way, we do not endanger the lives of researchers or scientists by immediate or prolonged exposure.
Prevents Spills and Runaways
Another important use of the fume hoods is to act as a barrier and prevent the spills of harmful chemicals and avoid unnecessary reactions. Prevention of spills and runways is critical to ensuring a workplace free from hazardous incidents such as explosions and fires.
A Radioactive Barrier for the Humans
We use special purpose radioisotope fume hoods for Beta and Gamma radiation environments. Besides the general characteristics of a bench-top fume hood, radioisotope fume hoods have the work surface and interior lining with 304 stainless steel with coved seamless welded seams for easy cleaning and decontamination.
Prevent Corrosion of the Laboratory and Accessories
Fume hoods help prevent corrosion in the laboratory. Special cases, such as the ones involving perchloric acid-based experiments, perchloric acid fume hoods are used with non-reactive and corrosion-resistant material extended all the way through the exhaust system.
Having understood the key uses of fume hoods, let’s also remember that for the fume hood to provide adequate protection, regular inspection and maintenance are required. When properly maintained, fume hoods help keep the lab residents safe. The users must adhere to the manufacturers’ safety suggestions and recommended maintenance schedule.
Kewaunee International Group
Kewaunee, the global leader in total laboratory solutions, empowers organisations to achieve competitive advantage through safe, efficient, and contemporary laboratories. In existence since 1906, Kewaunee powers the laboratories for over 5,000 customers in more than 100 countries.
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