Safety in laboratories is one of the top priorities for researchers when it comes to managing toxic fumes, airborne contaminants, and vapors. Whether you are upgrading the existing laboratory or designing a new lab, the dilemma about laboratory fume hoods is most likely to plague your mind. The decision that is hard to come by is whether to install a ducted or a ductless fume hood in the laboratory.
Even though both types serve a similar purpose and safeguard the laboratory from toxic substances, the operations are different and so are the applications. So, let us explore the key differences, advantages, and limitations of fume hoods to help you make an informed decision but before that we need to figure out what a fume hood is.
What is a fume hoods?
A fume hood refers to laboratory equipment similar to a ventilated exposure that restricts the exposure to hazardous or toxic vapors, fumes, and dust in laboratories. The device works by drawing air away from the user and then filtering it based on the type of hood used. Here are the types of hoods to choose:
- Ducted fume hoods
- Ductless fume hoods
Ducted Fume hoods
Ducted fume hoods are connected to the HVAC system of the laboratory building wherein air is pulled through the front of the hood and across the work surface to be expelled through ducts to the outside atmosphere. They are usually seen in laboratories dealing with volatile or highly toxic chemicals. Check below to note the pros of ducted laboratory fume hoods:
- Removes contaminants efficiently
Ducted hoods are highly effective for removing a wide range of vapors, chemical fumes, and particulates from the indoor environment permanently.
- Requires no filter replacement
As contaminants usually go outside from the ducted hood, you need not replace the filter frequently, thus reducing the ongoing maintenance costs to a great extent for high volume chemical usage.
- Chemical versatility
The ducted hoods are capable of safe handling when researchers work with toxic gases, corrosive acids, organic solvents, and various other aggressive chemicals.
- Cost-effective device
Although the cost of setting up a ducted fume hood in the laboratory is pretty high, the turn out to be cost-effective in the long run, especially when subject to heavy use of hazardous chemicals.
Cons of ducted fume hoods
- Cost of installation and complexity
The complexity of installation is one of the major cons of ducted fume hoods ; the extensive ductwork couples with the hassles of integrating with HVAC systems makes it a labor-intensive task as far as installation is concerned.
- Less flexible
Once the ducted hood is installed, relocating it is nearly impossible and difficult. So, it is a permanent fixture.
- Consumption of energy
Ducted hoods increase the HVAC energy costs by pulling the conditioned air out of the room.
Ductless Fume hoods
Ductless fume hoods leverage the fan and filtration system to clean contaminated air before it recirculates back into the room. The filters in this system typically include HEPA, carbon, and other specialized options based on the chemicals used.
Pros of ductless fume hoods
Here are the pros of ductless fume hoods:
- Portable and flexible
These hoods are usually not fixed to ductwork, making them easy to install or even relocate in other spaces or areas.
- Lower cost of installation
The installation cost is minimal as there is no need to install ducts or external exhaust systems, thus reducing the upfront costs
- Energy efficient
As ductless fume hoods do not remove conditioned air, they help maintain room temperature and reduce the energy bills.
Cons of ductless fume hoods
- Maintaining the filter
When it comes to ductless fume hoods, you need to monitor, test, and replace the filter regularly, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Risk of saturation in filters
If you fail to replace the filters on time, the contaminants may be accidentally released on to the laboratory back again.
- Restricted use of chemicals
The ductless fume hood may not be a perfect fit for all kinds of chemicals, especially the highly corrosive or volatile substances.
Factors to consider when choosing fume hoods
Type of Work and Chemicals Used
- Ducted fume hood is ideal for high volumes of toxic, corrosive, or volatile chemicals.
- Ductless sis suitable for light-duty tasks and smaller labs using limited or well-character identifiable substances.
Budget Constraints
- Initial costs for ducted systems are higher due to installation and ducting.
- Ductless hoods save on installation but may incur ongoing filter replacement costs.
Lab Location and Infrastructure
- New construction can accommodate ducted systems more easily.
- Existing buildings or temporary setups may benefit from the flexibility of ductless models.
Environmental and Energy Concerns
- Ductless hoods are more sustainable for labs aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Ducted hoods consume more energy due to ventilation demands.
There is no one-size-fits-all option as far as fume hoods are concerned. The buying decision depends entirely on the requirements of the laboratory.
Choosing between ducted and ductless fume hoods comes down to understanding your laboratory’s workflow, safety requirements, and budget. If your lab deals with a wide variety of hazardous chemicals and has the infrastructure, a ducted fume hood offers robust protection and long-term cost efficiency. On the other hand, if you need flexibility, portability, and lower installation costs and your work involves low-risk substances, a ductless fume hood can be a smart, sustainable choice.
At iGene Labserve, we are committed to empowering scientific innovation through reliable, high-quality laboratory equipment and solutions. If you are ready to take your lab to the next level, get in touch with us here https://www.igenels.com/ and browse our extensive lab equipment collections.