Anti-rust And Moisture-proof Measures for Fume Hoods in Damp Environments

Anti-rust measures

Material selection and pretreatment

Select corrosion-resistant materials: During the manufacturing stage of fume hoods, materials with good corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, should be given priority. Stainless steel contains elements such as chromium, which can form a dense oxide film on the metal surface, preventing oxygen and water from further contact with the metal substrate, thereby playing a role in rust prevention. For some key parts, such as the frame and connecting components of the fume hood, it is necessary to ensure that corrosion-resistant materials that meet the standards are used.

Surface coating treatment: For the metal parts of fume hoods, coating treatment on their surfaces can effectively prevent rusting. Common coating materials include anti-rust paint, epoxy resin coating, etc. Before the coating application, the metal surface should be cleaned and pre-treated to remove impurities such as oil stains and rust, ensuring good adhesion between the coating and the metal surface. The coating application should be uniform and the thickness should meet the requirements to ensure the anti-rust effect.

Daily maintenance

Regular inspection: Develop a regular inspection plan and inspect the metal parts of the fume hood weekly or monthly. Check for any rust, especially the corners and welds of the fume hood that are prone to water and dust accumulation. If slight rust is found, it should be dealt with promptly to prevent it from spreading.

Timely rust removal: When rust is found on the metal parts of the fume hood, tools such as sandpaper and wire brushes can be used to grind off the rust. Be careful when grinding to avoid damaging the metal surface. After grinding is completed, the rust debris and dust on the surface should be thoroughly cleaned, and then reapply anti-rust paint or the corresponding protective coating to restore the anti-rust performance.

Avoid scratches: During daily use, it is necessary to prevent the metal parts of the fume hood from being scratched. Scratching can damage the coating on the metal surface, exposing the metal to a damp environment and thereby increasing the risk of rusting. For instance, when moving experimental equipment or placing items, be careful not to collide or scratch the metal parts of the fume hood.

Moisture-proof measures

Environmental control

Ventilation and air exchange: Maintaining good ventilation in the laboratory is an important measure to prevent fume hoods from getting damp. Ventilation equipment such as exhaust fans and fresh air systems can be installed and turned on regularly to expel the damp air in the laboratory and introduce fresh and dry air. The fume hood itself should also be kept in a good ventilation state to ensure that the air inside it can flow smoothly and reduce the accumulation of moisture.

Control humidity: Use dehumidification equipment to control the humidity in the laboratory. The dehumidifier can automatically adjust its working state according to the humidity conditions in the laboratory, keeping the humidity within an appropriate range. Generally, it is recommended to control the humidity between 40% and 60%. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid situations such as water leakage around the laboratory to prevent an increase in indoor humidity.

Avoid direct sunlight and excessive temperature differences: Although direct sunlight can raise the indoor temperature, it may also cause a significant temperature difference between the surface of the fume hood and the surrounding air, resulting in water vapor in the air condensing into water droplets on the surface of the fume hood. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the fume hood being exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a stable temperature in the laboratory as much as possible to avoid excessive temperature differences that may cause water vapor condensation.

Self-protection of fume hoods

Sealing treatment: Check the sealing performance of the fume hood to ensure that its operation Windows, doors and other parts are well sealed. Sealing strips can be used to seal the gaps of the fume hood to prevent moist air from entering the interior of the fume hood through the gaps. If the sealing strip is found to be aged or damaged, it should be replaced in time.

Internal drying: Place some desiccants inside the fume hood, such as silica gel desiccants and activated carbon desiccants, to absorb the moisture inside the fume hood. Desiccants should be replaced regularly to ensure their moisture absorption effect. In addition, when the fume hood is not in use, you can clean its interior thoroughly and keep the ventilation window slightly open to allow air circulation and prevent the accumulation of moisture.

Drainage design: If there are drainage facilities such as sinks inside the fume hood, ensure that the drainage pipes are unobstructed to prevent water accumulation. Waterproof materials can be used to seal around the sink to prevent water from seeping into the internal structure of the fume hood. At the same time, the sink and drainage pipes should be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages caused by debris and poor drainage.