Introduction To The Functions of Fume Hoods

Fume hoods (also known as fume hoods) are indispensable and important equipment in laboratories. Their main functions can be summarized as follows:

First, exhaust function

This is the most fundamental and important function of a fume hood. In a chemistry laboratory, various harmful gases, odors, moisture, as well as flammable, explosive and corrosive substances are produced during experimental operations. The fume hood, through its powerful exhaust system, quickly expelling these harmful substances from the laboratory, protecting the health of the laboratory personnel and preventing the spread of pollutants during experiments into the laboratory.

Second, safety protection function

Release function: The fume hood should be equipped with a mechanism that dilutes the harmful gases generated inside by absorbing the gases outside the hood and then expelling them outdoors.

Non-reverse flow function: The airflow generated by the exhaust fan inside the fume hood expels harmful gases from the interior of the fume hood, preventing them from flowing back into the room. To ensure this function, it is usually recommended that one fume hood be connected to one ventilator through a single pipe.

Isolation function: The front of the fume hood is usually equipped with a non-sliding glass window, which separates the inside and outside of the fume hood to prevent harmful gases from directly coming into contact with the laboratory personnel.

Third, environmental protection function

High-efficiency filtration device: Some fume hoods are equipped with high-efficiency filtration devices that can filter and purify harmful substances, preventing them from being directly discharged into the atmospheric environment and thereby reducing environmental pollution.

Waste liquid treatment system: Some advanced fume hoods are also equipped with a waste liquid treatment system, which can handle the waste liquid generated during the experiment, further reducing environmental pollution.

Fourth, experimental auxiliary functions

Supplementary function: When discharging harmful gases, the fume hood should have a channel or alternative device for drawing in air from the outside to maintain air circulation in the laboratory.

Wind speed control function: The fume hood needs to have a certain suction speed to prevent the escape of harmful gases. Generally, the inhalation rate of non-toxic pollutants is 0.25 to 0.38m/s, that of toxic or dangerous harmful substances is 0.4 to 0.5m/s, that of highly toxic or slightly radioactive substances is 0.5 to 0.6m/s, that of gaseous substances is 0.5m/s, and that of granular substances is 1m/s.

Fifth, special functions

Heat resistance and acid and alkali corrosion resistance: The countertop, backing plate, side panels of the fume hood, as well as the selected faucets and gas nozzles, all need to have certain anti-corrosion and acid and alkali resistance functions to adapt to various harsh experimental environments.

Intelligent monitoring system: Some modern fume hoods have introduced Internet of Things (iot) technology to achieve real-time monitoring and remote management, enhancing the intelligence level of the equipment.

Sixth, humanized design

Spacious operating space: The interior design of the fume hood is spacious, providing sufficient operating space for laboratory personnel.

Convenient operation interface: Fume hoods are usually equipped with clear and intuitive control panels and multi-functional sockets, facilitating various operations and equipment connections for laboratory personnel.