Regular Cleaning And Maintenance of The Internal Deflector Plates of Fume Hoods?

Cleaning frequency

Daily light observation and simple handling: After each experiment, the operator should quickly observe whether there is obvious reagent spillage, dust accumulation, etc. on the surface of the deflector plate. If a small amount of easily cleanable reagent residue is found on the deflector plate, such as spots formed by water-soluble reagents, it can be gently wiped off with a clean damp cloth to avoid the residue being difficult to clean after drying.

Weekly deep cleaning: Arrange a deep cleaning of the deflector plate once a week. During periods with relatively fewer experiments, such as weekends, conduct a thorough and meticulous cleaning of the deflector plates. During the one-week experiment, the deflector plate will gradually accumulate dust, tiny particles of chemical reagents, etc. These accumbens may affect the airflow distribution and exhaust effect of the fume hood.

Monthly inspection and special cleaning: In addition to regular cleaning every month, a comprehensive inspection of the deflector plate should also be carried out. Check whether the deflector plate is deformed, damaged, corroded or has any other conditions. If stubborn stains that are difficult to remove are found on the deflector plate, or if the surface performance has declined due to long-term use, special cleaning and maintenance treatments are required.

Cleaning method

Prepare tools and materials: Get all the tools needed for cleaning ready, such as soft brushes, sponges, clean damp cloths, neutral detergent, rubber gloves, goggles, etc. Neutral cleaners can prevent corrosion to the material of the drainage plates, and rubber gloves and goggles can protect the safety and health of the operators.

Disassembling the deflector (if detachable) : If the deflector of the fume hood is detachable, first carefully remove it from the interior of the fume hood in accordance with the fume hood's user manual. During the disassembly process, be careful to avoid damaging the deflector plate and its connecting components.

Initial dust removal: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush off the dust and larger particles on the surface of the deflector plate. When brushing, be sure to apply moderate force to avoid scratching the surface of the deflector plate. For some crevices and corners, cotton swabs or small brushes can be used for cleaning.

Cleaning stubborn stains: For stubborn stains on the deflector plate, such as oil stains and chemical reagent residues, dilute the neutral cleaner to an appropriate concentration, dip a sponge in the cleaner solution, and gently wipe the stained area. When wiping, follow the texture direction of the deflector plate to avoid causing scratches. For particularly stubborn stains, you can let the cleaner stay on the stain for a few minutes to fully dissolve it before wiping.

Rinsing and drying: Rinse the deflector plate thoroughly with clean water to ensure that all detergent residues are completely removed. When rinsing, pay attention to the direction of the water flow to avoid water splashing onto other parts of the fume hood. After rinsing thoroughly, dry the moisture on the surface of the deflector plate with a clean damp cloth, and then place it in a well-ventilated area to air dry naturally.

Install the deflector plate: After the deflector plate is completely dry, reinstall it back into the fume hood in the reverse order of disassembly. During the installation process, it is necessary to ensure that the deflector plates are firmly installed and in the correct position, so as not to affect the normal operation of the fume hood.

Key points of maintenance

Regularly check for deformation: During daily use and regular cleaning, carefully inspect whether the deflector plates are deformed. Deformation of the deflector plate may change the direction and speed of the airflow inside the fume hood, affecting the exhaust effect. If you find that the deflector plate is slightly deformed, you can try to gently adjust it by hand to restore it to its original state. If the deformation is severe, professional maintenance personnel should be contacted in time for replacement.

Corrosion prevention: During the operation of fume hoods, they may come into contact with various chemical reagents. Some of these reagents are corrosive and can cause damage to the deflector plates. Therefore, during the experiment, it is necessary to avoid splashing corrosive reagents onto the deflector plate as much as possible. If corrosive reagents are accidentally splashed, they should be immediately rinsed with plenty of clean water and cleaned and dealt with in a timely manner. For deflector plates that are exposed to corrosive environments for a long time, it is advisable to apply a layer of anti-corrosion coating on their surface to extend their service life.

Check the connecting components: Regularly inspect the connecting components of the deflector plate, such as screws and clips, to ensure they are tightened and reliable. Loose connecting components may cause the deflector plate to shake or fall off, affecting the safety and performance of the fume hood. If any loose or damaged connecting parts are found, they should be tightened or replaced in time.

Record maintenance status: Establish maintenance records for the deflector plates of fume hoods, documenting the time, content, problems found, and handling methods of each cleaning and maintenance. The usage status and maintenance history of the deflector plate can be understood through records, providing a reference basis for subsequent maintenance and management.