Energy saving is essential these days, however it can compromise the safety and efficiency of a fume cupboard.
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We do everything we can to keep energy usage low whilst maintaining the safety of our products.
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We always recommend requesting as much advice as possible before committing to a project so all parties understand how we are keeping energy costs down.
Energy Saving
Recirculating Fume Cupboards have limited use, this is due to the filters which are restricted by certain chemicals.
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In the modern school’s curriculum they are generally viable. Filters are prone to failure and it is difficult to identify there is a fault.
Any misuse will immediately damage the filter & other malfunctions may occur allowing fumes to escape.
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There are quality options available but also many copies on the market without the appropriate construction knowledge & appropriate design, tests and certificates.
Recirculating Fume Cupboards
VAVs can prove problematic although vital for energy saving which has become crucial in this modern world. Effects to the environment must be considered.
Fume Cupboard Doctor favours a British system which is less complicated than other models available as we find this system more reliable than alternatives.
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We recommend introducing VAVs accompanied by a long warranty period. The after service arrangements are essential as some products require very expensive software to maintain. Some companies may struggle with providing after service.
Variable Air Volume
Fumes go directly from source to the atmosphere via plastic duct extraction systems.
These come in two types: Constant Velocity & Variable Velocity.
The fan requires to be as close to the termination point as possible to function efficiently. Preferably, the majority of the system is under negative pressure, this will ensure that any temporary leaks from the ducting will not escape.
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Correct positioning of each fume cupboard is essential. Therefore laboratories should be built around the Fume Cupboard/s. The shortest route must be used for the duct to escape the building as this will prevent unnecessary fire risk factors.
Ducted Fume Cupboards
With current environmental challenges there is an objective to create a ‘greener’ fume cupboard.
Fume cupboards can safely operate with a face velocity of 0.3 meters per second.
These low velocity fume cupboards have unique design aspects, not every FC can contain and recover fumes quickly at low velocity.
Some operations are better suited to higher velocities, consideration of the process is important.
Risk assessments must be in place as to how airborne contaminants will be controlled.
Modern Fume Cupboards
The automatic sash controllers take the onus from the user to close the sash; which is ultimately a safety feature but can also be sufficient for energy saving.
The configuration for these controllers are critical as the closing times can potentially cause problems and even danger to the users.
Carefully consider the product and the set up before choosing; warranty and aftercare also need to be considered.
Automatic Sash Controllers
Gimmicks
There are always many new ideas being tested on fume cupboards.
i.e
Fans that turn off or slow down when you walk away from the fume cupboard –
This can only work if you completely stop the experiment/research taking place within the fume cupboard.
Fume cupboards are designed to run at a specific face velocity to contain the fumes; any changes to fume cupboards must be type tested to prove they are efficient and safe.
The fume cupboard may be essential to keeping the area under negative pressure. Take as much advice as possible before changing anything. Design changes must be proven and certificated.