Guide to choosing a Ductless Fume Hood

Ductless Fume Hood contains toxic chemical fumes and prevents chemical exposure to ensure the safety of both laboratory personnel and the environment. This type of fume hood is quickly becoming a viable alternative to conventional fume hoods due to its modern design, features, and convenience.

Unlike conventional fume hoods, ductless fume hoods utilize carbon filters to remove chemical fumes and recycle air directly back to the laboratory. Some models also make use of carbon-HEPA filters for removing vapors and trapping particles.  Ductless fume hoods are also designed to provide:

• Superior fume containment for personnel and environmental protection.

• Accessibility since complicated ducting systems are not needed, there is no downtime in the laboratory.

• Mobility as ductless hoods uses support stands with caster wheels and can be easily relocated. 

Esco Lifesciences ductless fume hoods are independently tested by INVENT-UK for the ability to filter contaminated air with efficiency and retention capacity as required by the British Standard BS 7989 and French Standard AFNOR NF X 15-211. Fume containment and airflow uniformity meet the requirements of ASHRAE 110, BS 7258, and EN 14175-3. The combination of effective containment and safe carbon filtration opens new, cost-effective applications for fume hood technology in laboratories of the 21st century.

• Guide to Esco Nanocarb™ Carbon Filters

• Compliance to ASHRAE 110 for superior fume containment

• Durable construction

• Effective carbon filtration efficiency

• Intuitive control system with audio and visual alarms for unsafe conditions

• Broad range of models and filter configurations to suit customer’s application

• Wide selection of carbon filter types designed to target specific functional groups

• Plug-and-play feature which prevents any laboratory downtime

• Offers a selection of accessories and upgrades

• Industry-unique dual diffuser system that helps optimize carbon filter life

• Energy-efficient design which reduces total carbon footprint

• Must be mobile and portable

• FiltraCheck™ free service to qualify your application's suitability for a ductless solution

Advantages of Esco Ascent™ Ductless Fume Hoods

The "GREEN" solution

• Environmentally friendly

• Does not discharge toxic gases into the environment

• Saves energy, and reduces the total carbon footprint

Safe carbon filtration

• Compliance with international standards for fume containment and filter efficiency

• Efficient Nanocarb™ activated carbon technology

• Industry-unique dual diffuser system

Design and Ergonomics

• Optional VOC sensor for  Ascent™ Max fume hoods to detect filter saturation

• Sample ports are available for Ascent™ Opti models to manually detect saturation

• FiltraCheck™ service to qualify your application's suitability for a ductless solution.

Convenience and Savings

• No installation hassle

• Plug-and-play feature

• No elaborate make-up air systems that result in reduced maintenance and running costs

• Lower power consumption compared to a conventional fume hood.

Ductless Fume Hood utilizes carbon or HEPA filtration to remove toxic vapors and protect laboratory personnel from chemical exposure. This type of fume hood does not require any complex exhaust system and is ideal for small laboratories due to its compact design.

FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING DUCTLESS FUME HOODS

• Compliance with ASHRAE 110 to ensure fume containment.

• Laboratory layout to check if there is sufficient space for the unit.

• Type of application – ductless fume hoods are designed for simple chemical handling and is not recommended for application with heating and boiling.

• Easy to use control system

• Alarms for unsafe conditions such as airflow failure and improper sash level

• Options for detecting filter saturation.

• Possible upgrades and options for accessories to suit customer’s requirements.

• Warranty and Spare parts availability

Chemicals are known hazards that cause irritation or respiratory problems. To minimize the risk of exposure, chemicals must be handled in a well-maintained fume hood. To sustain your fume hood’s optimum performance,  here are some do’s and don’ts:

DO’s

• Clean chemical spills immediately.

• Dispose chemical waste properly.

• Declutter and keep things organized. Only put the reagents and apparatus needed for the procedure. 

• Always work with the proper height level.

• Keep sash fully closed when ductless fume hood is not in used.

• Always check the fume hood’s airflow before using it.

• Clean the work surface, sash glass, and interior walls weekly.

• Recertify the ductless fume hood at least once a year.

DON’Ts

• Do no conduct high-temperature experiments such as Acid digestion, boiling, and melting.

• Do not throw chemical waste in the sink or drip cup.

• Do not use >70%  perchloric acid.

• Do not use chlorine-based solutions for cleaning the fume hoods.

• Do not continue working when alarms are activated.

• Do not introduce new chemicals without consulting your manufacturer.