When working in the laboratory newly, learning about laboratory fume hood is necessary. This blog post teaches you all you need to know about fume Hood.
Definition of a Lab Fume Hood
An Alan fume Hood had a ventilation system which exhausts gas, vapors, mist, aerosols, chemical fumes and dust from the laboratory.
It's function also involves bring a physical barrier between the operator and chemical reactions, it offers protection against fires, inhalations, spills and runaway reactions.
Kinds of Laboratory Fume Hood
When choosing hoods from a fume Hood manufacturer, there are several options available.
The everyday types of exhaust fume hoods include;
1) Distillation fume hood: It has working heights that are large. This height gives room for installing distillation equipments that are tall on the work chamber.
2) Radioisotope fume hood: This is used for protecting laboratory technicians that handle radioactive materials in large amounts. The hoods were designed for radioactive materials. The interior makes provision for decontamination by having stainless steel with coatings.
3) Acid digestion fume hood: There are acid-resistant materials like unplasticized PVC which is used as a special liner in these hoods. Polycarbonate materials which has the ability of resisting corrosion because of the hydrofluoric acid in it are used to make up their sashes.
4) Ductless fume hood: Chemical fumes and vapors are absorbed using carbons that are activated.
5) Bench top fume hood: Its function is to give protection against nearly all the chemical's used in the laboratory.
What makes up a Lab Fume Hood:
The main components of
laboratory fume Hood a are seven. They are:
1) Sash
2) Face
3) Hood body
4) Exhaust plenum
5) Baffles
6) Airfoil
7) Work surface
The visible surface of the hood is the hood body. It houses hazardous vapors and gases.
The adjustable partition that creates an opening at the back of he hood body are the baffles. It's function is keeping a uniform flow of air across the room. The efficiency of the equipment is also enhanced during the process.
The front opening of the hood is adjusted using the sash which is a sliding door. Airflow is controlled, the rate which contaminants are captured in the hood is also increased. The sash is either horizontal or vertical, or a combination of both.
Turbulent eddies is prevented from building up by sending in airflow through the airfoil streamlines. Air is distributed evenly across the face of the air through the exhaust plenum. The imaginary area between the sash and work surface is the face.
Effective usage of a fume hood
Adequate planning and preparation are important when using a fume Hood. Knowing the standard operating procedure is also needed in order to maintain the equipments throughout.
Guidelines to be observed:
Ensure that the exhaust is in good working condition before begining experiment. The baffles should be examined to check for obstructions. Airflow monitor should be checked to see if it is at the correct level,in a hood that has it.
Limit chemical exposure by keeping your face outside the plane.
Gears that will protect you where there is spills or fire is required. Such protective gears are gloves, splash googles and lab coat.
When the hood is not in use, keep it closed.
The sash should be closed to save energy.
When there is a suspicion of malfunction, or when the alarm for airflow goes off, terminate operations.
Don't suddenly remove it place items in the hood. This causes air disturbance, and the effectiveness of the equipment is reduced.
Instructions from the fume manufacturer should've read carefully. This prevents making mistakes.
You get the best from exhause fume Hood a when you understand how it works. What is discussed above will help you use your lab fine is an easier and safer manner.