The laboratory environment can impose many hazards. Chemicals are widely used in chemical, biological, and mechanical laboratories. During laboratory operations, chemicals can be released in the form of gas, vapors, and particles (dust, fumes) in the breathing zone of lab workers. The two types of laboratory ventilation are general ventilation (dilution ventilation) and local exhaust ventilation.
The dilution ventilation consists of a simple exhaust fan that directs the contaminated air outside the work environment. A general ventilation system may include an air system, air intake ducts, and cleaning devices. Dilution ventilation can be used when the pollutant(s) are not very toxic, and their production levels are predictable. This ventilation method is usually the first choice. It may be for cases where many pollutant sources are scattered throughout the work environment or issues where the pollutant source is in motion.
Local exhaust ventilation aims to remove pollutants near the emission source. Therefore, the possibility of contaminants entering the work environment is minimized. The ability of a local ventilation system to do this depends on its proper design, construction and operation. Local ventilation systems are used in various ways, from hoods in research laboratories to commercial kitchens and industrial applications. In addition to the external system described above, a number of special types of local ventilation systems are used for specific applications. The local ventilation system operates at much higher static pressures than traditional ventilation systems. They do, but they have the advantage of lower exhaust airflow and less need for air exchange. This system is professionally designed to achieve minimal pollution reasonably in the laboratory environment. In many laboratories, dilution ventilation is not considered the first approach to controlling toxic substances, and general ventilation is used in addition to local ventilation. Different types of local exhaust ventilation systems in laboratories are summarized below:
- Exhaust drop in the ceiling
- Chemical Fume Hood
- Biosafety Cabinet
- Laminar Flow Hood
- Slot Hood
- Acid Bench (Wet Bench)
- Snorkel
- Downdraft table
- Canopy Hood
- Gas Cabinet
- Exhaust Enclosure
- Glovebox
Ventonamics is specialized in the local exhaust ventilation solutions. Please check our website for the downdraft table products and all other ventilation accessories.