Blogs & News
- Category: Laboratory
- DATE: January 9, 2025
How Does a Ductless Fume Hood Work? – Exploring the Differences Between a Ducted and Ductless Fume Hood
Fume hoods are essential pieces of equipment in laboratories, designed to protect workers from hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust. While both ducted and ductless fume hoods serve this purpose, the way they operate is fundamentally different. Understanding these differences is critical when choosing the right system for your lab’s specific needs.
In this article, we’ll delve into how a ductless fume hood works and contrast its functionality with that of a ducted fume hood. Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or upgrading your current setup, the right laboratory fume hood selection ensures safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
How Does a Ductless Fume Hood Work?
A ductless fume hood, as the name suggests, does not rely on external ducting to remove air from the workspace. Instead, it uses a series of filters to purify the air before recirculating it back into the laboratory.
When a ductless fume hood is in operation, air containing chemical fumes or particulates is drawn into the hood through a fan. This air passes through multiple filtration layers, typically activated carbon or HEPA filters, depending on the lab’s needs. These filters capture harmful substances, removing toxic fumes or particulates from the air. Once the air is purified, it is recirculated back into the lab, free of contaminants.
This makes ductless hoods ideal for laboratories handling smaller volumes of chemicals or substances that are less hazardous. They offer flexibility, mobility, and ease of installation since they don’t require a complex duct system connected to an external ventilation source.
How Does a Ducted Fume Hood Work?
In contrast, a ducted fume hood is a more traditional system that expels air directly out of the building. Instead of recirculating filtered air back into the lab, ducted fume hoods remove potentially dangerous air completely from the internal environment by pushing it through external ductwork. The contaminated air is vented outside, often through the building’s HVAC system, ensuring that harmful chemicals, fumes, or particles do not remain in the workspace.
This makes ducted fume hoods ideal for laboratories working with more toxic, volatile, or corrosive substances. They are typically used in environments where chemical exposure is higher, and permanent infrastructure is in place to support the necessary ductwork.
Key Differences Between Ducted and Ductless Fume Hoods
- Air Flow and Ventilation:
- Ductless hoods recirculate filtered air back into the lab after purifying it.
- Ducted hoods vent contaminated air outside the lab and building entirely, ensuring that no harmful air returns.
- Installation Requirements:
- Ductless fume hoods are simpler to install as they do not require an external duct system, making them more flexible for labs that may need to relocate equipment.
- Ducted fume hoods are integrated into the building’s ventilation system, requiring more complex installation.
- Maintenance and Filter Replacement:
- Ductless hoods require regular filter changes, depending on the substances used in the lab, and ongoing monitoring to ensure filters are effective.
- Ducted hoods involve maintenance of the duct system but do not require filter replacements, as they exhaust the air completely out of the building.
- Operating Costs and Energy Efficiency:
- Ductless fume hoods can be more energy-efficient, as they do not require the continuous operation of an exhaust system and rely on filters instead.
- Ducted hoods, while more energy-intensive due to the exhaust system, are often necessary for handling more hazardous materials.
Advantages of Ductless Fume Hoods
Ductless fume hoods offer several advantages for specific types of labs. Their portability and ease of installation are significant benefits, particularly in labs that may not have the infrastructure to support ducted systems.
Ductless hoods are ideal for labs that work with low-to-moderate levels of chemicals and need a flexible, energy-efficient solution for air purification.
Advantages of Ducted Fume Hoods
Ducted fume hoods are the better option for labs that work with hazardous or volatile chemicals. These systems ensure that all contaminated air is fully removed from the lab, preventing even the slightest risk of exposure. They are necessary in environments where chemical exposure can be dangerous or where regulatory compliance demands the highest level of air purification.
Additionally, ducted fume hoods are ideal for labs where the specific type of research has not yet been determined. Unlike ductless fume hoods, which require detailed documentation of chemical types and quantities prior to purchase, ducted systems offer greater flexibility and adaptability for a wide range of applications.
Conclusion
Choosing between a ducted and ductless fume hood depends entirely on the specific requirements of your laboratory. If you prioritize flexibility and energy efficiency, a ductless fume hood may be the best fit. On the other hand, if your lab deals with high volumes of volatile or hazardous chemicals, the more robust protection of a ducted fume hood is likely necessary.
At H2I Group, we specialize in tailored solutions for laboratories, ensuring that your workspace is both safe and functional. Whether you’re upgrading your current fume hoods or designing a new lab from scratch, our team can help guide you to the best choice. Explore our laboratory solutions and other facility solutions for and athletic and technical education spaces that meet all your safety and performance needs.
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