The nature of laboratory experimentation means that scientists and researchers often run the risk of exposure to hazardous substances. Processes using heating equipment can result in the formation of harmful gasses – while the main function of evaporators is to produce vapors. These materials must be precisely controlled to maintain high-purity laboratory environments with safe working conditions, which is why the application of correct lab safety equipment is so important for scientific facilities everywhere.

Control of fumes, vapors, and particulates is a particular area of concern, with multiple risks relating to accidental inhalation and insufficient environmental dispersion. This article will explore some of the working principles of lab safety equipment for vapor and air control in more detail:

Lab Safety Equipment for Fumes, Vapors & Particulates

Air purity in laboratory environments is commonly maintained by ventilation systems, such as fume hoods; a branch of lab safety equipment that manages the risk of exposure to fumes and particulates. They also constitute a physical barrier that is secondarily designed to reduce the likelihood of human contact with chemical spills and accidental fires.

These components draw in air using blowers or fans that operate at varying rate velocities depending upon the specification. Raised velocities can result in turbulent conditions, thereby reducing containment effectiveness, while decreased velocities may fail to maintain the requisite levels pressure for optimal containment. The average recommendation for hood velocity is between 0.3 m/s – 0.5 m/s.

This type of lab safety equipment is most commonly integrated to a tabletop chamber with a negative pressure to optimize the air flow and isolate contaminants, preventing them from escaping the equipment. It is a vastly cheaper methodology to the application of a full-sized clean room.

These products operate using several different principles, but the two primary differences are whether the lab safety equipment uses filters or an exhaustive vent.

• Filtered (Ductless) Fume Hoods: highly versatile free-standing systems that pull air through filtration membranes formed of specific media depending upon the chemical application;/li>
• Vented Fume Hoods: exceptional degrees of air purity, as generated fumes or particulates are vented outside of the laboratory environment by a permanent ventilation shaft.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these forms of lab safety equipment, including varying running costs, installations, and maintenance demands.

Lab Safety Equipment from Glas-Col

Glas-Col is a leading supplier of a comprehensive range of laboratory equipment, with a demonstrable history of improving laboratory processes with innovative materials and instrumentation.

In association with AirFiltronix, we provide access to a range of lab safety equipment to maintain safe air quality parameters and filtering harmful airborne substances. We can accommodate custom hood designs for laboratory environments with high degrees of specificity, or provide access to proven filtered fume hoods for application in multiple experimentation applications.

If you would like any more information about our lab safety equipment, please do not hesitate to contact us.