3 Reasons your fume hood isn't working as it should

By Kasey Fulmer, Product Manager

On September 09, 2014 in Articles

“My Fume Hood Doesn’t Work!”

Often times, a fume hood is blamed as the culprit for a fault in the mechanical system, when in reality, the hood is simply a box designed to direct airflow to be contained.

The blower’s role is to move the air, and it is the mechanical system’s role to facilitate that air movement. Careful planning of your fume hood mechanical system ensures a quick and correct set up.

Here's a list of three things to look for so that your next fume hood installation is impeccable:

1. Ceiling Enclosures and Negative Ceiling Pressure

• SYMPTOM: Airflow cannot reach required level, or the airflow monitor goes into alarm for unknown reason.
• Duct work comes with the territory when purchasing a typical ducted fume hood...
• Find out why your ceiling may be causing chemical containment risks.

2. The “Ugly Ducting” Layout

• SYMPTOM: Loud system, blower not pulling as much as it should (inefficent airflow).
• The ductwork path affects things like airflow efficiency and the noise level of the system...
• Discover how the "ugly ducting" eats up safety and efficiency.

3. No-No Fume Hood Placement

• SYMPTOM: Air flow monitor going into alarm intermittently or chemical smells (due to hood not containing).
• Many times people do not realize that disruptive cross-flow air can foil containment...
• Learn what may be wrong with the position of your fume hood installation.

Implementing the suggestions at the links above prior to installation will help ensure the fume hood will do its job with little maintenance. If your fume hood is already installed, it’s a good idea to review its location and mechanical system to avoid problems in the future.