Logically, people who do not handle the specific lexicon and the type of instruments that are commonly used in a laboratory can, quite rightly, wonder what a fume hood is. A fume hood is a really important instrument for work in the context of a laboratory for Particle Count. It provides security to employees and operators, particularly when preparing distillations, evaporations, digestions and reagents.
This instrument is essential for laboratories that work with potentially dangerous gases. The laboratory fume hood offers local ventilation and limits personnel exposure to these potentially harmful or dangerous substances. It offers cares for the health and lives of workers. Also, it protects the ecological environment of the laboratory.
This gas extraction hood usually allows standing work like Clean Room Particle Count. They have an electric motor located at the top or directly on the ceiling, which is what makes it possible to extract the fumes, vapors or gases generated.
What is the range hood for?
From the preceding, it is clear that a laboratory fume hood is a relevant element for safe work in these spaces, be they research laboratories or quality control laboratories. They have a key role in protecting the operator and the surrounding environment.
The fume hood is most commonly used in laboratories working with harmful or potentially dangerous solutions in the research, testing and development stages, or teaching tasks. Some industries usually incorporate a chemical extraction hood in their laboratory to protect users from the release of hazardous dust, gases or vapours. Cleanroom Recovery Test is done from time to time for the safety of the personnel.
These fume hoods have exhaust systems that send the air out. These systems require fans that demand significant energy quotas, not only to filter and expel the risky vapors but also to mobilize the air that will replace them. In any case, more efficient and lower consumption models have been designed lately.
Laboratory Hoods
Within the universe of laboratory fume hoods, there are different classes like Vertical Laminar Flow Hood distinguished by their ability to handle and expel various gases and substances. In this sense, the industrial hoods are a separate chapter. In the laboratories of the companies dedicated to the production, they often work with special acids and solvents. It is necessary to take care of the personnel of the absorption of these vapors.
Why use a laminar flow hood?
In scientific, pharmaceutical and clinical applications, it is essential to have spaces free of bacteria or microorganisms that can contaminate the workspace.
Laminar flow hoods are those tools that allow obtaining a sterile and safe area for any need that is required within a laboratory.
Laminar flow hoods can be:
Horizontal Flow Hood
Vertical flow hood
Uses and applications of laminar flow hoods
Preparation of culture media
Non-pathogenic crops
Preparation of hypertonic solutions
Preparation of mixtures with intravenous solutions
Filled with sterile products
Filled with parental solutions
Filled with antibiotics
Preparation of ophthalmic solutions
Food mixes
Baby formula mixes
Likewise, laminar flow hoods are useful within specific areas such as:
Clinical laboratory tests
Microbiology in general
Blood fractionation centers
Sterility controls
Electronic industry
Industry