3 Things To Consider Before Buying Your Ductless Fume Hood

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a ductless fume hood or filtered fume hood for your laboratory or workspace, there are three key features to consider. These features will ensure that the fume hood meets your specific needs and requirements, providing you with a safe and efficient solution. When buying a ductless fume hood keep these important factors in mind:

1. Filtration technology and efficiency: One of the primary functions of a ductless fume hood is to filter and remove harmful fumes, vapors, powders, and gases from the air. It's crucial to consider the filtration technology used in the fume hood and its efficiency in removing hazardous substances. Look for features such as activated carbon filters and high-quality HEPA filters that can effectively capture a wide range of chemicals and particulates. What type of carbon is used in the manufacturing of the filter, and how much media is in the filter? Filter mass or weight of the carbon media plays one role in filter life, and to compare carbon filters based on price is not a good justification for life or performance. Carbon filter bed depth can improve the performance of a ductless hood when capturing gases; a 3- or 4-inch-thick carbon filter will perform much better than a 1- or 2- inch-thick filter if the flow rate and challenge concentration are the same. Other factors that affect filter life are chemical type, amount of chemical(s) being evaporation, temperature, and humidity.
2. Airflow control and monitoring: Proper airflow control is essential to maintain a safe working environment. The fume hood should have adjustable airflow settings, allowing you to control the speed and direction of airflow. Additionally, look for a fume hood that offers real-time airflow monitoring, ensuring that the airflow remains within the desired range for optimal safety and performance.
3. Size and capacity requirements: Consider the size and capacity requirements of your workspace when selecting a ductless fume hood. Evaluate the available space and determine the dimensions and weight capacity needed for your specific applications. It's essential to choose a fume hood that fits well within your workspace without compromising functionality or safety. Mystaire’s filtered workstation accessories can also assist in utilizing the space that your lab provides to your advantage. Available add-ons include our polypropylene base cabinets, heavy-duty stands, and mobile carts if you’re desired hood is not able to fit on a predetermined location in your lab. Additionally, we also offer easy-to-install polypropylene sinks, faucets & fixtures, as well as passthrough ports to accommodate you and your lab’s needs.

By carefully considering these key features, you can make an informed decision when selecting a ductless fume hood for your laboratory or workspace. At Mystaire, we offer a range of high-quality ductless fume hoods that incorporate advanced filtration technology, precise airflow control, and customizable sizes to meet your specific needs. Fill out an application worksheet today, and our team of experts will be ready to assist you in finding the perfect solution for your lab!