Sentry Air- Ducted Fume Hoods

Ducted Fume Hoods (exhaust hoods), manufactured by Sentry Air Systems, offer maximum protection to operators as well as the application by removing harmful particulates and fumes that could be released. Our Ducted Exhaust Hoods are constructed from high-density polyethylene and polycarbonates and are resistant to many chemicals and solvents. An effective engineering control for enclosing a work area that uses hazardous chemicals, solvents, powders, or other volatile organics.

What is a Ducted Fume Hood?

A ducted fume hood is a ventilated enclosure used to protect labs and users from hazardous and respirable fumes, dust, and particulates. By utilizing a ducting system, this exterior-venting exhaust hood is typically used for applications with high volumes of volatile organic compounds, and toxic chemicals, gases, or powders.

Typically, ducted fume hoods act as a “last-resort” physical safety barrier to and spills and leaks that could occur during the process of highly variant applications. While they are not a mobile solution to the removal of contaminants, ducted fume hoods can serve as a primary engineering control to severe toxins that cannot be recirculated back into the immediate environment.

Is your application appropriate for a ducted fume hood?

Some hoods (ductless, and mobile) limit applications that can be performed in them due to high volatility, and gases that cannot be filtered. In these circumstances, important considerations must be taken, including what types of chemicals will be handled, the quantity, and at what temperature. Suitable applications would include minimal heating, pH testing, mixing, chemical transfer, and dilution. In most cases, speaking with a subject matter expert to determine whether or not your application requires a ducted fume hood is advisable.

Ductless Fume Hood vs Ducted Fume Hood

Ducted fume hoods require ductwork to channel contaminants out of the lab using a fan mounted outside the building. These employ multiple pre-filters, HEPA filters, activated carbon filtration, and a strong fan. They’re appropriate when there’s a potential for being exposed to high volumes of particulate and toxic fumes. Ducted systems provide a minimal risk of dangerous fumes being recirculated back into the work environment. They are beneficial when the systems are used consistently or when highly toxic substances are in use.

Ductless fume hoods capture and remove contaminants and send clean, filtered air back into the lab without the need for external venting. They require HEPA and charcoal filters. Filter maintenance is more involved when using a ductless system. Filters may need to be changed anywhere from six months to annually.

How does a Ducted Fume hood work?

Benefits of a Ducted Fume Hood

• Ducting is connected outside the building so all contaminants are released away from the work environment
• The removal of harmful contaminants occurs continuously
• Their durability allows them to withstand any damage to weather, minimizing maintenance costs
• Environmentally friendly
• Chemical compatibility

Fume Hood Safety Considerations

Safe operation of your fume hood is critical to protecting your staff and anyone around it.

• They should be visually inspected frequently
• Pedestrian traffic in front of the hood should be limited
• Any bulky equipment should be placed at the rear of the hood
• To allow for airflow, large equipment should be raised at least 2” off the surface
• If your fume hood is used often, a regular cleaning schedule should be established

Sentry Air invests in certification processes and independent testing performed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) prior to offering any air infiltration products.