Before buying a Fume Cupboard it is vitally important to understand it’s uses correctly. A Fume Cupboard utilises local ventilation to limit exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapours or dust.

There are two main varieties:

In both forms of cupboard air is initially drawn in from the front side of the cabinet. The Ducted Fume Cupboard (which requires Internal and External Ductwork and Exhaust Blower) will expel the contaminated air out into the environment and in a Non-Ducted Fume Cupboard, the air is filtered through Ultra-deep Activated Carbon filters to guarantee maximum fume filtration efficiency and/or HEPA filters for particulate removal.

Fume Cupboards are used for:

  • Personnel Protection
  • Equipment Protection
  • Environment Protection

Initial decisions when purchasing a Fume Cupboard should be based on four criteria:

  • Available Space
  • Cupboard Function
  • Location
  • Air supply

This will allow you to make the best choice suitable to your requirements.

5 Helpful Tips for choosing a Laboratory Fume Cupboard

  1. Know which processes will be run and how much room is available in the lab.
  2. Carry out a chemical assessment done before viewing the selection of solutions compatible with various solvents, chemicals, and acids.
  3. Fume Cupboards should be located away from doorways and air conditioners to safely remove toxins, dust and particulates from the air.
  4. Automatic sash sensors help to save electricity as they will close the sash when no movement is detected for a set amount of time.
  5. When working with solvents, bench top units are extremely efficient at capturing hazardous chemical vapours.

Keep these basic considerations in mind while choosing the most suitable and energy efficient Fume Cupboard and the process will be easy and cost effective.