A ductless (recirculating filtered) fume hood draws contaminated air through local filtration cartridges, typically activated carbon for vapors and HEPA/ULPA for particulates, and returns cleaned air to the room. Because they do not require a dedicated duct to the outdoors, ductless hoods are attractive where building infrastructure, cost, or flexibility are constraints. However, ductless fume hoods are not appropriate for all hazards. They are generally suitable for low-to-moderate concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nuisance-level chemical vapors, and particulate work that does not involve highly toxic, flammable, pyrophoric, radioactive, or odorous substances for which a ducted hood or specialized local exhaust is required. For acetaldehyde, cyanide compounds, perchloric acid, and other problematic substances, safety guidelines advise against ductless systems because filter media may be rapidly saturated or chemically incompatible.
Prepare a list of all chemicals, typical concentrations, quantities, and procedures. At Mystaire, we provide an application worksheet to help you think through the application and assess your main goals and objectives when buying a ductless hood. Mystaire will provide you with an assessment of suitability for a ductless hood based on the data shared in the application worksheet. They will help match the filter media to your application and estimate expected life under your laboratory and application demands.
Mystaire is here to help you determine whether carbon filtration is right for your laboratory. A ductless hood can bring many advantages to your laboratory, including greater flexibility, reduced energy-heat consumption in the winter, and air conditioning in the summer months—keeping the lab comfortable year-round while reducing energy consumption and utility costs. Contact us today for more information on our complete line of ductless fume hoods, filtered workstations, and enclosures. Make your lab greener with a Mystaire ductless solution.