Hey there! I’m a supplier of ducted fume hoods, and I often get asked about what these things are made of. So, I thought I’d take a few minutes to break it down for you. Ducted Fume Hoods
The Basics of Ducted Fume Hoods
First off, let’s talk about what ducted fume hoods are. They’re pieces of equipment used in labs, factories, and other places where you need to get rid of harmful fumes, vapors, and dust. They work by sucking in the bad stuff and sending it outside through a duct system.
Now, onto the materials. Ducted fume hoods are made up of several parts, and each part can be made from different stuff.
The Cabinet
The cabinet is the main part of the fume hood. It’s like the big box where all the action happens. Most cabinets are made from either stainless steel, epoxy resin, or polypropylene.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a super popular choice. It’s tough as nails, can handle a lot of wear and tear, and is resistant to corrosion. This means it can last a really long time, even in harsh environments. It’s also easy to clean, which is a big plus in a lab setting. You can just wipe it down with a damp cloth, and it’ll look good as new.
But, stainless steel isn’t perfect. It can be a bit pricey compared to other materials. And if it gets scratched, it might start to show signs of corrosion in those areas. But overall, it’s a great choice for ducted fume hoods.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is another common material for fume hood cabinets. It’s made by mixing two chemicals together, and when they react, they form a hard, durable surface. Epoxy resin is resistant to chemicals, heat, and scratches. It’s also relatively lightweight, which makes it easier to install.
One of the advantages of epoxy resin is that it can be made in different colors and finishes. So, if you want your fume hood to match the rest of your lab decor, you’re in luck. However, epoxy resin can be a bit brittle, so it might crack if it gets hit too hard.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a type of plastic that’s often used in fume hood cabinets. It’s lightweight, strong, and resistant to chemicals. It’s also very affordable, which makes it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Polypropylene is easy to work with, so it can be molded into different shapes and sizes. This means you can get a fume hood that’s custom-made for your specific needs. But, like all plastics, polypropylene can be damaged by UV light over time. So, if your fume hood is going to be exposed to sunlight, you might want to consider a different material.
The Sash
The sash is the window-like part of the fume hood that you can open and close. It’s made from glass, usually tempered glass. Tempered glass is really strong and shatter-resistant. If it does break, it breaks into small, round pieces instead of sharp, jagged ones. This makes it much safer in a lab environment.
Some fume hoods also have a laminated glass sash. Laminated glass has a layer of plastic between two layers of glass. This makes it even more shatter-resistant and can also help to reduce noise.
The Ductwork
The ductwork is what connects the fume hood to the outside. It’s usually made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or PVC.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is steel that’s been coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. It’s strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive. Galvanized steel ductwork is a popular choice for ducted fume hoods because it can handle high temperatures and is resistant to chemicals.
However, the zinc coating on galvanized steel can wear off over time, especially if it’s exposed to harsh chemicals. This can lead to corrosion and eventually to leaks in the ductwork.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel ductwork is similar to galvanized steel, but it’s more expensive. It’s also more resistant to corrosion, so it’s a good choice for environments where the ductwork will be exposed to harsh chemicals.
Stainless steel ductwork is also easier to clean than galvanized steel. You can use stronger cleaning agents without worrying about damaging the surface.
PVC
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that’s often used in ductwork. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and very affordable. PVC ductwork is also resistant to chemicals and corrosion.
However, PVC has a lower temperature limit than steel. So, if your fume hood produces a lot of heat, you might want to consider using a different material for the ductwork.
The Blower
The blower is what creates the suction that pulls the fumes out of the fume hood and into the ductwork. It’s usually made from cast iron, aluminum, or plastic.
Cast Iron
Cast iron blowers are strong and durable. They can handle high temperatures and are resistant to wear and tear. Cast iron blowers are also very efficient, which means they use less energy to operate.
However, cast iron is heavy, which can make it more difficult to install and maintain. It’s also more expensive than some other materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum blowers are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They’re also relatively inexpensive. Aluminum blowers are a good choice for applications where weight is a concern, such as in portable fume hoods.
However, aluminum is not as strong as cast iron, so it might not be suitable for applications where the blower will be subjected to a lot of stress.
Plastic
Plastic blowers are the most affordable option. They’re also lightweight and easy to install. Plastic blowers are resistant to chemicals and corrosion, which makes them a good choice for environments where the blower will be exposed to harsh chemicals.
However, plastic is not as strong as metal, so it might not be suitable for applications where the blower will be subjected to a lot of stress or high temperatures.
Why Does It Matter?
You might be wondering why it’s important to know what ducted fume hoods are made of. Well, the materials used can have a big impact on the performance, durability, and cost of the fume hood.
For example, if you’re working with harsh chemicals, you’ll want a fume hood that’s made from materials that are resistant to corrosion. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider a fume hood that’s made from more affordable materials.
Contact Us for Your Fume Hood Needs
If you’re in the market for a ducted fume hood, I’d love to help you find the right one for your needs. We offer a wide range of fume hoods made from different materials, so you can choose the one that’s best for your budget and your applications.
Fume Hoods Whether you’re in a lab, a factory, or any other environment where you need to get rid of harmful fumes, we’ve got you covered. Just reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options and help you make the right decision.
References
- "Laboratory Fume Hoods: A Guide to Selection, Use, and Maintenance." National Research Council.
- "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction." William D. Callister Jr.
HAMECC(Shanghai) Lab Solutions Co., Ltd.
We’re well-known as one of the leading ducted fume hoods manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good price. Please rest assured to buy customized ducted fume hoods made in China here from our factory.
Address: Building 1, No. 2222, Huancheng Road, Jiading District, Shanghai
E-mail: info@hamecc.com
WebSite: https://www.hamecc.com/
