The Top10 Best Fume Hoods and Manufacturers: An Essential Safety Equipment

Fume hoods are essential safety devices widely used in laboratories, industrial settings, and research facilities to protect individuals from hazardous fumes, vapors, and airborne contaminants. These enclosures are designed to provide ventilation and containment, ensuring a safer working environment.

A fume hood is an essential safety device used in laboratories to protect users from hazardous fumes, vapors, and chemicals. This protective hood helps maintain a safe working environment by ventilating toxic substances away from the user. Unlike a flash hood, which is designed to protect against sudden bursts of heat and flames, or a smoke hood, which provides protection in fire-related emergencies, a fume hood specifically controls chemical exposure.

In emergency situations, devices like an EEBD hood (Emergency Escape Breathing Device), an escape hood, or an iEvac smoke hood can provide crucial respiratory protection. Additionally, specialized hoods such as the Viking hood are designed for industrial safety applications, ensuring enhanced protection in hazardous environments.

1. What Are Fume Hoods?

A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that limits exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes by drawing air away from the user and filtering or exhausting it outside. These protective hoods are used in various environments where chemical reactions, toxic vapors, or other harmful substances are handled. Fume hoods come in different designs, including ducted and ductless models, each serving a specific purpose based on the application.

1. Where Are Fume Hoods Used?

Fume hoods are utilized in multiple sectors, including:

• Laboratories—Academic, research, and industrial labs use fume hoods to protect users from chemical exposure.
• Pharmaceutical Industry – Used to contain airborne contaminants and maintain sterility.
• Manufacturing Plants—Essential for handling volatile substances safely.
• Chemical Processing Units—Minimize exposure to harmful gases and fumes.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities—Ensure safe handling of biohazardous materials.
• Forensic Science Labs—Prevent contamination of samples and exposure to toxic chemicals.

2. Types of Fume Hoods

Fume hoods come in various types, each suited for specific applications:

1. Ducted Fume Hoods—Connected to an external ventilation system, effectively removing hazardous air.
2. Ductless Fume Hoods—Use filters to clean and recirculate air into the workspace.
3. Walk-In Fume Hoods—Large enclosures for handling bulk chemicals or equipment.
4. Portable Fume Hoods—Compact and mobile units designed for temporary setups.
5. Custom Hoods—Tailored to meet unique workspace requirements.

3. How Do Fume Hoods Work?

Fume hoods operate by:

1. Drawing in contaminated air through an opening.
2. Filtering out hazardous particles using activated carbon or HEPA filters.
3. Expelling purified air through an exhaust system (ducted) or recirculating clean air (ductless).
4. Maintaining airflow velocity to ensure proper containment of fumes.

4. Materials Used for Manufacturing Fume Hoods

The durability and efficiency of a fume hood depend on the materials used. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel—Resistant to corrosion and chemicals.
• Polypropylene—Lightweight and ideal for corrosive environments.
• Tempered Glass—Provides visibility and strength.
• Epoxy-Coated Steel—Enhances longevity and resistance to chemicals.

5. Importance of Fume Hoods

Fume hoods play a critical role in workplace safety by:

• Preventing inhalation of toxic substances.
• Protecting users from chemical burns and explosions.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Maintaining air quality in enclosed spaces.

6. Benefits of Fume Hoods

1. Enhances laboratory safety.
2. Reduces the risk of chemical exposure.
3. Improves ventilation.
4. Complies with safety regulations.
5. Prevents contamination.
6. Reduces odors from volatile substances.
7. Offers customizable options for specific needs.
8. Minimizes fire hazards.
9. Increases operational efficiency.
10. Extends the lifespan of laboratory equipment.

7. Average Annual Production of Fume Hoods

The global production of fume hoods is steadily increasing due to rising demand in research, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Manufacturers produce thousands of units annually, catering to diverse applications worldwide.

8. Comparison of Fume Hoods with Other Protective Hoods

9. Usage of Fume Hoods: Past, Present, and Future

• Past—Basic wooden enclosures with minimal ventilation.
• Present—Advanced models with airflow monitors and energy-efficient systems.
• Future—AI-driven monitoring, enhanced filtration, and sustainable materials.

2. Pros & Cons of Fume Hoods

Below are the benefits of the fume hoods.

1. Pros:

1. Provides excellent containment of hazardous fumes.
2. Enhances laboratory and workplace safety.
3. Reduces the risk of fire hazards.
4. Complies with safety regulations.
5. Can be customized based on requirements.
6. Improves air quality.
7. Prevents contamination.
8. Minimizes health risks for workers.
9. Offers both ducted and ductless options.
10. Reduces exposure to volatile substances.

2. Cons:

1. High initial cost.
2. Requires regular maintenance.
3. Can be noisy.
4. Ducted models need proper installation.
5. Occupies significant space.
6. Limited portability.
7. Filter replacement in ductless models adds ongoing costs.
8. Improper usage can lead to ineffective ventilation.
9. Energy consumption may be high.
10. May not capture all types of airborne contaminants.

3. Top 10 Fume Hood Manufacturing Companies

Fume hoods are essential safety equipment used in laboratories and industries to control and ventilate hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust. They play a crucial role in maintaining a safe working environment by preventing exposure to harmful chemicals. This article explores the top fume hood manufacturers, their products, purchasing standards, and international recommendations.

Below is the detail of fume hood manufacturers

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific

• Location: Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
• Address: 168 Third Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
• Founded: 1956
• Staff Strength: 75,000+ employees
• Annual Production: Over 5,000 fume hoods per year

Products:

1. Hamilton SafeAire II Fume Hood
2. Axiom Laboratory Fume Hood
3. Protector XStream Hood
4. Benchtop Fume Hood
5. Walk-In Fume Hood
6. Ductless Fume Hood
7. Radiochemistry Fume Hood
8. Biosafety Cabinets
9. Chemical Storage Cabinets
10. Air Filtration Systems

2. Esco Group

• Location: Singapore
• Address: 21 Changi South Street 1, Singapore 486777
• Founded: 1978
• Staff Strength: 2,500+ employees
• Annual Production: 3,500+ fume hoods annually

Products:

1. Frontier Acela Fume Hood
2. Frontier PPH Fume Hood
3. Ascent Ductless Fume Hood
4. Labculture Fume Hood
5. Frontier MonAir Fume Hood
6. BioSafety Cabinets
7. Powder Weighing Hoods
8. Clean Benches
9. Ductless Fume Cabinets
10. Energy-Saving Fume Hoods

3. AirClean Systems

• Location: USA
• Address: 4010 SE International Blvd, Apex, NC 27539
• Founded: 1992
• Staff Strength: 500+ employees
• Annual Production: 2,000+ fume hoods per year

Products:

1. Ductless Fume Hood
2. Laminar Flow Workstation
3. PCR Workstations
4. Forensic Fume Hoods
5. Balance Enclosures
6. Downdraft Fume Hoods
7. Radioisotope Fume Hood
8. Chemical Workstations
9. Biosafety Cabinets
10. Containment Enclosures

4. Labconco Corporation

• Location: USA
• Address: 8811 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132
• Founded: 1925
• Staff Strength: 500+ employees
• Annual Production: 3,000+ fume hoods annually

Products:

1. Protector XStream Fume Hood
2. Protector PVC Fume Hood
3. Walk-in Fume Hoods
4. Ductless Fume Cabinets
5. Purifier Axiom Hood
6. Ventilation Enclosures
7. Biosafety Enclosures
8. Specialty Fume Hoods
9. Explosion-Proof Fume Hoods
10. Stainless Steel Fume Hoods

5. Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GmbH & Co. KG

• Location: Germany
• Address: Anton-Waldner-Str. 10-16, 88239 Wangen, Germany
• Founded: 1908
• Staff Strength: 1,000+ employees
• Annual Production: 4,000+ fume hoods per year

Products:

1. SCALA Fume Hood
2. Energy Efficient Fume Hood
3. Walk-in Fume Hood
4. Ductless Fume Hood
5. High Containment Fume Hood
6. Modular Fume Cabinets
7. Cleanroom Fume Hoods
8. Mobile Fume Hood
9. Double Sash Fume Hood
10. Low Airflow Fume Hood

6. Kottermann GmbH

• Location: Germany
• Address: Gewerbegebiet An der Autobahn, 38723 Seesen, Germany
• Founded: 1946
• Staff Strength: 500+ employees
• Annual Production: 2,500+ fume hoods per year

Products:

1. ClassicLab Fume Hood
2. SafetyLab Ductless Hood
3. Walk-In Fume Hood
4. Modular Ventilation Cabinets
5. Benchtop Fume Hood
6. Chemistry Lab Hoods
7. Radiation Protection Hoods
8. Mobile Fume Hood
9. Powder Containment Hood
10. High-Performance Fume Hood

7. Erlab

• Location: France
• Address: Parc d’Activités du Moulin, 27150 Saint-Aubin-sur-Gaillon, France
• Founded: 1968
• Staff Strength: 300+ employees
• Annual Production: 2,000+ fume hoods per year

Products:

1. Captair Ductless Fume Hood
2. Flex Fume Hood
3. Smart Filtering Hood
4. GreenFumeHood Technology
5. Chemical Storage Cabinets
6. Powder Weighing Stations
7. PCR Workstations
8. Mobile Fume Hood
9. Energy-Efficient Ventilation
10. HEPA Filtered Fume Hoods

8. Mott Manufacturing

• Location: Canada
• Address: 452 Hardy Rd, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8, Canada
• Founded: 1962
• Staff Strength: 500+ employees
• Annual Production: 3,000+ fume hoods annually

Products:

1. Adaptable Fume Hoods
2. Stainless Steel Hoods
3. Acid-Resistant Fume Hood
4. High-Performance Fume Hood
5. Educational Lab Hoods
6. Ductless Fume Hoods
7. Airflow-Controlled Fume Hood
8. Benchtop Fume Hood
9. Walk-in Fume Hood
10. Explosion-Proof Hood

9. Bimos

• Location: Germany
• Address: Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 21, 71711 Murr, Germany
• Founded: 1961
• Staff Strength: 400+ employees
• Annual Production: 2,500+ fume hoods annually

Products:

1. Cleanroom Fume Hood
2. Modular Ventilation Systems
3. Industrial Workstations
4. HEPA Filtered Hoods
5. Energy-Efficient Fume Hood
6. Mobile Extraction Units
7. Powder Containment Hoods
8. Stainless Steel Enclosures
9. High-Containment Fume Hood
10. Customizable Fume Hoods

10. HEMCO Corporation

• Location: USA
• Address: 711 South Powell Road, Independence, MO 64056
• Founded: 1958
• Staff Strength: 350+ employees
• Annual Production: 2,000+ fume hoods per year

Products:

1. UniFlow Fume Hood
2. Walk-in Fume Hood
3. Ductless Fume Cabinets
4. Chemical Containment Enclosures
5. Educational Lab Hoods
6. Industrial Ventilation Systems
7. Benchtop Fume Hood
8. Explosion-Proof Fume Hood
9. Powder Weighing Enclosures
10. Modular Fume Hood

4. Standards to Observe While Purchasing Fume Hoods

• Airflow Efficiency: Must meet ASHRAE 110-2016 or EN 14175 standards.
• Material Quality: Use of durable and corrosion-resistant materials
• Filtration System: Effective carbon and HEPA filtration for ductless hoods
• Ventilation System: Must ensure proper airflow for hazardous chemicals.
• Safety Features: Alarm systems, automatic shut-off, and energy-efficient operation
• Regulatory Compliance: Must comply with OSHA, SEFA, and ANSI standards
• Size & Design: Should fit the workspace without obstructing movement

1. Best and Cheapest Fume Hoods

• Best: Thermo Fisher Protector XStream Fume Hood (High Safety & Durability)
• Cheapest: AirClean Systems Ductless Fume Hood (Affordable & Efficient)

2. Replacement Duration for Fume Hoods

• General Replacement: Every 10-15 years, depending on usage and maintenance
• Filters: These should be replaced annually or biannually, based on chemical exposure.
• Sash and Exhaust Fans: These should be checked and replaced every 5-7 years.

3. International Manufacturers’ Recommendations for Fume Hoods

• Proper Ventilation: Maintain a face velocity of 80-100 feet per minute (fpm).
• Regular Maintenance: Annual inspection and certification of fume hoods
• User Training: Proper handling instructions for laboratory personnel
• Energy Efficiency: Use variable air volume (VAV) systems for energy savings.

4. Summary of Fume Hoods

Fume hoods are essential for laboratory safety, effectively removing hazardous fumes and maintaining air quality. Choosing the right manufacturer, observing international standards, and following maintenance guidelines can enhance safety and efficiency in laboratories worldwide.

5. Most Relevant FAQs About Fume Hoods

1. What is the main purpose of a fume hood?
   • To protect users from inhaling hazardous fumes and chemicals.
2. What are the differences between ducted and ductless fume hoods?
   • Ducted hoods expel air outside, while ductless models filter and recirculate air.
3. How often should fume hoods be inspected?
   • Regularly, at least annually, to ensure efficiency.
4. Can fume hoods be used for biological materials?
   • No, biological safety cabinets are recommended for such applications.
5. Are custom hoods available for specific needs?
   • Yes, custom hoods can be designed to meet specific requirements.
6. What is the lifespan of a fume hood?
   • 10-15 years with proper maintenance.
7. What materials are best for chemical-resistant fume hoods?
   • Stainless steel, polypropylene, and epoxy-coated steel.
8. Do fume hoods require a power source?
   • Yes, they need power for ventilation systems.
9. Can fume hoods be used in home laboratories?
   • Yes, but proper installation and safety precautions are necessary.
10. How can Ievac smoke hoods complement fume hoods in an emergency?

• Ievac smoke hoods provide respiratory protection during smoke or gas exposure, adding an extra layer of safety.

6. Conclusion

Fume hoods are indispensable safety equipment in various industries. They protect against hazardous fumes and airborne contaminants. Whether in research laboratories, chemical plants, or healthcare facilities, fume hoods ensure a safer and healthier environment. With ongoing advancements, these protective hoods will continue to evolve, making workplaces even safer in the future.