Fume Cupboards - Conventional

Energy Saving Devices

When a number of conventional fume cupboards are banked together, a range of energy saving devices can be used to minimise the volume of air being extracted from the surrounding environment. The resultant reduction in heating and air conditioning costs can typically amortise the capital outlay within as little as two years. Also, when additional Fume Cupboards are to be fitted as part of an upgrade project, it is sometimes found that there is insufficient capacity within the existing air input system to accommodate the new units. Energy saving devices can often help to solve this problem by reducing in the total required make-up air.

The systems offered by Premier Laboratory Systems are virtually maintenance free and their performance can be tested during annual COSHH. assessment. These include:

Fresh air bleed via a "Tee-damper" section. This can give night run/stand-by extract, say 20% of normal extract. The Automatic "Tee-damper" is mounted above the Fume Cupboard and fresh air from the vented roof space replaces air removed from the Laboratory. This is a very simple and reliable means of saving energy, especially on multiple Fume Cupboards installations linked to a constant volume fan.

Variable extract volume from Fume Cupboard maintaining constant minimum sash velocity independent of sash position. This is achieved by sensing pressures within the Fume Cupboard(s) and main header duct and adjusting the volume flow rate as necessary, by means of a damper mounted above Fume Cupboard and a bleed damper fitted ahead of fan.

Automatic sash closing via an infra-red detector, which automatically closes sash when the Operator is not working at the Fume Cupboard. If incorporated with a variable extract volume control, this system offers the most effective energy saving system.

Premier Laboratory Systems will be pleased to discuss specific requirements and advise on the most cost effective system.