Butler University is installing 27 filtered fume hoods in their renovated chemistry teaching labs. Our analysis of both filtered and traditional fume hoods showed that either could meet the project goals:
- modernize teaching labs
- improve indoor air quality
- reduce operating costs
But, there were some additional project constraints - limited funding, tight timeline and extremely limited space for HVAC upgrades or expansions. For this project, the filtered fume hoods allowed us to address these project constraints as well.
- Funding - Purchase cost of the filtered hoods was higher than that of the traditional hoods but was countered by the lower cost for ductwork, lower operating costs, minimal maintenance and the elimination of $350,000 that would have been required to upgrade supply and exhaust systems to adequately support new ducted fume hoods.
- Timeline and Limited Space - The elimination of a significant portion of existing exhaust system as well as the need to design and install a new system shortened the project timeline by three months and made lower floor-to-floor heights a non-issue.
The best answer I can give is – it depends. When comparing traditional and filtered fume hoods, you should consider:
- intended use and potential future use
- density of fume hoods
- funding availability for purchase and installation as well as for operation and maintenance
- impact on associated systems and controls
- project specific goals
For each potential application, you need to evaluate your options and decide what will work best for your institution. Contact me for more information, Jim Hill, Principal.
Read Part 1 and Part 2 of Jim's Blog on filtered fume hood technology.
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