International Standards for Ductless Fume Hoods

Ductless fume hoods, also known as filtered fume hoods, have become essential laboratory equipment due to their portability, ease of installation, and environmental benefits. However, ensuring their safety and efficiency requires compliance with international standards. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most relevant standards governing ductless fume hoods worldwide and highlights key companies involved in their development.

 

 

Issuing Organization: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), supported by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Purpose: Originally designed for ducted fume hoods, but often referenced for ductless hoods to test containment efficiency and safety.

Testing Methods:

Tracer gas leakage testing using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) to evaluate containment efficiency.

Face velocity measurement to ensure adequate airflow.

Smoke visualization tests to assess airflow patterns and turbulence.

Involved Companies: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Labconco Corporation, AirClean Systems, Esco Technologies, Kewaunee Scientific Corporation.

Limitations: Does not specifically address filtration efficiency or chemical absorption capability of ductless hoods.

 

 

Issuing Organization: Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA).

Purpose: Specifically designed for ductless fume hoods, providing guidelines for design, manufacturing, testing, and performance evaluation.

Testing Methods:

Face velocity standards (typically 0.3–0.5 m/s at the opening).

Filter efficiency testing, including HEPA and carbon filters.

Safety testing to ensure no harmful substances are released into the environment.

Indicator testing to validate filter saturation indicators.

Involved Companies: Labconco Corporation, Air Science USA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hamilton Laboratory Solutions, NuAire Inc., Kewaunee Scientific Corporation.

Strengths: Highly relevant to ductless hoods due to detailed filtration and safety requirements.

 

 

Issuing Organization: European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

Purpose: Primarily aimed at ducted fume hoods but partially applicable to ductless hoods for airflow and containment testing.

Testing Methods:

Flow rate measurement to evaluate air movement.

Smoke visualization to determine airflow stability and efficiency.

Leakage testing for both normal and overload conditions.

Involved Companies: Waldner, Esco Lifesciences, Faster S.r.l., Berner International, Erlab.

Limitations: Lacks detailed guidelines for filtration efficiency of ductless hoods.

 

 

 

Issuing Organization: Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR).

Purpose: A dedicated standard for ductless fume hoods, especially popular in France and other parts of Europe.

Testing Methods:

Chemical capture efficiency for various substances (acids, bases, VOCs, etc.).

Filter efficiency testing based on specific chemicals.

Testing of filter saturation indicators to ensure timely replacement.

Leakage rate testing for enhanced safety.

Involved Companies: Erlab, Esco Lifesciences, Captair, Air Science USA.

Strengths: Comprehensive chemical capture and filtration testing, suitable for various applications.

 

 

Issuing Organization: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), under Technical Committee ISO/TC 209.

Purpose: Primarily focused on cleanrooms and controlled environments, but applicable to ductless hoods used in high-cleanliness settings.

Testing Methods:

Air cleanliness classification.

HEPA or ULPA filter efficiency testing.

Airflow uniformity measurement.

Involved Companies: Thermo Fisher Scientific, NuAire Inc., Siemens, Honeywell, Esco Lifesciences.

Limitations: Does not cover chemical filtration or capture efficiency.

 

 

Issuing Organization: NSF International, in collaboration with ANSI.

Purpose: Developed for Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), but often referenced for ductless fume hoods used in biological applications.

Testing Methods:

Filter integrity testing for HEPA or ULPA filters.

Biological protection performance testing.

Involved Companies: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Labconco Corporation, Esco Lifesciences, NuAire Inc., The Baker Company.

Limitations: Focuses on biological containment rather than chemical filtration.

 

 

The standards governing ductless fume hoods vary significantly depending on regional preferences and specific applications. For chemical filtration efficiency, AFNOR NFX 15-211 and SEFA 9-2010 are the most relevant. Meanwhile, for airflow control and biological safety, ANSI/ASHRAE 110, EN 14175, and NSF/ANSI 49 provide essential guidelines.

Understanding these standards can help you make informed decisions when choosing or manufacturing ductless fume hoods, ensuring both safety and performance.