Why use a laboratory fume hood?
The laboratory fume hood is an essential piece of equipment for controlling ambient air, limiting contamination risks, and protecting users against the inhalation of hazardous substances. Depending on the type of work performed, it can:
- Extract and filter chemical or biological vapors.
- Prevent the spread of potentially infectious aerosols.
- Maintain a sterile workspace through controlled airflow.
- Evacuate particles and dust generated from sensitive procedures.
Working under an appropriate fume hood helps ensure compliance with safety standards while creating a comfortable and healthy work environment.
Different types of laboratory fume hoods
There are several types of laboratory fume hoods, each with specific features adapted to different scientific applications:
Laminar flow hood
Designed to protect the sample against contamination, the laminar flow hood generates an ultra-clean, unidirectional airflow that sweeps contaminants out of the work area. Ideal for microbiology, molecular biology, or cell culture work.
Microbiological Safety Cabinet (MSC)
The laboratory MSC offers triple protection: for the operator, the sample, and the environment. It filters pathogens via HEPA filters and guarantees optimal containment, particularly in level 2 or 3 laboratories.
Chemical hood or fume extractor
Used for the extraction of chemical vapors, it aspirates toxic fumes generated during experiments. It is equipped with specific filters, often activated carbon, to neutralize harmful gases before air release or recycling.
Ductless or recirculating hood
Adapted to small laboratories where outside venting is not possible, it filters and returns purified air into the room. Please note that its use is limited to certain non-critical applications.
Criteria for choosing a laboratory fume hood
Before buying a laboratory fume hood, several criteria must be carefully studied:
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Type of protection required (sample, user, environment).
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Nature of the substances handled (chemical, biological, volatile).
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Type of filtration required (HEPA, ULPA, activated carbon filters).
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Airflow and air velocity ensuring optimal laminar flow.
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Work surface (stainless steel, tempered glass, chemical-resistant).
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Required safety standards (ISO, EN, NF X15-211 for MSCs).
Each criterion has a direct impact on the efficiency and safety of your laboratory. It is better to prioritize a precise analysis of your needs to choose the most suitable equipment.
Installation and maintenance of a laboratory fume hood
A laboratory fume hood does not just need to be installed: to ensure its performance over time, rigorous maintenance is essential.
Installation
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Location: choose a place away from high-traffic areas to limit air turbulence.
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Connection: for extraction hoods, provide an external vent or an adapted recirculation system.
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Calibration: measure and adjust the initial airflow according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Maintenance
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Periodic filter verification (HEPA, activated carbon) with replacement based on the saturation level.
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Cleaning of the work surface with compatible products (disinfectants without harsh solvents).
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Annual check of airflow and the tightness of the ventilation system.
Poor maintenance can drastically reduce the effectiveness of your hood, exposing your staff to unnecessary risks.
Laboratory fume hood price: what should you expect?
The laboratory fume hood price varies depending on several factors:
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Type of hood: a standard chemical hood will be less expensive than a microbiological safety cabinet.
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Dimensions: a 900 mm hood will naturally be less expensive than an XXL 1800 mm version.
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Type of filtration: HEPA filters, ULPA filters, or activated carbon significantly impact the price.
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Additional options: LED lighting, low airflow alarm, motorized sashes, etc.
In general:
- For a classic chemical hood: expect between €2,500 and €7,000 depending on the model.
- For a microbiological safety cabinet: the budget ranges between €5,000 and €15,000.
- For a laminar flow hood: prices range from €3,000 to €10,000.
Opting for a refurbished hood from Rewake allows you to save up to 60% compared to new equipment, without compromising on safety or performance.
Focus on filtration in a laboratory fume hood
The heart of a laboratory fume hood is its filtration system:
HEPA filters
They retain at least 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. They are essential for sensitive biological applications.
Activated carbon filters
They adsorb chemical vapors and harmful gases, essential in a chemical hood intended for handling volatile solvents.
Double filtration
Some models combine HEPA and activated carbon filters to offer global protection against chemical and biological agents simultaneously.
A good choice of filters guarantees not only the quality of the extracted air but also the durability of the equipment and the safety of your teams.
Laboratory fume hood: what is the link with the laminar flow hood?
When talking about laboratory fume hoods, it is important to distinguish between the different available technologies. The laminar flow hood is a specific solution, used primarily to protect samples from outside contamination.
Unlike a classic chemical hood which protects the user, the laminar flow hood ensures:
- Product protection (e.g., cell cultures, sterile preparations).
- A unidirectional airflow filtered by HEPA, eliminating airborne particles.
- An ultra-clean environment compliant with ISO 5 standards.
In some laboratories, the combined use of a chemical hood and a laminar flow hood is necessary to cover all experimental needs.
Why choose Rewake for your laboratory fume hood?
At Rewake, we offer refurbished laboratory fume hoods that meet the highest safety and performance requirements:
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Rigorous tests on airflow, tightness, and filtration efficiency.
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Cost reduction: up to 60% cheaper than new equipment.
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Comprehensive warranty from 6 to 12 months for maximum peace of mind.
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Fast delivery with on-site installation possible upon request.
We only select hoods from recognized brands like Faster, ESCO, Thermo Fisher, or Erlab to ensure reliable equipment that complies with current standards.
Additional links for your laboratory project
If you are working on sensitive biological projects, you can also consult our selection of laboratory MSCs (Microbiological Safety Cabinets), ideal for the simultaneous protection of the sample, the operator, and the environment.
Need to fully equip your laboratory? Also consider integrating a thermal cycler for your DNA or RNA analyses, which perfectly complements your fume hood.
Investing intelligently in a laboratory fume hood
The laboratory fume hood is much more than just a piece of equipment: it is the first line of protection between the operator and the substances being handled. By choosing a hood adapted to your needs, well-maintained and correctly installed, you ensure the safety of your teams and the reliability of your experimental work.
Thanks to our expertise and our demanding selection of refurbished hoods, Rewake gives you access to high-end, efficient, and secure equipment while optimizing your budget.
Ready to upgrade your laboratory? Discover all our adapted solutions now and take your scientific projects to the next level!
Request a quote for a laboratory laminar flow hood
Rewake offers refurbished laminar flow hoods for procedures requiring a controlled work environment. Request your quote for a laboratory laminar flow hood based on the dimensions and characteristics you are looking for.
