Fume Hoods with Supportive Flow Technology—A Safe Method of Saving Energy
Juergen Liebsch, Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GmbH & Co. KG
Operating laboratory fume hoods with the sash closed is not always possible. In numerous situations it is necessary to take a hand in experimental setups or processes. When someone opens the front sash or works inside the fume hood, turbulences will develop that can result in backflows out of the internal space of the fume hood. Complex experimental setups or people passing along the open sash of the fume hood boost this backflow effect into the laboratory room and jeopardize the user working in front of the fume hood.
The performance of standard laboratory fume hoods can be improved by increasing the exhaust air volume. This, however, results in higher energy consumption and a higher noise development. A completely different strategy is followed by the supportive flow technology: actively blown-in supply air improves the fume hood's retention without increasing the energy consumption.
This presentation will explain the physical principle of the supportive flow technology. Moreover, practical examples will prove that it is possible with innovative technology to refute the generally assumed analogy of the past, "more air means more safety." Efficient fume hoods can also be operated safely with less air—thus contributing to energy conservation in the operation of laboratories.
Biography:
Juergen Liebsch, as CEO of Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GmbH & Co. KG, is mainly responsible for all the company's research and development activities. More than 15 patents are issued in his name. He is a member of CEN, the European committee for standardizing laboratory fume hoods.