The Labconco Protector XStream, Maximizing Energy Efficiency Regardless of Face Velocity
Luke Savage, Labconco Corporation
The new Protector XStream® fume hoods have a huge 37.5" unobstructed viewing height into the hood's interior, and exterior depths reduced 1.5" to yield more aisle space in front of the hood. Though these visually obvious improvements are significant, the most important changes have resulted in dramatically improved functionality.
The Labconco Protector XStream is completely redesigned to provide unsurpassed containment and energy efficiency. The reinvented upper dilution component, Clean-Sweep sash handle, choice of airfoil designs, and Clean Sweep sash track all improve the XStream's containment. However, primary enhancements in this area are seen in the dual baffle design. With dual axis zoning of tapered entry slots, the XStream achieves vortex mitigation, promotion of horizontal airflow, and an optimization of the face velocity profile called Opti-Zone™.
Now, there is not a written standard that would suggest it is safe to operate a fume hood below 60 feet per minute (fpm). However, as a measure of insurance to those operating their hoods at low face velocities, Labconco test engineers subject all Labconco fume hoods to a barrage of containment tests in a variety of adverse conditions and face velocities. When the Protector XStream is subjected to the ASHRAE 110 test method, there is no detectable level of tracer gas outside the fume hood, even at face velocities of 40 fpm.
Unlike face velocity, in cubic feet per minute (cfm) is directly related to the energy consumption on a fume hood. Achieving 60 fpm face velocity on a 6' XStream, with the sash in its full open position, requires only 690 cfm. Regardless of the desired operating face velocity, the Labconco Protector XStream will yield the lowest required cfm, and highest energy efficiency.
Biography:
Luke Savage joined Labconco in 2007 as a project manager in the Sales Engineering Department. In 2010 Luke was promoted to sales engineer, acting as the primary technical consultant for end users and Labconco associates needing product education and application assistance. He also serves as the Fume Hood Product Manager, responsible for the direction and engineering of the entire product line. He has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University, held a Class A General Contractor's License, held a certification for work with radioactive materials, and is LEED® accredited.