Ask Rick: Labratory Exhaust Fans | When should you manifold laboratory exhausts?

Q.  When should you manifold laboratory exhausts?

Typical Lab Exhaust Fan Set

Typical Individual Lab Exhaust Fan Set

We have been asked this questions countless times through the years.  In the past, public opinion held that you don’t know what lab chemicals are being work with so you don’t combine any lab exhaust.  All laboratory hoods were serviced by individual exhaust fans.  This was extremely expensive both in first cost and in operational costs.  Maintenance costs were very high.

When Strobic Air first introduced the Tri-Stack fan in 1986 nearly all systems were single fan systems.   Now nearly all systems are manifolded systems.  

Manifolding fume hood exhausts is recommended for all types of hoods with the exception of radioisotopes and perchloric exhaust.  By combining the exhaust hoods, sufficient mass can be achieved to create sufficient momentum to break through the recirculation zone on the roof.  This creates a safer roof environment and significantly reduces re-entrainment.

Manifolding systems also offers the following advantages over single fan sets:

  • First Cost Savings
    Strobic Air High Plume Dilution Fans

    Strobic Air Manifolded Fan System

    • Lower Equipment Cost
    • Lower Install Cost
  • Operation Cost Savings
    • Lower Energy Costs
    • Lower Maintenance Cost
  • Energy Recovery is significantly easier to design and more cost effective  
  • Increased System Flexibility
  • Added System Redundancy

More questions on Manifolding Lab Exhaust Fans;  askRick?

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