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Fume hoods are typically the most visible component of a laboratory HVAC system. Knowing how to optimally use these devices with the ventilation system for proper temperature control, dilution and chemical isolation is a fundamental part of lab energy conservation. A solid knowledge of fume hoods and their features, limitations, and design and operational requirements is critical for a sound design and operation of laboratory HVAC systems.

Exposure control devices are divided into three general categories for specific use: chemical fumes, biological substances, and other uses.

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Chemical fume hoods are designed to contain general odorous, toxic and otherwise harmful chemical substances that are used in a wide range of laboratory activities pertaining to chemical research. These designs exhaust the air to outside the building without needing to purify the air.

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Chemical Fume Hoods

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Chemical fume hoods are designed to contain general odorous, toxic and otherwise harmful chemical substances that are used in a wide range of laboratory activities pertaining to chemical research. These designs exhaust the air to outside the building without needing to purify the air.

Photograph showing two side-by-side hoods in a laboratory.

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Photo from MIT

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Fume Hood Hibernation

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In high performance laboratory operations, optimizing energy efficiency and savings is crucial. Fume hoods can place tremendous pressure on a HVAC system due to the energy needed to maintain safe air flow rates, operational costs, per fume hood, can be equivalent to the average energy used by three U.S. homes (Harvard University). However, there are periods when these fume hoods remain unused, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.

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A current method adopted by various laboratories that is intended to reduce energy usage is fume hood hibernation. Cornell University defines fume hood hibernation as “the temporary shutdown of a fume hood, including the rebalancing supply ventilation and pressurization of the laboratory room”. This allows for laboratory ventilation reduction while still allowing occupants to continue working. Before applying this procedure, is it is important to assess laboratory needs and operations to understand technical and mechanical limitations along with regulatory requirements. While hibernating fume hoods leads to energy reduction , maintaining safety and health of laboratory users is a top priority in the hibernation process. During the implementation of fume hood hibernation and other ventilation system optimization strategies, providing comprehensive training for laboratory professionals is essential. This training not only ensures the effective maintenance and inspection of ventilation systems but also reinforces safety protocols and educates personnel about chemical exposure risks.

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Fume Hood Hibernation

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In high performance laboratory operations, optimizing energy efficiency and savings is crucial. Fume hoods can place tremendous pressure on a HVAC system due to the energy needed to maintain safe air flow rates. Operational costs per fume hood can be equivalent to the average energy used by three U.S. homes (Harvard University). However, there are periods when these fume hoods remain unused, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.

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A current method, adopted by various laboratories, intended to reduce energy usage is fume hood hibernation. Cornell University defines fume hood hibernation as “the temporary shutdown of a fume hood, including the rebalancing supply ventilation and pressurization of the laboratory room”. This allows for laboratory ventilation reduction while still allowing occupants to continue working. Before applying this procedure, it is important to assess laboratory needs and operations to understand technical and mechanical limitations along with regulatory requirements. While hibernating fume hoods leads to energy reduction, maintaining safety and health of laboratory users is a top priority in the hibernation process. During the implementation of fume hood hibernation and other ventilation system optimization strategies, providing comprehensive training for laboratory professionals is essential. This training not only ensures the effective maintenance and inspection of ventilation systems but also reinforces safety protocols and educates personnel about chemical exposure risks.

Fume Hood Hibernation Shutdown Steps (by Cornell University):

  1. Obtain and wear proper PPE, including safety glasses when working in the lab.
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    Fume Hood Hibernation

    Fume hood hibernation represents a strategy for enhancing energy efficiency in laboratory operations, specifically looking at exposure control devices and ventilation systems. During periods of low activity control systems and advanced sensing technologies can contribute to cost savings, environmental sustainability and minimize energy waste. With careful planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring, fume hood hibernation can become an integral component of a comprehensive energy management strategy for research facilities.

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    Biological safety cabinets (BSC) are needed to provide a more secure environment so these cabinets are designed to specifically handle organisms, infectious agents, processes, and particles that can potentially contaminate and harm other projects, personnel, and the environment. Because air needs to be purified when exiting or even entering the BSC, a HEPA filter needs to be installed at the biological safety cabinet. There are several types of BSC and the type selected has significant energy implications.

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    Biological Safety Cabinets

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    Biological safety cabinets (BSC) are needed to provide a more secure environment so these cabinets are designed to specifically handle organisms, infectious agents, processes, and particles that can potentially contaminate and harm other projects, personnel, and the environment. Because air needs to be purified when exiting or even entering the BSC, a HEPA filter needs to be installed at the biological safety cabinet. There are several types of BSC and the type selected has significant energy implications.

    Photograph of a safety cabinet with glass and metal framing. Inside are biohazard containers.