With its Neutrodine filtration technology, the GreenFumeHood system that offers a variety of installation, operational and environmental benefits to laboratories interested in conserving energy or refining its safety measures.
The new system is compliant with NFX 15-211 industry standard. The GreenFumeHood is estimated to consume about 3,727 kwh/yr, or about $293/yr. Total operating costs are estimated at $933/yr.
Proprietary filtration system
At the heart of GreenFumeHood is a new filtration system offering total versatility and superior retention capacity.
The result of over 45 years of research and development in the laboratories of Erlab—a leading maker of non-ducted filtration—Neutrodine represents a significant advancements carbon filtration technology.
According to the company, for the first time it is possible to efficiently handle acids, solvents and bases with the same filter. Neutrodine can handle a broad spectrum of molecules such that it allows GreenFumeHood to compete with the usage capabilities of traditional fume hoods, without the major drawbacks of significant energy consumption, installation costs or toxic atmospheric emissions, says Erlab.
This concept consists of placing a chamber containing a molecular detection system between two filters with identical capacities. When the main filter is saturated, excess molecules are directed towards an identical safety filter placed directly above. This prevents toxic molecules from escaping because they are automatically adsorbed by the brand new second filter. Because the detection system—which is placed between the two filters—is calibrated to react above permissible exposure levels, the main filter is loaded with more contaminants than if it were directly in contact with the outside.
Eventually, the safety filter is moved down to take the place of the main filter once it's loaded to capacity. A new safety filter is then installed above it and the system continues to function in this cyclical way indefinitely. Called the "revolving filter", it results in a 25% greater molecular retention capacity and a 25% reduction in filter costs compared to traditional filtration systems.
Saturation detection
To ensure complete security and protection for laboratory personnel, GreenFumeHoodfeatures Erlab's saturation detector.
Able to detect both solvents and acids, this system uses two sensors, each with a unique sensitivity level tailored to its individual function. The detector includes an electronic sensitivity adjustment system that automatically adapts to the molecules in use.
The first sensor is located inside a detection chamber between the main and back-up filters of the GreenFumeHood. The second sensor is located within the laboratory environment, allowing for a permanent comparative sensitivity adjustment of the filter saturation detection sensor. This unique design enables a constant recalibration of the detection system relative to the ambient laboratory air, avoiding false alarms triggered by non-toxic molecules traveling through the filter and being picked up by the extreme sensitivity of the main detection sensor.
An added safety benefit, is the ambient air sensor which also allows for the permanent monitoring of laboratory air toxicity levels.
Temperature monitoring
A temperature sensor inside the GreenFumeHood enclosure detects unusual fluctuations in temperature and alerts the user via an audible and visible alarm. As an added precaution to ensure immediate response, an electronic alert message is simultaneously transmitted to the safety officer or site manager, identifying the specific GreenFumeHoodinvolved.
This system provides two detection levels. A first alert is triggered when the temperature reaches 176° F and remains steady. When the ambient temperature reaches 212° F, a second alarm is triggered.
Several other new technologies are integrated into the GreenFumeHood design. Thesash position detection system is designed to proportionately adjust the enclosure's blower speed to the height of the sash opening and the needs of the filtration system to constantly ensure a face velocity of 100 fpm. Permanently in operation, the detector can be remotely managed and monitored using the gGuard software for optimum security. The instrumentcan also only be operated with the insertion of a personalized RFID card. Three distinct levels of access are offered:
User: Allows full operation of the GreenFumeHood for approved applications and activates all safety alarms.
Administrator: Identifies a site manager or safety officer responsible for a network of fume hoods and gives them unrestricted access to important historical data such as recorded usage and alarm history.
Maintenance: A total access card that enables calibration functions along with troubleshooting features allowing for easy service and fast repairs.
