What Are the Different Types of Lab Fume Cupboards Available?

When working with hazardous chemicals, one of the most important safety measures is using a lab fume cupboard. These ventilation systems protect laboratory staff by removing harmful fumes, vapors, and airborne contaminants. Choosing the right fume cupboard depends on your lab’s requirements, the type of chemicals used, and compliance with safety standards. Let’s explore the different types available and understand their features.

What Is a Lab Fume Cupboard?

A lab fume cupboard is a ventilated enclosure designed to limit exposure to hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust during laboratory experiments. It works by drawing contaminated air away from the user and expelling it through ducted systems or filtering it before releasing it back into the room. This ensures a safe working environment while meeting health and safety regulations.

What Is a Ducted Lab Fume Cupboard?

A ducted lab fume cupboard is connected to an external ventilation system. Contaminated air is drawn from the cupboard, passed through ducts, and expelled outside the building.

Advantages:

• High efficiency in removing hazardous fumes.

• Suitable for heavy chemical use.

• Long-term cost-effective if used frequently.

  
  

Disadvantages:

• Requires complex installation.

• Higher initial cost.

• Fixed location, less flexibility.

  
  

This type is ideal for laboratories handling corrosive or toxic substances on a daily basis.

What Is a Ductless Lab Fume Cupboard?

Unlike ducted models, ductless fume cupboards filter the contaminated air using carbon or HEPA filters before releasing it back into the lab.

Advantages:

• Easy to install and relocate.

• Lower installation cost.

• Energy-efficient as they do not require external ducting.

  
  

Disadvantages:

• Filter replacement required regularly.

• Not suitable for all chemicals.

• Higher maintenance costs over time.

  
  

This type works best in labs with changing layouts or where external ducting is not possible.

What Is a Recirculating Lab Fume Cupboard?

A recirculating fume cupboard uses specialized filters to capture chemical vapors before circulating clean air back into the lab.

Benefits include:

• Portability and flexibility.

• Quick installation.

• Minimal disruption to building infrastructure.

  
  

However, they are less effective for highly toxic or corrosive chemicals compared to ducted systems.

What Is a Walk-In Lab Fume Cupboard?

Walk-in lab fume cupboards are large enclosures designed for bulky equipment and large-scale experiments. They are often used in industrial research labs.

Advantages:

• Accommodates large apparatus.

• Provides safety for high-volume chemical processes.

  
  

Disadvantages:

• Requires significant space.

• Expensive to install and maintain.

  
  

They are perfect for laboratories that need extra room for complex testing setups.

What Is a Bench-Top Lab Fume Cupboard?

Bench-top cupboards are compact and designed to sit directly on a laboratory bench.

Key benefits:

• Saves space in smaller labs.

• Cost-effective compared to larger models.

• Easy to install and operate.

  
  

They are suitable for light chemical use and academic labs where mobility and affordability are important.

Which Lab Fume Cupboard Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on the type of chemicals used, budget, available space, and frequency of use. For heavy-duty applications, a ducted system is often best, while ductless and recirculating models offer flexibility and portability.

Why Choose Ventx Labs for Your Lab Fume Cupboard?

If you are considering upgrading or installing a lab fume cupboard, Ventx Labs provides expert solutions tailored to laboratory safety requirements. From ducted to ductless systems, their range ensures compliance, efficiency, and user protection.