Distillation Fume Hood

What is the Distillation Fume Hood?

A distillation fume hood is a tall, deep ducted hood designed for distillation racks and reflux assemblies. Its extended height and support rods accommodate vertical glassware, heating mantles and reflux columns, keeping them clear of the sash.

Overview

The hood has a work-zone height of 1500–1800 mm and depth of 750–850 mm, with a sash that can be raised fully for assembly. Internal rods or a rack system secure glassware, and the work surface is fitted with a drip tray or trough for spills. Exhaust volume is 1000–2000 m3/h, maintaining 0.4–0.5 m/s at working sash height. The liner is epoxy-coated steel or stainless steel, and the electrical outlets and switches are placed outside the airstream to avoid ignition of solvent vapours. Some hoods include explosion-proof lighting and spark-free fans. The hood is widely used in organic chemistry and petrochemical laboratories.

How does it work?

A ducted fume hood creates a controlled inward airflow through the sash opening so contaminants generated inside are carried to the exhaust rather than into the room. Face velocity, typically 0.4–0.6 m/s at the sash, is produced by an exhaust fan located on the roof or in the duct. A baffle system at the rear distributes air across slots at the top, middle and bottom to avoid dead zones. A bypass airfoil keeps flow smooth as the sash moves. Variable air volume (VAV) hoods modulate exhaust as the sash opens or closes, saving energy while holding face velocity. The work surface, liner and sash are chemical resistant. Airflow monitors, alarms and lighting complete the hood, and the building make-up air system replaces exhausted air.

What are the key features?

• Work-zone height 1500–1800 mm for vertical glassware
• Support rods or racks for distillation setups
• Drip tray or trough for spills
• Sash fully raisable for assembly
• Sockets and switches outside airstream
• Optional explosion-proof lighting and fans

What are the technical specifications?

A typical distillation fume hood configuration offers width of 1500 / 1800 mm, depth of 750–850 mm, work-zone height of 1500–1800 mm, exhaust volume of 1000–2000 m3/h, face velocity of 0.4–0.5 m/s and liner material of Epoxy steel or stainless steel. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Distillation Fume Hood is used in organic synthesis, distillation and reflux, petrochemical analysis and solvent recovery. Across the wider Ducted Fume Hoods class, laboratories also deploy it for chemistry laboratories, pharmaceutical research and materials testing.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include EN 14175-2 (fume cupboards, safety and performance), EN 14175-3 (type test methods), EN 14175-4 (on-site test methods), ASHRAE 110 (method of testing performance of laboratory fume hoods), GB/T 34269 and ISO 14644-1. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Commission each hood with a face velocity survey and, where required, a containment test such as EN 14175-3 or ASHRAE 110. Place it away from doors, walkways and supply diffusers, since cross-drafts above 0.15 m/s degrade containment. Keep the sash at or below the marked working height, and avoid blocking baffles with equipment. Check airflow monitors, alarms and exhaust fans at least every 6–12 months, and clean the liner regularly. Plan make-up air so the room does not become negatively pressured. Train users and label the hood with its tested face velocity and date, and do not use it for storage of chemicals beyond what the work requires.

How do I select the right Distillation Fume Hood?

Choose a distillation hood for setups over about 1200 mm tall that run for extended periods. State the maximum flask volume and condensation load. RFQ: work height, rod configuration, electrical outlets, explosion protection and solvent types.

How does it compare with other Ducted Fume Hoods variants?

Select the hood by the chemicals and process. Choose width, commonly 1200, 1500 or 1800 mm, to match equipment and operators, and check that depth and height suit tall apparatus. Decide between constant volume, bypass and VAV designs, taking the building's exhaust capacity and energy costs into account. Specify liner material: fibre-reinforced cement or epoxy for general use, stainless steel or polypropylene for acids. Consider sash type, vertical or combination, face velocity monitoring, service fittings and base cabinet for storage. Confirm whether perchloric acid or radioisotope work requires a specialised hood instead. Coordinate duct size, fan capacity and make-up air with the building engineer, and plan for containment testing.