Safety, containment, filtration efficiency and energy
conservation make the Paramount® Ductless Enclosure
a viable alternative to a ducted fume hood
Introduction
Safety is the primary purpose of any filtered enclosure or
ventilated fume hood. In most situations, fume hoods remain
the equipment of choice for ventilating hazardous airborne
chemicals from the laboratory. However, there are applica-
tions where a ductless enclosure or ductless fume hood pro-
vides convenience and flexibility beyond what a traditional
fume hood offers. For example:
• Ductless enclosures allow placement and flexibility in
hard to duct areas such as the center or bottom level of
a several story building.
• Ductless enclosures do not carry the initial expense and
coordination of ductwork installation.
• Ductless enclosures are portable allowing them to be
shared among several laboratories or stored when not in
use.
• Ductless enclosures have no make up air requirements,
and therefore may be used in air-starved laboratories.
• Ductless enclosures provide significant energy savings
since costly tempered air is not exhausted from the
laboratory.
The Paramount® Ductless Enclosure offers these “ductless”
advantages while still addressing the safety concerns inher-
ent to ductless technology. In addition, the Paramount
conserves energy making it a green choice for laboratories
needing protection from chemical fumes and vapors. This
paper provides an in-depth discussion about the unique fea-
tures of the Paramount and the rigorous testing performed
that confirms its personnel protection effectiveness.
Protection from Fumes and Vapors
Chemicals used in laboratories can produce fumes and
vapors that are hazardous to breathe. The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a legal
limit in the United States, also known as the Permissible
Exposure Limit (PEL) on every chemical. The PEL is gener-
ally expressed as a time-weighted average (TWA), which is
the threshold limit value (TLV) or average exposure over an
8-hour workday or 40-hour work week, to which workers can
be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), was established to help ensure safe working
conditions by providing research and making recommenda-
tions on exposure limits. Unlike OSHA, its safety and health
standards are not enforceable under U.S. law. NIOSH sets its
own TWA levels, which are submitted to OSHA for considera-
tion in their formulation of legally-binding safety and health
standards. This paper references NIOSH recommendations
since they reflect the most current information available. By
law, safety officers at all U.S. companies must follow OSHA
health standards. Whether or not they adhere to NIOSH rec-
ommendations is the choice of the individual safety officer.
by Gary Roepke, Senior Project Engineer, Labconco Corporation
3’ Paramount Ductless Enclosure, work surface and hydraulic lift
base stand
Carbon Filters
Traditional fume hoods protect workers by capturing, con-
taining and removing hazardous contaminants from the
laboratory. Fume hoods function by drawing contaminants
away from the operator so that inhalation is minimized.
With a traditional fume hood, these contaminants are
drawn through ductwork by means of a blower and ex-
hausted to the outside where the fumes are diluted and
dispersed at acceptably low concentrations.
The Paramount Ductless Enclosure uses carbon filters
made of activated coconut shell carbon or carbon treated
for specific applications to rid the work area of many haz-
ardous fumes and vapors. Unlike traditional fume hoods,
air passing through the enclosure’s filters is returned to the
laboratory. No ducting is required. Five carbon filter types
are currently available:
• OV, for organic vapors
• AG, impregnated for the neutralization of acid and sulfur
gases
• FORM, impregnated for the removal of formaldehyde
• AM, impregnated for the removal of ammonia and low
molecular weight amines
• RAD, impregnated for the removal of iodine
radiosotopes
In addition to these carbon filters, a sixth carbon filter is
available that contains a mixed bed of activated and im-
pregnated carbon media. This mixed bed filter, type MB,
contains the following approximate percentages by weight:
• 43% OV, for organic vapors
• 19% AG, impregnated for the neutralization of acid and
sulfur gases
• 19% FORM, impregnated for the removal of
formaldehyde
• 19% AM, impregnated for the removal of ammonia and
low molecular weight amines
Validated Filtration Efficiency
Filter capacity is defined as the percentage of the chemical
mass adsorbed compared to the total carbon filter weight.
The capacity is unique for each chemical and depends on
the chemical’s affinity for carbon. Carbon manufacturers
publish theoretical filter capacities derived from a mathe-
matical formula that considers adsorption potential, tem-
perature, relative humidity, inlet concentration, vapor
pressure and other factors. These theoretical values pro-
vide a relative measure of a filter’s effectiveness with the
understanding that exact values will vary with temperature,
humidity, distribution across the media and chemical com-
binations. Chemical adsorption is a result of the chemical
concentration in the airstream attempting to reach equilib-
rium with the carbon media. However, under actual operat-
ing conditions, “the capacity of an adsorption bed will
seldom achieve equilibrium”1 and “bed capacity is said to
be 30 percent to 40 percent of equilibrium.”2
As mentioned above, inlet concentration is one factor that
affects filter capacity. A common misunderstanding regard-
ing the capacity of activated carbon is that it adsorbs a pre-
dictable fixed weight of chemicals. In reality, the ultimate
capacity of the activated carbon increases significantly as
the concentration increases. See Table 13 for example.
Table 1: Percent-by-weight theoretical adsorption capacity
for Chloroform (CHCl3)
@ 10 ppm @ 100 ppm @ 1000 ppm
Filter Capacity 10.2% 20.1% 35.5%
% adsorbed/weight
of carbon
The performance of any ductless enclosure is dependent
on the ability of the filters to capture fumes and vapors.
Since theoretical capacities offer a guideline but do not
always translate into actual experience, the University of
Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas) and an independent consultant
tested the actual filter capacities in Paramount Ductless
Enclosures. Actual capacities were compared to the carbon
manufacturer’s theoretical capacities to determine filtra-
tion efficiencies for various chemicals. Sampling probes
monitored the exhaust directly above the Paramount.
Exhaust concentrations were measured using analytical
instrumentation. The analytical instrumentation allowed
detection of minute quantities of the chemical, well below
the inlet concentration. When the chemical under investi-
gation was detected in the exhaust, filter saturation, also
known as breakthrough, was noted.
The Paramount Ductless Enclosure equipped with OV fil-
ters was used to test filter efficiencies for acetone, ethanol,
isopropyl alcohol and toluene (Figure 1). The Paramount
Ductless Enclosure equipped with AG filters was used to
test the filter efficiency for hydrochloric acid (Figure 2).
Inlet concentrations, represented as evaporation rates in
Table 2, varied from 14 ppm to 504 ppm. To speed the test-
ing process, some of the chemicals were boiled to achieve
higher evaporation rates (100 ppm and greater).
As suggested by the manufacturer, carbon filters usually
have a 30 percent to 40 percent filtration efficiency when
used with chemicals with high carbon affinity. The test re-
sults show a filtration efficiency of 33-43 percent for all the
chemicals tested, with two exceptions. Since ethanol has a
very low affinity for carbon, its filtration efficiency is pre-
dictably low at 17-19 percent. Ethanol’s lower efficiency
confirms the need to use it and any other chemical with
low carbon affinity in very small quantities in a ductless
enclosure. In contrast, the mineral acid filtration efficiency
of hydrochloric acid approached 83 percent of the theoreti-
cal value and is attributed to the chemisorption process of
the treated acid filters. To conclude, the filtration efficiency
2
Figure 2: 3' Paramount Ductless Enclosure Model 6963300 equipped with AG Carbon Filters - Hydrochloric Acid Test
This chart shows the capacity of AG carbon
filters for hydrochloric acid. The following
parameters were present: Temperature
20° C, Humidity 41%, 175 CFM air
volume, and 79 fpm face velocity. Evapo-
ration was by heated container. Average
evaporation rate was 1.72 ml/minute (100
ppm inlet concentration). Test time was
24.6 hours. The exhaust was continuously
monitored at 1.5 ml/minute with acid gas
colorimetric tubes until the beginning of a
color change. Following the color change,
the exhaust was tested every 15-30 min-
utes with HCl colorimetric tubes 1-10
ppm.
Figure 1: 3' Paramount Ductless Enclosure Model 6963300 equipped with OV Carbon Filters - Toluene Test
This chart shows the capacity of OV carbon
filters for toluene. The following parameters
were present: Temperature 22° C, Humid-
ity 40%, 175 CFM air volume, and 79
fpm face velocity. Evaporation was by
heated container. Average evaporation rate
was 3.32 ml/minute (155 ppm inlet con-
centration). Test time was 12.25 hours.
The exhaust was monitored with a pho-
toionization detector, gas chromatograph-
mass spectrometer and Safety-First™
organic vapor sensor. Contact Labconco
Corporation for charts showing test results
on other organic solvents.
Table 2: Filtration Efficiency Test Results
3
Mass Adsorbed (Grams) Toluene
To
lu
en
e
Ex
ha
us
t C
on
ce
nt
ra
tio
n
(p
pm
)
Mass Adsorbed (Grams) Hydrochloric Acid - Mass Calculated as 100% HCl
Hy
dr
oc
hl
or
ic
A
ci
d
Ex
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us
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on
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ra
tio
n
Chemical Exposure Evap. Paramount No. of Carbon Chemical Mass Breakthrough Filtration Capacity Filtration
Limit Rate Width Filters Filter Mass Adsorbed Concentration Tested Theoretical Efficiency
Acetone 250 ppm 22 ppm 3' 4 13500 grams 153 grams 1-2 ppm 1.1% 2.8% 39%
Ethanol 1000 ppm 14 ppm 3' 4 13500 grams 32 grams 6-9 ppm 0.3% 1.6% 19%
Ethyl Alcohol 1000 ppm 206 ppm 3' 4 13500 grams 148 grams 6-9 ppm 1.1% 6.3% 17%
Isopropyl Alcohol 400 ppm 462 ppm 3' 4 13500 grams 824 grams 8-11 ppm 6.1% 17.7% 34%
Isopropyl Alcohol 400 ppm 504 ppm 2' 2 6750 grams 518 grams 5-13 ppm 7.7% 18.1% 43%
Toluene 100 ppm 155 ppm 3' 4 13500 grams 1317 grams 0.5-1 ppm 9.8% 29.7% 33%
Toluene 100 ppm 151 ppm 2' 2 6750 grams 725 grams 0.5-1 ppm 10.7% 29.7% 36%
37% Hydrochloric Acid 5 ppm 100 ppm 3' 4 18000 grams 2529 grams 0.5-1 ppm 14.1% 17.0% 83%
of treated carbon
test results listed in Table 2 confirm that the filters in-
stalled in a Paramount Ductless Enclosure perform as
suggested by the carbon filter manufacturer.
Determining When to Change the Carbon Filters
There are five means of determining when Paramount Car-
bon Filters should be changed.
1. Safety-First™ Sensor. The Paramount’s Safety-First™
Organic Vapor Sensor detects contaminants in the exhaust
indicating breakthrough. The sensor detects typical organic
solvent vapors, smoke particulates, ammonia gases,
formaldehyde gases, and hydrogen sulfide gases. The or-
ganic vapor sensor has a sensitivity range of 0.1-30 ppm.
Table 3 provides Sensitivity Alert Concentrations for a vari-
ety of chemicals listed from low concentration to high.
2. Time. For applications that have very consistent inlet
concentrations and operating times, “time” can be used to
anticipate saturation or TWA levels based on prior experi-
ence. The Paramount Ductless Enclosure includes a built-
in Filter Life Timer, programmable from the LCD control
panel, to remind the user to check and/or replace the fil-
ters. When new filters are installed, it is recommended that
the user program time intervals that alarm after specified
operating hours have passed. At these intervals, the user
should use chemical detection tubes or analytical instru-
mentation to check the exhaust contaminant concentra-
tion. The Filter Life Timer is particularly important for min-
eral acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or nitric
acid, which are undetected by the organic vapor sensor.
3. Odor. Odor is subjective. Sensitivity to odor, tolerance
to odor and comfort level under odoriferous conditions
vary from individual to individual. While odor is an indica-
tor that chemicals are passing through the filter, several
points need to be understood:
a. Smell within the room is not necessarily an
indication of saturation of the enclosure’s filters or
of hazardous exposure concentrations.
b. Odor can be used as a prompt to do other checks
of the chemical concentration.
c. Organic chemicals recommended for use in the
Paramount Ductless Enclosure have detectable
odors before reaching the TWAs.
d. Labconco advises users, or potential users, of how
and when odor may play a part in limiting the life
of the filter.
4. Detector Tubes. Color change indicators can be used to
detect the presence of the chemical in the filtered exhaust.
Tubes, such as those manufactured by Dräger*, Gastec*
and Sensidyne*, monitor the presence of a specific chemi-
cal in the air. The vast majority of Detector Tubes available
start measuring at or below the chemical’s TWA. When a
* Dräger is a trademark of Draeger Safety, Inc. Luebeck, Germany; Gastec is a trademark of
Gastec Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan; and Sensidyne® is a registered trademark of
Sensidyne, LP, Florida, U.S.A.
** Time-weighted average recommended by NIOSH
† Based on 10 ppm inlet concentration
*** Important Note: Clean up procedures using alcohols or volatile chemicals with low filter
capacity could saturate the filters quickly.
†† Important Note: The vapor sensor does not detect mineral acid gases such as hydrochloric acid,
nitric acid, or sulfuric acid. Other detector means such as a mineral acid sensor or interval
timed sampling with sampling tubes must be used.
The chart is only a guideline. Frequent chemical testing or filter monitoring is recommended. If
chemical suitability is ever in question, always work below the acceptable exposure limit/TWA to
maximize both safety and filter performance.
OV=Organic Vapors, AG=Acid-Sulfur, FORM=Formaldehyde, AM=Ammonia-Amine
4
Table 3: Chemical Sensitivity Alert Concentrations
Chemical Family Chemical Sensitivity Alert Odor Exposure Filter Filter
Concentration Threshold Limit TWA** Capacity† Type
(ppm) (ppm) (% W)
Aldehydes & Ketones Cyclohexanone 0.2-0.5 ppm 0.068 50 22% OV
Mixture of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Gasoline 0.3-1.0 ppm 0.3 300 11% OV
Particulates Cigarette smoke 0.4-1.0 ppm N/A N/A N/A OV & HEPA
Aldehydes & Ketones Acetone 0.5-1.0 ppm 4.58 250 2% OV
Aromatic Hydrocarbons Toluene 0.5-1.0 ppm 0.16 100 20% OV
Ethers Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether 0.5-1.0 ppm 0.053 50 9% OV
Sulfur Compounds Hydrogen Sulfide 0.5-2.0 ppm 0.0005 10 10% AG
Nitrogen Compounds Diethylamine 1.5-2.0 ppm 0.186 10 7% OV
Esters Ethyl Acetate 1.5-4 ppm 0.61 400 9% OV
Ethers Diethyl Ether 2-4 ppm 2.29 400 4% OV
Aldehydes Formaldehyde 2-4 ppm, best to use 0.87 0.1 ceiling, 10% FORM
other detector methods 0.016
Nitrogen Compounds Ammonia Solution 2-5 ppm 5.75 25 10% AM
(Ammonium Hydroxide)
Alcohols Ethyl Alcohol*** 2.5-6 ppm 0.136 1000 1.3% OV
Acids Acetic Acid 5-6 ppm 0.016 10 4% OV
Halogens Chlorobenzene 5-8 ppm 0.741 10 20% OV
Alcohols Isopropyl Alcohol 8-11 ppm 22 200 7% OV
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Hexane 9-15 ppm 21.9 50 11% OV
Alcohols Methanol*** 15-25 ppm 141 200 0.1%, not
very low recommended
Mineral Acids Hydrochloric Acid Not detected.†† 0.77 5 17% AG
Use other means.
user observes a color change in the tube, the filter should
be replaced immediately.
5. Analytical Instrumentation. This method is the most ac-
curate means of measuring concentrations of any chemical.
Analytical instrumentation is required when no Detector
Tubes are available or when the Safety-First Sensor does not
apply to the chemical in question. It is also required when
saturation concentration is below the measurement range
detectable by Detector Tubes or the Safety-First Sensor. Due
to the broad range of chemicals and instrumentation avail-
able, Labconco cannot make specific recommendations on
the analytical equipment or procedure.
HEPA Filters
Besides carbon filters, Paramount Ductless Enclosures may
also be equipped with high efficient particulate air (HEPA)
filters, which retain airborne particles such as those re-
leased by some chemical powders and solids. Paramount
HEPA Filters are 99.99% efficient.
A HEPA filter is a disposable dry-type filter, constructed of
boron silicate microfibers cast into a thin sheet, much like
a piece of paper. Although the media is a flat sheet, the
glass microfibers form a complex three dimensional matrix
that traps particulate matter but allows gases to pass
through. The filter media is folded to increase its surface
area.
HEPA filters are rated on their ability to retain particles
0.3 micron (µm) in diameter. The filters are tested by inject-
ing an aerosol of Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP), poly-alpha-
olefin (PAO) or mineral oil, which has a large number of
0.3 µm droplets, into the upstream side of the filter during
operation. Readings are taken on the opposite side of the
filter to quantify the number of droplets that penetrate.
Thus, if a filter allows one droplet or fewer to penetrate the
filter with an initial concentration of 10,000, the filter is
rated at 99.99% efficient.
Determining When to Change the HEPA Filters
Methods to determine when a HEPA filter should be
changed are very different from carbon filters. Unlike car-
bon filters, HEPA filter efficiencies are not specific to the
chemical particulate being trapped; any airborne particle in
its path is trapped including dust. Since cleanliness of the
room can affect filter life, time is not a reliable indicator.
Detector tubes are designed for gaseous contaminants, not
particulate contaminants.
Upon installation and at least annually, the HEPA filters
should be checked for leaks. In addition, safety officers may
routinely conduct surrogate monitoring of the enclosure.
After introducing a potent, non-toxic powder to the enclo-
sure and having operators simulate typical handling meth-
ods, air in the laboratory is sampled and tested for the
surrogate. Surrogate testing provides a safe means to
check the enclosure’s ability to contain particulates with-
out the potential of operator exposure to toxic powders.
Stackable Filters
A total of seven different Paramount Filters are available,
six carbon and one HEPA. Paramount Ductless Enclosures
require that two filters be stacked. For single chemical ap-
plications, the two filters may be the same. For mixed
chemical applications, two different filters may be used. In
other cases, when the chemical emits both gaseous and
particulate contaminants, a carbon and HEPA filter would
be recommended. The mixed bed filter provides greater
flexibility for multiple low volume gaseous chemicals.
High Performance Containment
The Paramount Ductless Enclosure uses the same
patented technologies used in many Labconco ducted
fume hoods (U.S. Patent 6,461,233). Air is directed into and
through the air chamber to maximize containment of con-
taminants as shown in Figure 4. The containment-enhanc-
ing and aerodynamic designs of the lower air foil, upper
sash foil, side air foils, upper dilution air supply, and zoned
rear perforated baffle work in concert to produce horizontal
airflow patterns that significantly reduce chemical concen-
trations through the work area as illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Side view
illustrating air flow.
Filtered Air
ECM Impeller
Clean Air Exhaust Plenum
Upper Filter 2
Lower Filter 1
Mixing Plenum
Unfiltered Air
Upper Dilution Air Supply
Horizontal Laminar Airflow
Upper Containment Sash Foil
Room Inlet Air
Clean-Sweep™Air Foil
Zone Perforated
Rear Baffle
5
The unique lower air foil shape and Clean-Sweep™ open-
ings direct air to sweep the work surface and create a con-
stant protective barrier from contaminants. The radiused
upper sash foil includes an open air passage directly atop
the sash foil into the enclosure chamber and directs chem-
ical concentrations away from the sash opening. The side
entry air foils allow turbulence-free air to enter the enclo-
sure from the sides and allow clean air to sweep the inte-
ASHRAE 110-1995 Validated Performance
Containment
Results of testing performed on Paramount Ductless En-
closures confirm their ability to contain gases and airborne
particulates. ASHRAE 110-1995 testing concluded that
Paramount Ductless Enclosures maintain containment of
gases at face velocities of 60 fpm and greater (Table 4).
Average concentrations during tracer gas tests were less
than 0.05 ppm and no escape was observed during the
smoke tests. Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended
Practice recommends fume hood face velocities between
60-100 fpm. Paramount Ductless Enclosures are factory set
to be operated at 80 fpm but may be decreased on site to
60 fpm or increased to 100 fpm and still remain within
Industrial Ventilation’s guidelines.
Table 4: ASHRAE 110-1995 Test Results
6
rior walls (Figure 4). The upper dilution air supply provides
by-pass air from above the work surface to constantly
bathe the inside of the sash and upper chamber with clean
air to reduce chemical concentra-
tions. The zoned rear perforated baf-
fle directs horizontal laminar air
streams to the three zones to mini-
mize the potential for air to roll for-
ward, preventing contaminants from
moving toward the sash opening and
user’s breathing zone.
Figure 4
Paramount Airflow Avg. Face Mannequin ASHRAE 110-95 Tracer Gas
Width (CFM) Velocity (fpm) Position Test Results (ppm)
Avg. Min. Max.
2' 85 60 Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.03
115 80 Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.04
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.04
145 100 Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.06
3' 130 60 Center Seated 0.01 0.00 0.15
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.05
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.04
175 80 Center Seated 0.01 0.00 0.04
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.05
220 100 Center Seated 0.01 0.00 0.04
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.04
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.04
4' 175 60 Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.04
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.06
Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
235 80 Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.05
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.04
295 100 Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.04
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.05
5' 220 60 Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.06
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.02
295 80 Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.03
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.03
6' 350 60 Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.02
465 80 Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.04
Center Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.02
580 100 Left Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Center Standing 0.00 0.00 0.02
Right Standing 0.01 0.00 0.02
Perimeter Scan 0.01 0.00 0.02
Particulate Test Data
To validate the design and performance of the Paramount
Ductless Enclosure, Labconco conducted particulate test-
ing to confirm its ability to provide excellent containment.
SafeBridge Consultants, Incorporated (Mountain View,
California) then analyzed the samples. Naproxen sodium, a
non-potent active pharmaceutical ingredient, was selected
as the surrogate for the study because it is safe to handle,
readily detectable in air at low concentrations, has a high
dustiness quotient and challenging electrostatic proper-
ties. The study was designed to assess potential exposure
to airborne concentration of naproxen sodium for three
operators of varying skill levels and physical statures. More
importantly, it assessed the containment performance of
the ductless enclosure relative to the likely concentrations
of the surrogate generated by weighing and dispensing
tasks at the access opening.
Test results showed a personal exposure below 25 ng/m3
with the enclosure operating at 80 fpm face velocity. The
Paramount Ductless Enclosure demonstrated superb con-
tainment when used by an operator using excellent tech-
nique and good containment when used by an operator
using marginal technique. While no enclosure can compen-
sate for improper technique, these tests confirm that the
ductless enclosure provides a safe work environment.
Airflow Monitor
Federal Register 29 CFR Part 1910 and ANSI Z9.5-2003
Standard-Laboratory Ventilation recommend that fume
hoods have a monitoring device to ensure that safe operat-
ing speeds are maintained. The Paramount Ductless Enclo-
sure includes a Smart-Flow™ Airflow Monitor, which
7
continuously monitors airflow and displays face velocity on
the LCD. The monitor enables the Paramount’s ECM motor
to automatically adjust for conditions such as temperature,
barometric pressure and filter loading. Safe airflow is al-
ways maintained.
Energy Conservation
The Paramount Ductless Enclosure uses less energy than a
traditional ducted hood since heated or cooled air is not
exhausted from the laboratory. Unlike other ductless fume
hoods, the Paramount uses an electronically commutated
motor (ECM) that is quieter and more energy efficient than
conventional motors. Table 5 illustrates the potential
energy savings achieved by the 95% efficient ECM motor.
For example, a 3' ductless enclosure uses only 65-93 watts
of energy and costs only $11-16 per year to operate. Fur-
thermore, ductless hoods incur no installation costs and
have potential operating costs well below that of tradi-
tional fume hoods.
Conclusion
Significant engineering developments have resulted in a
ductless enclosure that offers the advantages of utmost
safety, superior airflow containment, validated filtration ef-
ficiency and improved energy conservation. Depending on
the end user’s specific chemical application and suitability,
the Paramount Ductless Enclosure can provide effective
containment of airborne chemicals and particulates and
provide superior energy and cost savings when compared
to traditional ducted fume hoods.
Table 5: Paramount Ductless Enclosure: Typical Energy Use and Operating Costs
Paramount Width 2' 3' 4' 5' 6'
Total Power with blower/lights on (watts)* 66 65-93 99-150 153 241
Electric Energy Cost ($) $11 $11-16 $16-25 $26 $40
(based on 2000 hours per year at $0.078/kwh4)
Installation Cost $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operating Filter Cost ($) $400 $800 $1200 $1200 $1600
(based on one annual organic filter change)
Total Annual Operating Cost $411 $816 $1225 $1226 $1640
Traditional Fume Hood Comparison $1015 $1540-1995 $2065-2660 $2590 $4060
(based on $7 per CFM at 100 fpm)**
* Power usage is based on operating the blower to achieve 80 fpm airflow volume. Since
Paramount Enclosures in 3' and 4' widths are available with two sash heights, their airflow
volumes and, therefore their energy costs, vary.
** To determine the energy costs of using a traditional fume hood in selected locations, visit
http://fumehoodcalculator.lbl.gov.
References
1 Carl L Yaws, Li Bu, and Sachin Nijhawan, “Determining
VOC Adsorption Capacity,” Pollution Engineering. February
1995, p. 34.
2 Ibid., p. 37.
3 Ibid., p. 35.
4 E. Mills and D. Sartor, “Energy Use and Savings Potential
for Laboratory Fume Hoods,” Energy 30 (2005): 1862.
General References
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygien-
ists. ACGIH: Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended
Practice. 24th Edition. Cincinnati, OH: 2001.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). “American
National Standard Ventilation Standard.” ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-
2003. American Industrial Hygiene Association, Fairfax, VA:
2003.
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Condi-
tioning Engineers (ASHRAE). “Methods of Testing Perform-
ance of Laboratory Fume Hoods.” Standard 110 (1995).
Atlanta, GA:1995.
Mills, E. and Sartor, D. 2005. “Energy Use and Savings Po-
tential for Laboratory Fume Hoods.” Energy 30 (2005): 1859-
1864.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration U.S. Depart-
ment of Laboratory. “Federal Register 29 CFR Part 19,”
Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Pocket Guide to
Chemical Hazards. Washington, D.C., 2006.
Yaws, Carl L.; Bu, Li; and Nijhawan, Sachin. Pollution Engi-
neering. “Determining VOC Adsorption Capacity,” February
1995, pp. 34-37.
Yoon, Y.H. and Nelson, J.H., American Industrial Hygiene
Association Journal, “Breakthrough Time and Adsorption
Capacity of Respirator Cartridges, 1992.
LABCONCO CORPORATION
8811 PROSPECT AVENUE
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64132-2696
816-333-8811 • 800-821-5525
FAX 816-363-0130
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© 2010 by Labconco Corporation. Printed in the U.S.A. Product design subject to change without notice. 3-03-6/10-GC-2M-R2
Safety, containment, filtration efficiency and energy conservation make the Paramount® Ductless Enclosure a viable alternative to a ducted fume hood
Safety is the primary purpose of any filtered enclosure or ventilated fume hood. In most situations, fume hoods remain the equipment of choice for ventilating hazardous airborne chemicals from the laboratory. However, there are applications where a ductless enclosure or ductless fume hood provides convenience and flexibility beyond what a traditional fume hood offers.
Dec 28, 2018
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