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Laboratory extraction advice

Acid fume hoods: prepare a chemical-resistance brief

Acid work can place specific demands on the cupboard and exhaust system. Tell us which chemicals and procedures are involved so your project team can assess the equipment requirements. We manufacture Calibre cupboards and supply fans and PVC ducting.

Acid-work planning

  1. 01Name the procedure precisely
  2. 02Follow the exposed surfaces
  3. 03Flag specialist processes early

Name the procedure precisely

Describe the acids, concentrations, quantities and working methods. Include whether the process involves heating, digestion or other conditions that change the exhaust. Keep the relevant safety data sheets with the process brief.

A cupboard selected for one procedure should be reviewed before a materially different process begins. The task and conditions determine what the equipment assessment must cover.

Follow the exposed surfaces

Parts to include in the review
AreaQuestion
Work surface and linerWhat contact, splashes or residues may occur?
Internal componentsWhich surfaces and fittings are exposed?
Duct and fanWhat vapours and operating conditions reach them?
Maintenance accessHow will residues and service preparation be managed?

Use our ducting guide and fan application guide to prepare the system information.

Flag specialist processes early

Identify perchloric acid, hydrofluoric acid or other specialist processes explicitly at the start of the discussion. Have the competent process and safety advisers define the necessary equipment specification before a cupboard is selected.

For general equipment choices, the Calibre comparison helps explain the range. Match a proposed model to the assessed process and specification.

Plan the operating record

  • Keep the approved procedure with the equipment identification.
  • Record the substances and conditions included in the assessment.
  • Define cleaning and waste arrangements for the task.
  • Agree service preparation and access responsibilities.
  • Review changes before introducing a new chemical or heating step.

Include apparatus dimensions in the brief so the team can review clearances and the internal working arrangement as well as material suitability.

Start with the chemical and process details

Send the intended procedure, chemical information and apparatus layout. We can discuss the equipment questions with your project team before selection.