When you’re excited about updating your lab with a shiny new ductless fume hood or enclosure, the last thing you want to do is fill out forms and wait for answers. But when you want to buy one of these devices from AirClean Systems, we require that you fill out an application worksheet. This step takes some time and thought to execute well. Why are we such party poopers?
Spoiler alert: it is because we care about your safety.
What is an application worksheet?
First, it might be a good idea to understand what an application worksheet is. Essentially, an application worksheet helps you to explain in detail precisely what the ductless hood or enclosure you plan to purchase will be used for or what applications it will be used for. By thoroughly describing how the hood will be used, what chemicals will be contained within it, and who or what you intend to protect, our filter specialists can ensure that the hood or enclosure you purchase will perform exactly as required by your particular application.
How to fill out the worksheet
The worksheet first asks you to describe what the hood will be used for. Here, one might explain that the hood will be used to weigh powders like dexamethasone or that it is to be used for samples of acetic acid and ammonium acetate. Whatever your application will be, here is your chance to be very detailed about all your intended uses; it’s almost impossible to have too much detail here. The more, the better.
Next, the worksheet prompts you to list all the chemicals to be used within the enclosure, their concentrations, and the volume of each evaporated in 24 hours. Referring to our previous examples, here you might list dexamethasone powder, pure, used only once per week. You could also list acetic acid, diluted with water, and explain that it will not evaporate because once it has been mixed with ammonium acetate, it will be covered.
Then the worksheet will ask a few questions which are easier to answer. These questions include:
1.Will the chemicals listed be heated within the hood?
2.What is the laboratory environment like (research lab, clean room, etc.)?
3.Is the ductless hood intended to protect the operator, the process, or both?
4.What equipment will be used inside the hood?
5.How many linear feet of hood space will be required for your application?
How does an application worksheet help you? It may seem like a lot of work upfront, but filling out an application worksheet is in your best interest for a few reasons. After you submit your completed worksheet, one of our filter specialists will review the information you’ve provided to match you with the appropriate ductless fume hood or enclosure. This is where the magic happens. Based on the details you provide; our filter specialist can help ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Depending on your application, the specialist may be able to inform you that the more costly hood you were considering isn’t necessary for your application and that a more cost-effective option could satisfy your needs. On the other hand, if you’re looking to expand your lab’s horizons, our specialist may be able to provide you with several options that could satisfy your current needs and anticipate any future needs. Most important of all, our filter specialist will be able to inform you if a ductless option is not suitable for your application. Because ductless hoods are intended to filter the air and recirculate it back into the room, some chemicals cannot be used in ductless hoods. If the substances being handled within the hood cannot be trapped by HEPA, carbon, and/or ULPA filters, then the application is not appropriate for a ductless hood. Knowing exactly which applications and chemicals are suitable for ductless hoods is extremely important to ensure your safety and the success of your work. Fill out your application worksheet, send it to our filter specialists, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible after reviewing your information. While filling out paperwork isn’t the most fun thing to do when you’re excited to invest in a new ductless hood or enclosure, doing so can save you time, money, and maybe even keep you from making a fatal error.