Flow Characteristics of a Servco Fume Cupboard

Abstract:

A fume cupboard is equipment used to carry out chemical reaction process in its working chamber. A suction fan takes air or gas from the working chamber and releases it outside. When the air or gas is flowing from the inlet to the outlet, some recirculation zones may be formed depending on the internal shape design of the fume cupboard. This recirculation zone may create back flow that can be the cause of leakage. Leakage happens when airborne contaminants escape through inlet of the fume cupboard to the user breathing zone and the surrounding air in the room. To have a good fume cupboard, the recirculation zone needs to be minimised. In this paper, the flow characteristic of a Servco fume cupboard will be presented as a result of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation using κ-ω turbulence model. The results are presented in terms of velocity components at different cross sections of the fume cupboard.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 393)
• Pages: 753-758
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.393.753
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Mohd Amal Asrol Omar, Wirachman Wisnoe, Azman Bakri
• Keywords: Airflow, Baffle, Fume Cupboard, Recirculation, Sash

References

[1] A. Kolesnikov, R. Ryan, and D. B. Walters, Use of CFD to design containment systems for work with hazardous materials, Chemical Health and Safety. 10 (2003) 17-20.

DOI: 10.1016/s1074-9098(02)00456-2

[2] K. Ahn, S. Woskie, L. DiBerardinis, and M. Ellenbecker, A review of published quantitative experimental studies on factors affecting laboratory fume hood performance, Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene. 5 (2008) 735-753.

DOI: 10.1080/15459620802399989

[3] G. P. Nicholson, R. P. Clark, and M. L. de Calcina-Goff, Computational fluid dynamics as a method for assessing fume cupboard performance, Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 44 (2000) 203.

DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4878(99)00086-1

[4] M. J. Chern and W. Y. Cheng, Numerical investigation of turbulent diffusion in push-pull and exhaust fume cupboards, Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 51 (2007) 517-531.

DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mem031

[5] M. J. Chern and W. Y. Cheng, Numerical simulations of flows in push-pull fume cupboard, Sendai. (2007) 585-593.

[6] E. Karaismail and I. Celik, On the inconsistencies related to prediction of flow into an enclosing hood obstructed by a worker, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 7 (2010) 315-325.

DOI: 10.1080/15459621003717854

[7] L. C. Tseng, R. F. Huang, and C. C. Chen, Significance of face velocity fluctuation in relation to laboratory fume hood performance, Industrial Health. 48 (2010) 43-51.

DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.48.43

[8] P. Hu, D. Ingham, and X. Wen, Effect of the location of the exhaust duct, an exterior obstruction and handle on the air flow inside and around a fume cupboard, Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 40 (1996) 127.

DOI: 10.1016/0003-4878(95)00071-2

[9] P. Hu, D. B. Ingham, and X. Wen, Effect of baffles and a louvered bypass on the airflow and the convective patterns of contaminant inside a fume hood, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 59 (1998) 303-312.

DOI: 10.1080/15428119891010550

[10] P. Hu, D. Ingham, and X. Wen, Effect of baffles and a louvered bypass on the airflow and the convective patterns of contaminant inside a fume hood, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 59 (1998) 303-312.

DOI: 10.1080/15428119891010550

[11] R. F. Huang, H. D. Chen, and C. H. Hung, Effects of Walk-by and Sash Movement on Contaminant Leakage of Air Curtain-Isolated Fume Hood, Industrial health. 45 (2007) 804-816.

DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.45.804