Advanced Ducted Fume Cupboards for High-Performance Laboratories

Containment systems that work effectively in real operating conditions are a must for laboratories that work with hazardous chemicals, volatile vapours, and reactive substances. Ducted fume cupboards reduce the risk of exposure to contaminants and protect people, processes, and facilities by safely venting the contaminated air outside the laboratory. Kewaunee designs and delivers containment systems that first and foremost take safety and regulatory compliance into account as well as operational stability for long-term use.

Kewaunee does not consider fume hoods as a separate requirement but rather integrates them to the overall laboratory infrastructure which makes the containment requirement central. This way, the performance is uniform, the airflow is controlled, and the protection is trustworthy throughout the daily lab activities.

Why Ducted Containment Is Critical in Modern Laboratories

Laboratories are dynamic spaces where conditions change constantly. Equipment movement, user activity, and varying chemical loads all influence containment performance.

Ducted fume cupboards are specifically designed to manage these challenges by exhausting contaminated air directly outside the building through a controlled ducting system.

Key advantages include:

Complete removal of hazardous fumes from the workspace
Reduced risk of chemical re-circulation
Reliable containment for high-risk applications
Improved safety for laboratory personnel

This makes ducted systems especially suitable for laboratories working with toxic, corrosive, or unpredictable substances.

Engineering That Supports Safety Without Compromise

Containment effectiveness depends on how well airflow behaves during real use. Kewaunee engineers every system to maintain stable containment even when sash positions change or users move around the opening.

Engineering features include:

Optimised airflow patterns to minimise turbulence
Consistent face velocity across operating ranges
Rigid frame construction for low vibration and noise
Smooth sash operation for controlled access

These design elements help maintain containment performance while creating a comfortable and focused working environment.

Designed for Compliance-Driven Laboratory Environments

Laboratories operating in regulated industries must meet strict safety and performance benchmarks. Kewaunee designs containment systems to align with internationally recognised testing and safety standards.

Compliance considerations include:

ASHRAE testing protocols for containment performance
Design validation under simulated working conditions

By embedding compliance into the design stage, Kewaunee helps laboratories reduce audit risks and maintain long-term regulatory confidence.

Configurations That Reflect Real Laboratory Workflows

Laboratory processes vary widely, and containment systems must adapt accordingly. Kewaunee offers multiple configurations to match application-specific needs while maintaining consistent safety performance.

Available configurations support:

Routine bench-level chemical procedures
Tall apparatus and distillation setups
Large equipment and container handling
Specialised applications involving acids or radioactive materials

Across all configurations, ducted fume cupboards are designed to integrate seamlessly with laboratory furniture, services, and exhaust infrastructure.

Material Selection Based on Application Demands

Material performance directly affects containment durability and ease of maintenance. Kewaunee offers a range of interior linings and structural materials selected to suit different laboratory environments.

Material options include:

Epoxy-based liners for chemical resistance
Fiberglass-reinforced materials for durability
Stainless steel for cleanability and strength
Phenolic surfaces for balanced performance

Each material choice is guided by exposure conditions, cleaning requirements, and expected lifecycle performance.

System-Level Integration for Reliable Performance

Containment effectiveness depends on more than the hood itself. Exhaust fans, duct routing, and room air balance all influence real-world performance.

Kewaunee addresses these factors early in the project lifecycle to ensure correct coordination and installation.

Integration planning includes:

Exhaust airflow calculations
Duct routing and pressure management
Coordination with building systems
Performance validation after installation

This holistic approach ensures ducted fume cupboards perform as intended from the first day of use.

Serving Diverse Laboratory Sectors

Kewaunee containment solutions support a wide range of laboratory environments, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical research, academic laboratories, healthcare facilities, and industrial R&D centres.

Each sector brings unique safety expectations and operational demands. By understanding these differences, Kewaunee delivers solutions aligned with real laboratory workflows rather than generic designs.

Conclusion

Effective containment is fundamental to laboratory safety and productivity. Through proven engineering, compliance-driven design, and system-level integration, ducted fume cupboards from Kewaunee deliver dependable protection in demanding laboratory environments. Built to support real-world workflows and long-term use, these systems help laboratories maintain safety, efficiency, and regulatory confidence well into the future.