We are small college currently in the planning stages of a  lab renovation.  We are converting  from one large general chemistry lab  and one small organic lab  to a  new  large multi-purpose  chemistry lab( only 1 chem professor at our school).  We will mainly run 3 sections of gen. Chem , 1 section of organic  and 1 section of 100 level physical science per semester and those will be the courses taught  from the  new lab space.  My questions are:

 

1.       What is everyone’s experience with vertical sash versus combination  sash in fume hoods? From my experience the problem with the vertical sash is the student never places  the sash to the proper height( yes, even with clearly  marked height levels and explanation  of use) . Do the combination sash  with  lockable panels   help with the   miss use by student ?  Are there other problems associated  with combination  sash or vertical sash?

 

2.       What is everyone’s  experiences with high performance fume hoods  verse Bypass fume hoods? Our chemistry professor feel –“high performance, low velocity fume hoods do not seem to work as well in heavy duty organic labs where a lot of fumes are generated.” Of course, the school want  the energy efficiency of a high performance, but I want to recommend the best overall.  I have been told that   our chem professor’s   experience was  due  to improperly  maintained fume hoods(not balanced with room environment, HVAC etc.) and spillage caused these issues.  Please provide  me some advice   

 

Thank you

Andrea Voehringer

CHO

Bluefield State College