Common Acid Digestion Chemicals Will Corrode Metals in the Laboratory
Acid digestion is one of the more common procedures performed in fume hoods that causes premature rusting and corrosion. All-metal fume hoods, standard in most labs, will rust over time and need to be replaced, but specialty labs working with acids to break down organic and inorganic materials often make the mistake of not using metal-free fume hoods. Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid are common in any digestion experimentation and analysis, all of which will immediately rust and corrode any exposed metal it touches, resulting in contamination to samples.
Metal-Free Fume Hoods are Designed to Resist Acids
LabAire Systems works with many different types of laboratories to help avoid the need to replace costly equipment prematurely, if ever. LabAire Systems standard fume hood - the LAS-1000 series, is made of 100% polypropylene, with no exposed metal, allowing it to withstand the harshest chemicals without compromising the hood structure or appearance. Examples of applications that use standard and custom sizes of the LAS-1000 for acid digestion applications include:
Geology labs analyzing rare elements
Biochemistry labs researching trace metals
Environmental departments operating large wastewater treatment facilities
Food safety agencies testing for poisonous elements such as mercury
Corrosion-resistant polypropylene construction
Kevlar® belted, counter-balanced sash
Full view clear polycarbonate sash resists corrosion and etching
Illuminated work area with sealed LED lighting
Simplify cleaning with removable rear exhaust baffle
Designed to meet SEFA 1-2010 standards
Tested to meet ANSI/ASHRAE 110 standards
Designed to protect laboratory personnel
Recommended Options for Acid Digestion Operations Include
Exhaust wash-down with drain trough
GFCI outlets
Remote control service valves
Teflon™ spray gun
Flexible vent kit for base cabinet
Airflow monitor
Lattice kit for complex glassware setups
Vented fume hood base cabinet
For applications requiring product protection, view our LAS-3000 Polypropylene Laminar Flow Fume Hood
We are committed to working with you and your lab planners to identify the best corrosion-resistant laboratory equipment solutions for your application. Call us at 877-410-4910 or email us at info@labairesystems.com to discuss your next project.