Impact of Source Position and Obstructions on Fume Hood Releases

A fume hood is the most central piece of safety equipment available to researchers in a laboratory environment. While it is understood that the face velocity and sash height can drastically influence airflow patterns, few specific recommendations can be given to the researcher to guide them to maximize the safety of their particular hood. This stems from the issue that fundamentally little is known regarding how obstructions within the hood can push potentially harmful particles or chemicals out of the fume hood and into the breathing zone. In this work, we demonstrate how the position of a typical nanoparticle synthesis setup, including a Schlenk line and stir plate on an adjustable stand, influences airflow in a constant velocity fume hood. Using a combination of smoke evolution experiments and the aid of computational fluid dynamics simulations, we show how the location and height of the reaction components impact airflow. This work offers a highly visual display intended especially for new or inexperienced fume hood users. Based upon our studies and simulations, we provide detailed guidance to researchers and lab technicians on how to optimally modify reaction placement in order to protect the breathing zone while working.