When it comes to safe ductless fume hood operation, the selection of high quality, tested components, including carbon filters, is vital. Since carbon filters protect personnel from contaminated, toxic air by trapping the molecules of specific chemical types choosing carbon filters that are designed to capture these harmful elements yields the greatest level of operator protection. Purchasing these carbon filters from a reputable, specialized manufacturer guarantees filter quality and delivers the most reliable results. Although maintaining a regular filter replacement schedule is necessary for laboratory safety, the benefits are also dependent upon initial filter quality.
Carbon filters used in ductless fume hoods must adhere to strict manufacturing processes that maintain the highest quality and level of safety. Proper filter design ensures even carbon distribution with internal baggies to prevent carbon from shifting which can result in undesired channeling or spot saturation. This would decrease the effectiveness and longevity of the filter. Additionally, cheap replacement filters can jeopardize personnel safety since these filters are often made with inferior carbon packaging or common charcoal not chemically prepared to trap harmful chemical vapors.
High quality Filtco Filters manufactured by Air Science® are fabricated with enhanced, activated carbon granule formulations from specifically selected, naturally occurring raw material superior to wood or other organic sources. Filtco carbon is treated to attain proper porosity and aggregate surface area and to react with several ranges of aerosolized chemicals that move through the filter. Our carbon filters are pressure-packed and heat sealed to prevent moisture infiltration and prevent channeling or movement of the carbon. Pressure packing guarantees that the treated carbon is free of voids so that air being exhausted is fully exposed to carbon and free of dangerous contaminants when it exits the cabinet. Additionally, a compartmentalized filter housing ensures that the carbon remains packed and apportioned once the filter is sealed so that the contaminated air is evenly passed through the carbon granule surface area. Read more in our Carbon Filtration White Paper.
Frequency of replacement carbon filter quality and subsequent filter performance depends upon a number of factors, including temperature, humidity, residence time, filter age, evaporation rate and chemical concentration. All of these conditions may affect the effectiveness of the filter. Learn the details in our Filter Integrity EBook.
