Laboratory ventilation: fume hood controller, airflow control and operator safety
In a chemical, pharmaceutical, academic or industrial environment, a high-performance fume hood does not rely only on its enclosure: it also depends on the quality of its controller, the accuracy of airflow regulation and the system ability to adapt to real activity.
Why laboratory ventilation is essential
In a laboratory, the fume hood protects the operator from emissions of gases, vapours, fumes or potentially hazardous particles. For this protection to be truly effective, it depends directly on the quality of laboratory ventilation and on maintaining a suitable face velocity at the sash opening.
Poorly regulated ventilation can lead to several consequences: increased user exposure, unstable airflow patterns, loss of containment and excessive energy consumption. Conversely, a well-controlled installation maintains a constant level of safety while optimising extracted airflow according to the real use of the fume hood.
This is precisely the value of a control and regulation system: it measures, adjusts, alerts and continuously improves the performance of the extraction workstation.
The role of a laboratory fume hood controller
A laboratory fume hood controller is used to manage the ventilation of an extraction workstation and secure its operation. Depending on the selected architecture, it can control face velocity, regulate airflow, manage visual and audible alarms, communicate with other devices and help reduce the energy consumption of the laboratory.
SmartFlow: intelligent control of fume hood ventilation
The SmartFlow solution was designed to improve the control and safety of laboratory fume hoods. It is intended for installations seeking precise control, better visibility of workstation performance and a more advanced approach to airflow regulation.
SmartFlow makes it easier to control extraction workstation behaviour while improving overall ventilation system operation.
SmartFlow is particularly relevant for laboratories wishing to strengthen operator safety, gain better workstation control and modernise an existing installation.
SEAT RX: duct airflow control solution
In many laboratories, ventilation performance does not depend solely on the fume hood itself, but also on network balance. This is where SEAT RX comes in, a solution dedicated to duct airflow control.
By acting directly on airflow management in ducts, SEAT RX helps stabilise system performance and improve consistency between several extraction workstations.
SEAT RX perfectly complements an overall safety and energy-efficiency strategy by providing a network-level response to fume hood control challenges.
Ventilation controllers for laboratory fume hoods
To meet the diversity of laboratory configurations, SEAT Ventilation offers a dedicated range of ventilation controllers for laboratory fume hoods.
Ecoglass: automatic fume hood sash closing after inactivity detection
The sash position directly affects extracted airflow and therefore the energy consumption of the fume hood. A movable front left open unnecessarily causes a lasting increase in extraction demand.
By automatically closing the movable sash when no activity is detected, Ecoglass improves control of extracted air and enhances overall energy performance.
Frequently asked questions
What is a laboratory fume hood controller…
What is a laboratory fume hood controller?+
A laboratory fume hood controller is a system used to manage the ventilation of an extraction workstation, monitor its operation and help protect operators.
Why must laboratory ventilation be regulated?+
Regulation allows airflow to be adapted to real demand, improves flow stability, enhances safety and reduces energy consumption.
What is duct airflow regulation used for?+
It is used to balance the ventilation network, stabilise airflow and improve overall system performance.
Why automate the closing of a fume hood?+
Automatic closing reduces energy losses linked to a sash left open when unused, while reinforcing safe operating habits.
Which page should I consult to choose a SEAT fume hood controller?+
You can directly consult the dedicated collection page for laboratory fume hood ventilation controllers on the SEAT Ventilation website.
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