Six Key Elements to Consider in Laboratory Ventilation System Planning
1. Safety
Safety is paramount to protect both laboratory personnel and the surrounding environment. Different countries have detailed standards for laboratory safety, as it is a core purpose of laboratory design. For personnel safety, it is essential to accurately control airflow in various lab equipment, such as fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, articulated exhaust arms, and animal cages used in laboratory animal equipment. The goal is to ensure that toxic or hazardous gases generated during experiments do not escape and endanger personnel. For environmental safety around the lab, maintaining negative pressure in the lab typically achieves containment.
2. Pressure Control
Most biochemical laboratories require negative pressure to prevent toxic gases produced within the lab from contaminating adjacent office areas. This helps prevent cross-contamination.
3. Energy Efficiency
With the increasing focus on energy issues, energy conservation is now a priority for lab managers. Unlike typical commercial buildings that often operate with only 15% fresh air and function for 10 hours a day, five days a week, laboratories commonly operate with 100% fresh air, 24/7, leading to high energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce energy usage as much as possible without compromising safety.
4. Comfort
Ensuring an appropriate and stable temperature and humidity, as well as a consistent, odor-free airflow, creates a comfortable working environment for lab staff, enhancing work efficiency.
5. Ease of Maintenance
Overly complex systems often require frequent maintenance, which can be costly and involve complicated procedures. A well-designed control system should be as simple and reliable as possible, minimizing or eliminating the need for regular maintenance.
6. Flexibility for Future Modifications or Expansions
The control system design should consider future upgrades and expansions. This includes making it easy to update, reposition, or add equipment like fume hoods, as well as allowing for adjustments in laboratory pressure polarization.
