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Publication Number
US-8628388-B2
Publication Date
2014-01-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
A laboratory bench-top fume hood comprises an enclosure containing a working chamber with a frontal opening for manual access and airflow into the chamber. A plenum behind the working chamber is connectable to an air extraction system. An apertured, curved baffle plate separates the working chamber from the plenum, and is convex from the plenum side, improving airflow and increasing usable volume of the working chamber. Slots in the baffle plate may be fitted with guide vanes extending into the plenum. A slot adjacent a roof of the working chamber is effective for creating evenly-distributed air flows. The roof may be curved to encourage an airflow to follow the roof profile to the baffle plate. Sidewalls of the working chamber may bow outwardly but converge towards the opening. The baffle plate may comprise a set of separately dismountable panels, to aid cleaning and provide access to the plenum.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a bench-top laboratory containment system in which a working chamber has a frontal access opening for manual access to an item of scientific apparatus received in the working chamber and for ingress of air. A plenum chamber is mounted to the rear of the working chamber and includes an exhaust opening connectable to an air extraction system. The working chamber and plenum chamber are divided by an apertured baffle that allows ingress of air from the working chamber into the plenum chamber, while defining a plurality of apertures.
The apertured baffle extends convexly into the plenum chamber and is curved in both a horizontal and a vertical direction so that it has a dish profile. The airflow is further controlled by an elongate top aperture near the roof and, in some embodiments, optional guiding vanes associated with baffle apertures or slots. The roof is configured in a profiled form, including an arched roof to promote smooth upper airflow.
Alternative embodiments include sectional removable baffle panels for cleaning or access to the plenum and outwardly bowed sidewalls that converge toward the opening to reduce required air-handling volume. The disclosure identifies benefits relative to conventional flat-baffle enclosures, including reduced pressure variations, reduced stagnant and recirculation regions near the roof, improved uniformity when equipment is present, and easier cleaning.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim, with multiple dependent claims refining the enclosure geometry and airflow features. The independent claim covers an apertured baffle enclosure with a curved convex dish-profile baffle, a rear plenum connected to an air extraction system, manual front access, and guiding vanes for airflow direction.
Bench-top enclosure with front access working chamber and rear plenum exhaust
An enclosure mountable on a laboratory bench with a working chamber having an opening to the front allowing manual access and ingress of air, and a plenum chamber mounted to the rear comprising an exhaust opening connectable to an air extraction system.
Apertured curved baffle dividing working chamber from plenum
An apertured baffle extends within the enclosure to divide the working chamber from the plenum chamber, is configured to allow ingress of air from the working chamber into the plenum chamber, and defines a plurality of apertures.
Convex dish-profile baffle curved in horizontal and vertical directions
The apertured baffle extends convexly into the plenum chamber and is curved in both a horizontal and a vertical direction such that the apertured baffle has a dish profile.
Guiding vane for airflow direction
The apertured baffle is provided with at least one guiding vane configured to guide a direction of airflow.
Overall, the claims coverage centers on a bench-mounted enclosure that uses a rear plenum connected to an air extraction system and a curved convex apertured baffle with a dish profile to partition airflow between the working chamber and plenum, optionally further controlled by guiding vanes.
Stated Advantages
Reduced pressure variations.
Reduced stagnant and recirculating flow regions near the roof.
Improved uniformity when equipment is present.
Easier cleaning.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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