Basic Documentation

Page 6 of 10 Siemens Industry, Inc.
Document No. 149- 980
6. Government Research
Government research laboratories include federally
funded or federally sponsored research facilities.
These labs tend to be very large facilities and often
employ high level scientific personnel who conduct
advanced research on space, defense, medical,
biological, and in nuclear related areas. The fume
hood sizes can vary widely and some may be quite
large or of a special design. The time and usage
pattern of the labs can vary extensively.
Because of these widely varying usage patterns
coupled with government mandates to minimize
energy usage, these applications are very well
suited for VAV type systems. An LAF 2-Position
system may also be applicable, but only if the
researchers can be expected to follow a rigid fume
hood safety regimen. A life cycle analysis may be
needed to substantiate the most appropriate system.
7. Small/Mid-Sized Commercial and
Industrial Firms
Generally, small firms use laboratories for quality
control testing. Larger firms also do substantial
quality control testing, but are more likely to also
engage in product development experimentation and
research.
Quality control laboratories normally conduct routine
testing on a set daily schedule. If there are several
such laboratory rooms, a CAV 2-Position system or
a LAF system may be most appropriate. VAV
systems are well suited for research or product
development activities and provide the best return
when fume hood sashes can be kept closed for
extended periods. If the research work is very
intensive, a LAF 2-Position type of system may be
the most advantageous.
8. Large Commercial and Industrial
Firms
Large business enterprises can have many
laboratories and, in some instances, several
laboratory buildings. Activities vary from routine
quality control testing to a good deal of product
development and advanced research activities.
Such facilities are well suited for LAF 2-Position
systems or VAV systems depending upon the extent
of the work hazard. LAF systems may be applicable
for more routine type of laboratory operations.
However, more sophisticated control and monitoring
systems associated with VAV allow greater
operational flexibility along with automated data
storage, which can be highly desirable for higher
hazard laboratories.
Table 2
provides a summary of the potential benefits and
limitations of different laboratory ventilation systems.