Airs AIH1803 Benchtop Ductless Fume Hood

Overview

The Airs AIH1803 Benchtop Ductless Fume Hood is an engineered containment solution designed specifically for the safe operation of analytical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and benchtop laboratory systems that emit low-to-moderate levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acidic vapors, or particulate aerosols. Unlike traditional ducted fume hoods requiring complex HVAC integration and structural penetrations, the AIH1803 employs a self-contained recirculating airflow architecture based on validated filtration physics—leveraging laminar inflow dynamics and dual-stage adsorption media to capture and retain hazardous vapors within the cabinet while returning conditioned air to the laboratory environment. Its fully steel construction ensures structural integrity under continuous operational loads, and its compact footprint (1800 × 750 × 1542 mm) enables seamless integration onto standard laboratory workbenches without compromising ergonomic access or spatial efficiency.

Key Features

• Fully ductless design eliminates dependency on building exhaust infrastructure, reducing installation time by up to 70% and avoiding associated civil engineering costs.
• Vertically sliding sash with optional lateral sliding functionality allows simultaneous vertical and horizontal access—optimized for loading/unloading large or irregularly shaped instruments such as HPLC systems, spectrophotometers, or automated immunoassay platforms.
• Dual-stage filtration system comprising high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-grade prefilter and chemically impregnated activated carbon bed, rated for >99.97% removal of particles ≥0.3 µm and >90% adsorption efficiency for common solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol, methanol, formaldehyde) at typical lab concentrations.
• Airs-Touch intelligent control panel provides real-time visualization of airflow velocity, filter saturation status, internal temperature, and relative humidity—data logged with timestamped audit trails compliant with GLP documentation requirements.
• Integrated LED illumination (≥500 lux at work surface) meets IEC 61000-4-11 lighting uniformity standards for visual task performance during extended instrument monitoring.
• Noise emission limited to ≤52 dB(A) at 1 m distance—validated per ISO 3744 acoustic testing protocol—ensuring compatibility with quiet-zone laboratories and adjacent office environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AIH1803 is validated for use with a broad spectrum of instrumentation emitting non-explosive, non-radioactive, and non-pyrophoric vapors—including but not limited to gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers (when operated below solvent flashpoint thresholds), PCR thermal cyclers, microplate readers, and clinical chemistry analyzers. It conforms to EN 14175-3:2022 for ductless fume hood performance classification and satisfies local occupational exposure limit (OEL) adherence when operated within specified airflow and filter service intervals. While not intended for perchloric acid or hydrogen fluoride applications, it supports ISO 15195:2018-compliant calibration verification protocols via built-in airflow sensor traceability to NIST-traceable anemometers.

Software & Data Management

The Airs-Touch interface supports firmware-upgradable embedded logic with configurable alarm thresholds (e.g., filter life warning at 85% saturation, airflow deviation >±10%). All operational parameters—including runtime hours, cumulative airflow volume, and environmental readings—are stored locally in non-volatile memory with export capability via USB-C or encrypted Wi-Fi. Optional cloud-enabled mobile application (iOS/Android) delivers push notifications for maintenance alerts, remote status checks, and historical trend analysis—functionally aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic record integrity when paired with user authentication and audit trail activation.

Applications

• Containment of VOC emissions from LC-MS autosamplers and solvent delivery modules in regulated pharmaceutical QC labs.
• Safe housing of benchtop X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers used in medical device material certification, mitigating ozone generation risks.
• Localized protection during calibration and maintenance of clinical hematology analyzers handling reagent-based lysing agents.
• Integration into modular cleanroom annexes where ducted exhaust would compromise pressure cascade integrity.
• Support of sustainability initiatives through energy recovery—recirculated air reduces HVAC heating/cooling load by ~30% compared to 100% once-through ventilation systems.

FAQ

What types of filters are used, and how often must they be replaced?
The AIH1803 utilizes a two-stage filtration module: a particulate prefilter (rated ISO Class 17, MERV 13 equivalent) and a chemically impregnated activated carbon filter. Replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and vapor profile; typical service intervals range from 6 to 12 months under standard analytical lab conditions. Filter saturation is continuously monitored and displayed on the Airs-Touch interface.
Can this unit be used for perchloric acid digestion?
No. The AIH1803 is explicitly excluded from applications involving perchloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, or other highly reactive oxidizers due to incompatible filter chemistry and lack of wash-down capability. Refer to EN 14175-7 Annex B for prohibited chemical classifications.
Is third-party certification available for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation purposes?
Yes. Airs provides factory-issued test reports verifying airflow uniformity, face velocity distribution, and containment efficacy per EN 14175-3 Annex D. Independent validation by accredited bodies (e.g., TÜV Rheinland, UL) can be arranged upon request for scope-specific conformity assessment.
Does the unit support integration with a laboratory building management system (BMS)?
Standard configuration includes Modbus RTU over RS-485 for basic status telemetry (on/off, fault, filter status). BACnet/IP or MQTT integration requires optional communication gateway module—contact Airs Technical Support for protocol mapping and commissioning documentation.