AirLite Desktop Protective Hood by Environmental Express

Overview

The AirLite Desktop Protective Hood is an engineered containment solution designed for low-risk chemical handling, sample preparation, and open-vessel digestion procedures in analytical and environmental laboratories. Unlike traditional fume hoods requiring dedicated ductwork or high-energy consumption, the AirLite operates as a recirculating/ducted hybrid system: ambient air is drawn through a certified H14 HEPA filter (efficiency ≥99.995% at 0.3 µm per EN 1822), conditioned within the enclosure, and either recirculated or exhausted via connection to existing building ventilation infrastructure. Its core function is not vapor capture but particulate and aerosol containment—making it particularly suitable for acid digestion workflows (e.g., EPA Method 3050B, 3051A), gravimetric analysis, filter drying, and low-volatility reagent handling where operator exposure to fine particulates and condensable vapors must be minimized without full fume hood certification.

Key Features

• HEPA-Filtered Internal Airflow: Maintains ISO Class 5 (formerly Class 100) clean-air conditions inside the work area—critical for reducing background contamination during trace metal digestion and ICP-MS sample prep.
• Dual-Mode Exhaust Integration: Configurable for either hard-ducted exhaust (to central lab HVAC) or recirculation with optional carbon pre-filter (not included), supporting flexible installation in space-constrained or renovation-sensitive labs.
• Full-Visibility PETG Enclosure: 6-mm optically clear, static-dissipative polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) panels provide unobstructed process monitoring while resisting acid splashes and UV degradation—validated per ASTM D1709 for impact resistance.
• 180° Front Access Door: Gas-spring assisted, fully articulating front sash enables unrestricted access to tall digestion blocks, hot plates, or multi-vessel manifolds without compromising containment integrity.
• Modular Removable Base Tray: Stainless steel base plate with integrated drip channels slides out for rapid residue removal and decontamination—compatible with standard lab autoclave cycles (up to 134°C).
• Low-Noise, High-Efficiency Blower: PVC-coated centrifugal fan delivers stable 117 CFM airflow at ≤52 dBA, meeting ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110 noise benchmarks for benchtop equipment in shared laboratory spaces.
• Service-Optimized HEPA Replacement: Snap-in HEPA cartridge design allows field replacement in under five minutes without tools, gaskets, or calibration recalibration—supporting uninterrupted workflow in GLP-regulated environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AirLite accommodates standard digestion vessels (including EPA-approved Teflon®-lined PFA vials, quartz crucibles, and borosilicate glassware) up to 30 cm in height. Its footprint (61 × 46 × 56 cm H) fits seamlessly on standard 76-cm-high lab benches. While not rated for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or high-hazard chemicals (per NFPA 45), it complies with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 requirements for “low-hazard” operations when used with appropriate procedural controls. Documentation includes CE marking per EU Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) and conformity to IEC 61000-6-3 EMC emission standards. Filter performance data is traceable to independent third-party testing per ISO 14644-3 and EN 1822-3.

Software & Data Management

The AirLite is a standalone mechanical system with no embedded electronics or software interface. However, its design supports integration into lab-wide environmental monitoring networks: optional analog 4–20 mA airflow sensors (sold separately) can feed real-time blower status to BMS platforms. All maintenance actions—including HEPA replacement dates, fan runtime hours, and visual inspection logs—are documented using the manufacturer-provided GLP-compliant logbook template, aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit-trail expectations for manual recordkeeping systems.

Applications

• EPA-compliant microwave and hot-block acid digestions (e.g., soils, sediments, biological tissues)
• Gravimetric ashing and filter drying under particle-controlled conditions
• Preparation of calibration standards for trace elemental analysis (ICP-OES, ICP-MS)
• Handling of hygroscopic or oxidation-sensitive samples (e.g., rare earth oxides, nanomaterials)
• Low-risk solvent evaporation steps in LC-MS sample cleanup workflows
• Class 5 clean-bench supplementation in ISO-certified analytical suites

FAQ

Does the AirLite meet ASHRAE 110 fume hood performance criteria?
No—it is not classified as a chemical fume hood and does not undergo ASHRAE 110 face velocity or tracer gas containment testing. It is intended for particulate and low-vapor-pressure aerosol control only.
Can the HEPA filter be sterilized or reused?
No. The H14 HEPA cartridge is single-use and must be replaced per manufacturer schedule (typically every 6–12 months depending on usage intensity) or after visible loading or pressure drop exceeding 250 Pa.
Is electrical certification available for international installations?
Yes—UL 61010-1 listing is provided for North America; CE + UKCA declarations are supplied for EEA/UK markets. Custom voltage configurations (230 V / 50 Hz) are available upon order.
What maintenance documentation is included?
Each unit ships with a validation-ready package: filter test report (EN 1822), dimensional drawings, material safety data for PETG and stainless components, and a GLP-aligned maintenance log template.