Let’s Dive into Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width
The Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width represents a crucial piece of equipment for any laboratory prioritizing safety and efficient ventilation. Manufactured by Labconco, this hood is designed to protect lab personnel from hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust. Its 1.8-meter width offers ample workspace, making it suitable for various applications.
My journey to discovering the Labconco Basic 70 Hood stemmed from a pressing need within our research facility. We were expanding our chemistry department and required a reliable, spacious, and safe ventilation solution for handling volatile chemicals. The existing fume hoods were outdated and insufficient for the increased workload and potential hazards.
Upon unboxing, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood immediately impressed me with its robust construction. The glacier white, epoxy-coated steel exterior exuded durability, and the tempered safety glass sash felt substantial and secure. While heavy, the unit’s weight (which requires professional installation) gave me confidence in its stability and long-term reliability.
Several fume hoods were considered, including models from competitors like Erlab and Thermo Fisher Scientific. However, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood stood out due to its combination of spaciousness, essential features (like the vapor-proof light and adjustable baffle), and the Labconco reputation for producing dependable laboratory equipment at a competitive price. The Labconco name alone held significant weight.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The unit seemed well-built and fit for purpose, but the true test would be its performance under demanding conditions. Installation required a skilled technician, which was expected, but after installation, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood offered a safer and more efficient workspace.
Real-World Testing: Putting Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width to the Test
First Use Experience
The Labconco Basic 70 Hood was first deployed in our organic chemistry lab, primarily used for synthesizing air-sensitive compounds and handling solvents like diethyl ether and dichloromethane. Testing occurred within a controlled laboratory environment under the supervision of experienced chemists. The initial setup involved connecting the hood to our existing ventilation system.
The hood’s performance was assessed under various conditions, including normal humidity (around 50%) and temperatures between 20-25°C. During a minor spill, the hood’s effective ventilation prevented fumes from escaping the workspace, underscoring its safety features. Minimal adjustments were required for sash height and baffle settings to achieve optimal airflow.
The Labconco Basic 70 Hood proved remarkably easy to use. The counterbalanced sash operated smoothly, and the interior lighting provided excellent visibility. There were no immediate issues, only a sense of enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of near-daily use, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood has proven to be a reliable and indispensable piece of equipment. Its performance has remained consistent, and the epoxy-coated steel exterior has shown no signs of corrosion or degradation despite exposure to various chemicals. Regular cleaning with mild detergents has kept the interior surfaces pristine.
Maintenance involves periodic checks of the ventilation system, sash mechanism, and light fixture. The removable front panel and air foil made accessing these components relatively straightforward. The hood has consistently outperformed our older models in terms of ventilation efficiency and user comfort.
Breaking Down the Features of Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width
Specifications
- Nominal Width: 1.8 meters (6 feet), providing a spacious work area for multiple users or large equipment setups.
- Exterior Dimensions: 177.8 cm (W) x 63.5 cm (D) x 134.6 cm (H) or 70″ x 25″ x 53″, allowing for installation in rooms with ceilings below 2.4m (8′).
- Construction: Glacier white, epoxy-coated 16-gauge steel interior and exterior, ensuring chemical resistance and durability.
- Sash: 0.5 cm (3/16″) thick tempered safety glass counterbalanced sash, providing both safety and ease of operation.
- Duct Collar: 25.4 cm (10″) diameter duct collar for connection to an external ventilation system.
- Electrical: 220V, 50Hz, conforming to standard laboratory electrical requirements.
- Light Fixture: Vapor-proof incandescent light fixture for enhanced visibility within the hood.
- Airflow: Max. Static Pressure Loss: 0.23 in. H2O at 100 FPM (1120 CFM), ensuring efficient removal of hazardous fumes.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the hood’s safety, efficiency, and usability. The epoxy-coated steel construction ensures chemical resistance, while the tempered safety glass sash provides a clear view of the work area and protects the user from potential splashes or explosions. The powerful airflow guarantees effective fume removal, and the ample width allows for comfortable operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Labconco Basic 70 Hood excels in its primary function: effectively containing and exhausting hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust. It maintains a consistent airflow across the work surface, preventing contaminants from escaping into the laboratory environment. Its design makes it a solid and reliable piece of equipment.
One notable strength is the adjustable two-piece baffle system, allowing users to fine-tune the airflow to optimize containment for different types of experiments. A potential area for improvement would be integrating an automatic airflow monitoring system for real-time feedback on ventilation performance. Despite this, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood consistently meets and exceeds expectations for safety and efficiency.
Design & Ergonomics
The Labconco Basic 70 Hood features a functional and ergonomic design. The glacier white finish provides a clean and professional appearance, while the counterbalanced sash allows for effortless height adjustment. The interior lighting is bright and evenly distributed, reducing eye strain during extended use.
The unit’s weight reflects its robust construction, but the overall design prioritizes ease of access and maintenance. While the hood lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, such as automatic sash control, its simplicity contributes to its reliability and ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from epoxy-coated steel and tempered safety glass, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood is built to withstand the rigors of a demanding laboratory environment. Regular cleaning and periodic inspection of the ventilation system are essential for maintaining optimal performance. With proper care, this hood should provide years of reliable service.
Replacement parts, such as light bulbs and sash cords, are readily available from Labconco and authorized distributors, simplifying maintenance and repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Labconco Basic 70 Hood comes standard with a vapor-proof incandescent light fixture, a removable front panel, a removable air foil, and a two-piece adjustable baffle. The right side fixture panel is factory-prepared to accept up to three service fixtures, one duplex electrical receptacle, and a Guardian air monitor. The right interior side wall is also factory-prepared for one wall-mounted cupsink with turret. The hood liner top is factory-prepared for two customer-supplied apparatus rods.
While the hood itself offers limited customization options, users can add accessories such as service fixtures (gas, water, vacuum), electrical receptacles, and airflow monitors. Labconco also offers various base cabinets and stands to complement the hood, allowing for a tailored workstation setup.
Pros and Cons of Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width
Pros
- Spacious Work Area: The 1.8-meter width provides ample room for multiple users or large equipment setups, enhancing productivity.
- Durable Construction: The epoxy-coated steel and tempered safety glass ensure long-lasting performance and resistance to chemical corrosion.
- Efficient Ventilation: The high airflow capacity effectively removes hazardous fumes, protecting lab personnel.
- Adjustable Baffle System: Allows users to optimize airflow for different types of experiments.
- Easy Maintenance: Removable panels and readily available replacement parts simplify maintenance and repair.
Cons
- Basic Feature Set: Lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, such as automatic sash control or integrated airflow monitoring.
- Requires Professional Installation: Due to its size and weight, professional installation is necessary.
Who Should Buy Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width?
The Labconco Basic 70 Hood is ideal for:
- Research laboratories needing a spacious and reliable fume hood for general chemistry applications.
- Educational institutions seeking a durable and safe ventilation solution for teaching labs.
- Industrial facilities requiring a robust and cost-effective fume hood for quality control or R&D.
This product may not be suitable for:
- Laboratories with extremely limited space, as the 1.8-meter width requires a significant footprint.
- Applications requiring highly specialized features, such as radioactive material handling.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Service fixtures (gas, water, vacuum) to customize the hood for specific experimental needs.
- An airflow monitor to provide real-time feedback on ventilation performance.
Conclusion on Labconco Basic 47 and Basic 70 Laboratory Hoods, Labconco 2246301 Basic 70 Hoods – 1.8 m (6″) Nominal Width
In summary, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood is a well-built, reliable, and efficient fume hood that provides excellent value for the money. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, its robust construction, spacious work area, and effective ventilation make it a solid choice for a wide range of laboratory applications. It is an investment in safety and efficiency that will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.
At a price of $13699.00, the Labconco Basic 70 Hood represents a justified investment for organizations prioritizing the safety and well-being of their personnel. Its durability and reliability ensure a long service life, minimizing the total cost of ownership.
I would personally recommend the Labconco Basic 70 Hood to any laboratory seeking a dependable and cost-effective ventilation solution. Don’t compromise on safety; invest in the Labconco Basic 70 Hood and ensure a safe and productive work environment for your team. Contact your Labconco distributor today and upgrade your lab with this exceptional fume hood!