What Is a Ductless Fume Hood?
A ductless fume hood, also known as a filtering chemical fume hood, is a laboratory workstation designed to protect the user from chemical hazards.
Like a ducted fume hood, it generates an upward airflow. However, instead of exhausting air outside via the HVAC system, a ductless fume hood uses an internal fan to draw air through carbon filters.
These carbon filters contain activated charcoal with chemical coatings. The coatings capture chemical vapors through adsorption, a process based on molecular attraction.
Different filter coatings are available for various chemical families, including solvents, acids, bases, ammonia, formaldehyde, and others.
Analis is a distributor of Erlab.
Erlab is the inventor of ductless fume hood technology and the current market leader in this field.
Advantages of a Ductless Fume Hood
- Environmental Protection: Ductless fume hoods capture chemical vapors at the source and allow them to be treated as chemical waste, instead of releasing them into the atmosphere via exhaust systems.
- Energy Efficiency: Laboratory air is conditioned—heated in winter and cooled in summer—at a high energy cost. A ducted fume hood continuously exhausts this conditioned air, resulting in significant energy losses, often amounting to thousands of euros per year. A ductless fume hood only consumes electricity for the fan and electronics, typically around €100 per year, making it far more energy efficient.
- Simplified Installation: Installing a ductless fume hood is limited to assembly and validation. By contrast, a ducted fume hood requires HVAC integration, increasing cost and complexity.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Ducted fume hoods are limited by the capacity of the HVAC system. Once this limit is reached, major HVAC upgrades are required.Ductless fume hoods have no such limitation and can be easily relocated. Moving them only requires revalidation, not HVAC reconnection.
- Use with Powder Chemicals: Powders are problematic in ducted systems, as particles can accumulate in HVAC ducting. Ductless fume hoods can be equipped with HEPA filters below the carbon filters, capturing powder particles efficiently. When only powders are handled, carbon filters may not be required. In this case, the cabinet may be used as a powder weighing station or balance enclosure, especially when fitted with a Trespa work surface or marble table.
- Weighing Applications: Ducted fume hoods are affected by external airflow variations, leading to pressure fluctuations that can impact weighing accuracy. Ductless fume hoods offer a much more stable airflow, making them better suited for precision weighing applications. For more info: read the application note weighing in a ductless fume hood.
Disadvantages of a Ductless Fume Hood
- Limited vapor capture rate: Carbon filters cannot handle very high evaporation rates. Approximately 70% of applications are suitable.
- Detailed risk assessment required: A thorough assessment determines suitability, sensor configuration, filter selection, and filter lifetime.
- Recurring filter replacement: Carbon filters must be replaced once saturated or at end-of-life. In practice, filter costs are usually much lower than the energy losses associated with ducted hoods.
Is a ductless fume hood safe?
When a proper risk assessment is performed, a ductless fume hood is at least as safe as a ducted fume hood.
Manufacturers apply safety margins when evaluating chemical capture. If chemicals are underestimated, filters may saturate earlier.
In such cases:
- A sensor alerts the user when the first filter layer is saturated.
- A backup filter layer provides sufficient time for safe replacement.
Any change in application requires contacting the distributor to update the risk assessment, adjust configuration, and recalculate filter lifetime.
Performance is verified according to NFX 15-211:2009, with tests performed during installation and annual maintenance.
Information Required for a Risk Assessment
To perform a proper risk assessment, the following information is required:
- Application details: how chemicals are used, evaporation surface, process temperature
- Chemical identification: chemical names or CAS numbers
- Chemical concentration
- Duration of each manipulation
- Frequency of use
Complete your risk assessment here
Maximize Energy Efficiency and Reduce Costs
A study (*) conducted by the Center for Energy Efficient Laboratories highlights that ducted fume hoods are the largest energy consumers in laboratories.
The report analyzes laboratory equipment energy usage in California and clearly identifies ducted fume hoods as a major contributor to energy consumption.
(*) For more detailed insights, refer to the Market Assessment of Energy Efficiency Opportunities in Laboratories (2015) by My Green Lab, (market assessment available here).
Download the study report
Once ducted fume hoods are identified as the most energy-intensive laboratory equipment, it becomes clear that reducing or replacing them offers the greatest potential for energy savings. Transitioning to ductless fume hood systems can therefore generate a significant impact on overall energy consumption, both at laboratory and national levels.
Captair ductless filtering fume hoods product overview
Our products
ERLAB
Captair Smart 321 Ductless Fume Hood 0,8m
Reference :
ERL-AA606B00011A21
The Erlab captair Smart 321 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Oblong type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 780x620 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1110-1285 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 65W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed or mobile bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
ERLAB
Captair 391 Smart Ductless Fume Hood 1m
Reference :
ERL-AA616B00011A21
The Erlab captair Smart 491 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Oblong type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 1005x620 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1110-1285 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 65W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed or mobile bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
ERLAB
Captair 392 Smart Ductless Fume Hood 1m
Reference :
ERL-AA636B00014A21
The Erlab captair Smart 392 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Reverso type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 1005x749 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1340-1515 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 105W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
ERLAB
Captair 481 Smart Ductless Fume Hood 1m20
Reference :
ERL-AA626B00011A21
The Erlab captair Smart 481 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Oblong type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 1260x620 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1110-1285 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 65W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed or mobile bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
ERLAB
Captair 483 Smart Ductless Fume Hood 1m20
Reference :
ERL-AA646B00014A21
The Erlab captair Smart 483 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Reverso type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 1280x749 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1340-1515 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 160W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
ERLAB
Captair 633 Smart Ductless Fume Hood 1m60
Reference :
ERL-AA656B00014A21
The Erlab captair Smart 633 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Reverso type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 1604x749 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1340-1515 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 160W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
ERLAB
Captair 714 Smart Ductless Fume Hood 1m80
Reference :
ERL-AA666B00014A21
The Erlab captair Smart 714 is a ductless filtration fume hood designed to protect the user by filtering hazardous vapors produced by your samples. It is quiet, easy to use and fully customizable to your exact needs and laboratory application.
Features:
- Reverso type opening
- Cut costs of installation, maintenance and operation with a ductless fume hood
- With Erlab’s unrivalled SMART technology you can work with complete confidence that you are fully protected from the hazardous fumes and particles produced from your laboratory applications
- Simple communication by clear sound and light pulses indicate varied information including faults, run time, air face velocity, filter saturation, ventilation settings, fan failure, etc.
- Overall dimensions (WxD) 1805x749 mm. Height is dependent on filter configuration and can be 1340-1515 mm.
- Corrosion resistant, electro-galvanized steel coated with an anti-acid polymer
- The eGuard App is available for remote control monitoring of the hood, changing the settings, and delivering safety alerts immediately to your devices (mobile phone, tablet and PC)
- One filtering column that can be configured to handle liquids, powders or both
- Continuous monitoring of air face velocity
- 220W
Options:
- Three different work surface options with built in spill tray (Trespa/phenolic resin, 304L stainless steel or tempered glass)
- Can be supplied with a fixed bench or you have the option to use your own bench
- The Molecode detection sensor can be supplied in three types (acid, solvents and formaldehyde)
- By providing us with your chemical handlings, we can calculate what type of activated carbon or HEPA filters you require and initiate a filter rotation schedule to ensure full protection for years to come
- Safety filter in case of main filter saturation
- Available with a number of tap options (nitrogen, hot water, cold water, vacuum, natural gas, compressed air, distilled water, un-ionized water, methane, etc.)
- Transparent back panel
- Internal 240V electrical socket
- Waste port
- Sink (30x15 cm), location to be indicated by customer
- Analis exclusive warranty and service contract available to include annual visits and replacement filters
Power supply:
- Standard 230V
Safety Standards
- AFNOR NF X 15-211:2009: France - BS 7989: England, DIN 12 927:Germany - EN 1822:1998 (HEPA H14 & ULPA U17 Filters) - CE Marking
