Butler University
Gallahue Hall Science Building Renovation
INDUSTRY
Educational Institution
LOCATION
Indianapolis, IN
PRODUCT
Filtered Fume Hoods
(30) Green Solution Hoods by Air Master Systems featuring Erlab’s GreenFumeHood filtration technology.
(12) Erlab Captair 392 Ductless Filtering Fume Hoods
(2) Erlab CaptairStore Filtering Storage Cabinets.
(1) Erlab HALO Laboratory Air Filtration System
PROCESS
Fume Hoods and air filtration products featuring Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Technology providing the most advanced air filtration technology in the world along with:
Safety
Savings
Sustainability
Innovation
Flexibility
Performance
“ERLAB EQUIPMENT PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN SAFETY AND INDOOR AIR PURIFICATION
APPLICATION AREA:
Overall Air Filtration and Filtering Fume Hood Applications for Educational Facilities
Butler University, a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is ranked #1 in midwest colleges by US News. The university offers impressive academic majors, with their chemistry and organic chemistry labs located at Gallahue Hall. Here students learn about the role chemistry plays in the synthesis of drugs and other molecules, as well as ways to measure water quality, how chemistry interacts with biology, and environmental science.
With the growing demand for laboratory usage, the existing HVAC system was inadequate to handle the air change required thus causing overwhelming noxious odors. This created tremendous air quality issues, forcing Butler to make a decision; either upgrade the HVAC system, which would have been a significant investment and not financially feasible, or look into alternative solutions that would be both cost effective, and, most importantly, safe.
Through detailed analysis of their options and a recommendation from BSA Life Structures to look into filtered fume hood options, it became clear that only filtration would provide a logical solution. Additionally this choice would allow for adding hoods, increasing safety in the lab, and provide flexibility for changes and future growth with no added HVAC infrastructure.
THE CHALLENGE
For Erlab and the BSA engineers it was critical to fully understand chemical handling requirements within the hoods in order to provide an optimum so-lution. Critical to a successful outcome was determining a configuration that would allow maximum filter life while maintaining the stringent safety standards. It is especially challenging in an academic environment where changing curriculum requirements need to be anticipated in order to provide a solution that is flexible and adaptable for future needs. Erlab, sharing over 50 years of field expertise, worked with the teaching staff and EHS, as well as facility maintenance staff, to fully understand and bring the project to fruition.
THE SOLUTION
Butler’s fume hoods are utilized for a wide variety of applications that include pouring, transferring and refluxing procedures. To fully meet the chemistry labs needs, Erlab initially furnished (30) Green Fume Hoods that utilized its advanced filtration technology. Based on the success of the first installation, Butler decided to install (12) additional Erlab’s Captair filtered fume hoods for its rotary evaporators.
To further enhance student safety in the lab, Butler decided to leverage Erlab’s full ecosystem and added (2) Erlab Captair filtering storage cabinets and Erlab’s HALO whole room air filtration system in the synthesis lab. The Halo specifically addressed an issue of
emissions, which were generated from their solvent recovery system. All upgrades were achieved without adding any additional HVAC. The cost of the renovation project was decreased by 10% and the annual operating cost was reduced by $51,000 per year. In addition to these significant savings, Erlab was able to improve upon the safety of the faculty and students, by
providing:
- Increased safety through filtration, detection and communication
- Increased hood capacity
- Balanced rooms (proper pressurization)
- Improved indoor air quality
Filtering Fume Hoods
Safer to operate
• The configurable filtering system above the enclosure can be adapted to filter gases, solvents, powders and particulates
keeping the user and the lab protected by safely and efficiently recirculating air within the room and releasing purified air
back into the room free of any toxic hazardous vapors or odors.
• Meets AFNOR NFX 15 211/ANSI Z9.5-2012 filtration efficiency standard (classes 1 and 2).
• New sensors are added for detection of solvents or acids or formaldehyde.
• New electronic anemometer monitors face velocity.
• ESP Program: Usage certification delivered with each unit after approval of your handlings or process by our in-house lab.
Green Fume Hood 3
The most advanced air filtration technology in the world.
Green Fume Hood Technology is the ONLY integrated filtration technology available and has been adopted by the world’s leading fume hood manufacturers. Unparalleled safety is delivered with the most advanced filtration, detection, and communication capabilities. With the marriage of Green Fume Hood Technology and our partners’ fume hood superstructures, you now have the best of both worlds when it comes to your fume hood needs. A traditional fume hood design without the need for costly HVAC upgrades and enormous operational cost. It’s time to make a change and be a part of the solution that is our energy and pollution crisis.
HALO Air Purification Systems
The most advanced air filtration technology in the world.
HALO delivers clean air solutions for the most challenging of applications. From laboratories with high concentration loads of chemical emissions to schools with high-occupancy densities for virus mitigation. Whatever the challenge, HALO delivers solutions with proven results. Indoor air quality improvements made easy, without costly HVAC upgrades and high energy loads. A completely independent and self-sustainable system, but with permanent infrastructure improvement, the HALO is the ONLY air purifier of its kind.
THE RESULT
After 5 years of continuous operation, the results are in and expectations were surpassed.
Operational impacts:
• 42% increase in student enrollment in the chemistry program
• $50,000+ annual operating cost savings.
• Filters lasted a full 5 years, 25% longer than expected.
• Improved IAQ and safety.
• Annual operating costs for each 6-foot hood is just $1,065, including periodic acid detector replacement.
Construction savings:
• $66,000 net construction cost savings (10% reduction).
• 3-month (27%) reduction in project timeline.
“We have used the filtered fum hoods since 2010 in our teaching laboratories and have been very pleased with their performance. We have been able to manage routine maintenance on the hoods internally. Because of our experiences with the filtered fume hoods, we have also added several benchtop enclosures for rotary evaporators in our teaching and in our research labs.”
S. O’Reilly – Professor of Chemistry and Biochemtry / Butler University
ABOUT ERLAB
We provide safety, we protect your health
Erlab invented the ductless fume hood in 1968. With more than 50 years of experience in the field of chemical filtration and protection of laboratory personnel; we know the formula for safety. With Erlab, you will never have to wonder or worry if our products are safe. Our process includes 5 ingredients for all of our products, and without all of them, your health and safety will be compromised.
ERLAB R&D LABORATORY
The engineers and chemists in our state-of-the-art R&D laboratory understand molecular filtration. We are committed to designing products that are safe and of the highest quality, strive to improve our products, and continuously develop new products that provide greater protection in the laboratory.
STRICT SAFETY STANDARDS
We hold ourselves to the highest standard and adhere to the strict AFNOR NF X 15-211: 2009 filtration safety standard as endorsed by ANSI Z9.5-2012.
A PUBLISHED CHEMICAL LISTING
It all begins here. Without this listing, we are not compliant with AFNOR NFX 15-211. Our in-house laboratory tests, as well as independent testing, to verify the retention capacity of over 700 chemicals for our filters.
INDEPENDENT TESTING
Erlab filters have been independently tested multiple times at various concentrations guaranteeing that our safety solutions all adhere to the strict performance criteria of theAFNOR NF X 15-211:2009 standard assuring that the emission concentration at the filter exhaust will always be lower than 1% of the TLV.
APPLICATION QUESTIONNAIRE (VALIQUEST)
Our laboratory specialists will recommend the appropriate filtration fume hood, type of filter, and personalized advice.
CERTIFICATE OF VALIDATION FOR THE CHEMICALS USED IN THE HOOD
A certified PhD chemist issues a Certificate of Validation with a list of the chemicals approved for use in the hood.
Our Safety Program
We back up our products 100%. This program includes your specialized chemical evaluation, validation of your hood upon installation, and a filtration safety specialist at your service to ensure that your hood is operating to its full potential.
