Laboratory Exhaust Snorkel

A laboratory extraction arm is a source-capture ventilation device designed to capture fumes, vapors, gases, particulates and other airborne contaminants directly where they are generated. Laboratory extraction arms, also called lab fume arms or laboratory exhaust arms, are commonly used in schools, research laboratories, industrial laboratories and other controlled work environments.

Laboratory extraction arms are used to capture contaminants generated during laboratory processes such as chemical handling, solvent use, testing, mixing, heating, soldering and other procedures that produce fumes or vapors. The appropriate arm material, hood, airflow and ventilation system should be selected based on the specific chemicals and contaminants being handled.

A laboratory extraction arm provides localized source capture at a specific work area, while a traditional laboratory fume hood encloses a larger workspace and captures contaminants within the hood. Extraction arms are useful when the process is mobile, the work area is too large for a traditional hood or localized capture is preferred. They can also provide additional capture at specific laboratory workstations.

Yes, laboratory extraction arms can be used for many applications involving chemical fumes and vapors when the arm construction, hood, airflow and ventilation system are properly selected for the specific contaminant. Chemical compatibility should always be evaluated before selecting an extraction arm, particularly when corrosive or aggressive chemicals are involved.

Yes. IAP offers laboratory extraction arms with polypropylene tube construction and polypropylene hoods. Polypropylene is commonly selected for laboratory environments because of its resistance to many chemicals and corrosive substances. IAP offers both clear and white polypropylene hood options.

IAP laboratory extraction arms feature polypropylene tubing and polypropylene components throughout the airflow path, with aluminum mounting brackets and 304 stainless steel hardware. Using polypropylene for the arm tubing provides chemical resistance for many laboratory applications where exposure to fumes and vapors is a concern. Chemical compatibility should always be confirmed for the specific substances used in the application.

IAP laboratory extraction arms are available in 3-inch and 4-inch diameters. The standard laboratory snorkel arms are 5 feet long and are available in both wall-mount and ceiling-mount configurations. Typical airflow ranges are approximately 90–150 CFM for the 3-inch arm and 175–270 CFM for the 4-inch arm.

The best mounting style depends on the laboratory layout and the location of the work area. Wall-mounted laboratory extraction arms are useful when a suitable wall or vertical structure is available near the workstation. Ceiling-mounted arms can provide greater flexibility when wall space is limited or when the extraction arm needs to approach the workstation from above.

The required airflow depends on the arm diameter, hood design, contaminant being captured, capture distance and laboratory process. IAP's 3-inch laboratory arms typically operate in the 90–150 CFM range, while 4-inch arms typically operate in the 175–270 CFM range. The hood should be positioned as close as practical to the source to maximize capture effectiveness.

Yes. Laboratory extraction arms can be connected to an appropriately designed exhaust or ventilation system. The fan, ductwork, airflow and system resistance should be properly sized for the number of extraction arms operating simultaneously. IAP can help determine the appropriate arm configuration and airflow requirements based on the application.