Not every fume-generating process needs a full fume hood. When you need localized extraction at a specific spot on your bench — for soldering, light chemistry, specimen processing, or laser cutting — an exhaust snorkel provides flexible, point-source fume capture without the cost and space requirements of a fume hood.
Exhaust snorkels (also called snorkel arms, fume extractors, or bench-top extraction arms) are articulating ductwork arms mounted above or beside workstations. They position a capture hood directly at the fume source and connect to the building’s exhaust system.
How Exhaust Snorkels Work
An exhaust snorkel consists of:
- Capture hood: A funnel-shaped inlet that draws in contaminated air from the work area
- Articulating arm: A jointed, flexible arm that allows the capture hood to be positioned in any direction
- Exhaust connection: Connects to ductwork leading to the building’s exhaust fan
The researcher positions the capture hood close to the fume source — ideally within 6–12 inches — and the exhaust system draws contaminated air away through the ductwork.
Types of Exhaust Snorkels
Standard (Original) Snorkels
Made from chrome-plated or powder-coated steel. Suitable for general-purpose fume extraction where chemical exposure is light — soldering, dust collection, odor removal.
Chemical-Resistant Snorkels
Constructed from polypropylene or other chemical-resistant plastics. Required when extracting corrosive acid fumes, solvent vapors, or any chemical that would damage standard steel construction. Essential for chemistry and pharmaceutical labs.
ESD-Safe Snorkels
Made from conductive materials that prevent static buildup. Required in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor labs, and environments with flammable or explosive atmospheres.
Read our detailed comparison: Chemical Resistant vs ESD vs Original Exhaust Snorkels
CFM Requirements
The right airflow (CFM) depends on the application and capture distance:
| Application | Recommended CFM | Max Capture Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Soldering | 50–75 CFM | 6–8″ |
| Light chemistry | 75–150 CFM | 8–12″ |
| Moderate chemistry | 150–250 CFM | 10–15″ |
| Heavy fume generation | 250–400+ CFM | 12–18″ |
For detailed CFM calculations, read our Exhaust Snorkel CFM Guide.
Installation Options
- Ceiling-mounted: The most common configuration. Arm drops down from ceiling-mounted ductwork.
- Wall-mounted: For labs where ceiling mounting isn’t practical.
- Bench-mounted: Clamps directly to the workstation. Good for retrofits and portable setups.
- Floor-standing: Mobile units with casters. No permanent installation needed.
Exhaust Snorkel vs. Fume Hood
| Factor | Exhaust Snorkel | Fume Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $500–$3,000 | $3,000–$25,000 |
| Space required | Minimal (ceiling/wall mount) | 4–8 feet of bench space |
| Protection level | Localized capture only | Full enclosure containment |
| Flexibility | Repositionable to any bench location | Fixed location |
| Best for | Point-source, intermittent fumes | Continuous chemical work |
Important: Exhaust snorkels are NOT a replacement for fume hoods when full containment is required. They’re supplemental extraction for light-duty or intermittent fume sources. For heavy chemical work, always use a chemistry fume hood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an exhaust snorkel cost?
Standard snorkels: $500–$1,200. Chemical-resistant: $800–$2,000. ESD-safe: $700–$1,500. Installation (ductwork connection) adds $500–$2,000 depending on complexity.
Do exhaust snorkels need ductwork?
Yes, for proper fume exhaust. The snorkel arm connects to ductwork routed to the building’s exhaust system. Some applications use carbon-filtered ductless units, but these are limited to specific chemicals.
How far can a snorkel reach?
Standard snorkel arms reach 3–5 feet from the mounting point. The articulating joints allow full 360° positioning within that radius. Longer arms are available for wider coverage.
Shop Exhaust Snorkels
We stock standard, chemical-resistant, and ESD-safe exhaust snorkels from Nederman and other leading manufacturers. Ships fast from our Utah warehouse.
Request a snorkel quote → or call (801) 999-8277.
