Exhaust Snorkels & Lab Ventilation — Point-Source Extraction
Exhaust snorkels, extraction arms, portable extractors, and downdraft tables. Point-source ventilation for laboratories. Free design from Labs USA.
Talk with a lab furniture specialist · (801) 855-8560 · Sales@Labs-USA.com
Exhaust Snorkels & Lab Ventilation — Point-Source Extraction
Exhaust snorkels (also called extraction arms, fume arms, or snorkel exhausts) capture chemical vapors, fumes, and odors directly at the source — right where the work happens. Unlike fume hoods that enclose the work area, snorkels provide flexible, point-source ventilation that can be positioned exactly where needed and swung away when not in use.
Labs USA supplies ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, and portable exhaust systems for laboratories, veterinary clinics, pathology labs, industrial testing facilities, and educational institutions. All systems connect to building exhaust or include self-contained filtration.
Ventilation Types
Common Applications
- Histology & pathology labs — Formalin and xylene vapor capture at grossing stations and tissue processors
- Veterinary clinics — Anesthetic gas capture at surgery tables and induction chambers
- Soldering & electronics labs — Solder flux and rosin fume extraction
- Teaching labs — Flexible ventilation for multi-purpose chemistry benches
- Dental labs — Dust and vapor extraction from grinding, polishing, and casting
- 3D printing labs — Off-gassing capture from FDM, SLA, and resin printers
- Pharmaceutical weighing — Powder containment at weighing and dispensing stations
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an exhaust snorkel and a fume hood?
A fume hood encloses the work area and provides the highest level of containment. An exhaust snorkel is an open, flexible extraction arm that captures vapors at the source without enclosing the work. Snorkels are better for large items, flexible positioning, and tasks where enclosure isn’t practical. Fume hoods are better for high-hazard chemicals requiring maximum containment.
How much airflow does an exhaust snorkel need?
Typical lab snorkels operate at 100–300 CFM depending on the capture diameter (4″–8″) and the distance from the source. The general rule: the closer the snorkel to the source, the less airflow needed. Labs USA sizes exhaust systems based on your specific application and contaminant.
Do exhaust snorkels need ductwork?
Ceiling- and wall-mounted snorkels connect to building exhaust ductwork. Portable extractors are self-contained with carbon/HEPA filters — no ductwork needed. Labs USA evaluates your facility to recommend the best approach.
Need Point-Source Ventilation?
Free evaluation and system design. Call (801) 855-8560.