RFC Series Recirculating Fume Cabinets

Description
RFC Series fume cabinets can be installed on a standard laboratory bench, or on an optional floor stand or trolley. Inward air velocity is maintained at > 0.5 m/s ±20%. In most applications, filtered exhaust air may be discharged to the room. This avoids the air supply system problems that arise with ducted cabinets. In special cases, where the nature or concentration of the contaminant indicates, the cabinet exhaust may be connected to an exhaust fan/duct system that discharges to atmosphere. RFC cabinets are produced in two (2) sizes, with 900 or 1200 mm nominal work zone width.

Air exhausted from the top of the cabinet is filtered by a two-stage filtration system. A prefilter protects the final filter system from particulates > 5µm. The final activated carbon filter incorporates carbon granules with a selected chemical impregnation to optimise the arrestance of specific vapours. Specific impregnations are available for the handling of a wide range of contaminants. The contaminants include:

Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde

Alkaline odours

Ammonia and amines

Inorganic acids and acidic odours

H2S and mercaptans

HCN

Cabinets are designed for benchtop use and supplied with a stainless-steel work. When supplied without the work tray, the cabinet may be installed over a sink or an item of equipment. RFC cabinets can be supplied with a special trolley or stand which allows a separate trolley to be wheeled into the containment enclosure. The mobility of trolley-mounted RFC cabinets is a significant advantage in hospitals or large research institutions, where materials such as glutaraldehyde are handled at multiple locations. These applications include endoscope sterilisation.

Applications and limitations
RFC Series cabinets have been developed to protect laboratory staff and the environment from toxic vapours, gases, fumes and particles. Cabinets are designed to comply with the Australian Standard AS2243.9, Recirculating Fume Cabinets.

N.B: Specifiers and intending users should see AS2243.9, Clause 1.2 which sets out the intended applications and limitations of these cabinets. 

Construction

Cabinet
Constructed in electro-galvanised steel, etch-primed and finished in a special, stove-baked enamel that has been developed for laboratory equipment. The work zone is constructed in Grade 304 stainless steel.  A removable, washable anodised-aluminium screen is fitted in front of the prefilter at the rear of the work zone.

Fan
A direct drive motor/blower is regulated by a variable speed controller to enable airflows to be maintained through filter life.

Activated carbon filters
Special adsorption filters developed  for the capture of a wide range of vapours.
Filters employ coconut shell carbons with a highly-developed internal surface area and with a non-crystalline structure produced by controlled oxidation of coconut shells.  The cellulosic structure determines the efficiency of the adsorptive media. Chemical impregnation of the carbon produces a chemical reaction similar to an oxidation process when the contaminant is adsorbed. This process extends filter life as the surface of the catalyst will not be covered by molecules trapped on it, thus enabling the process to be repeated. These filters will operate effectively in environments with temperature up to 700C, and with relative humidity up to 80%. 

Prefilters
An easily-accessed, washable polyester prefilter arrests not less than 90% of particulates > 5µm, thus prolonging carbon filter life. A warning light in the control panel signals the need for prefilter service.

Electrical
Cabinets operate on single-phase 240V, 50 Hz power via a 10A outlet. A low voltage touch control panel with function status indicated by LEDs is located on the front of the cabinet. Glare-free fluorescent lamps provide a minimum lighting intensity of 800 lux at the work surface.

Quality Assurance and Control 
Clyde-Apac laminar flow and HEPA filter products are manufactured in Australia under an accredited Quality Management system. Please refer to our Standards page. 

Physical data 

Standard features

Stainless steel work zone

Low voltage touch controls

Prefilter service indicator

Glare-free fluorescent lighting

Quiet, low-vibration operation 

Options

Floor stand

Trolley

Hourmeter

Carbon filter impregnations for specific contaminants

'Wheel-in' configuration for endoscope trolleys 

On-site testing
RFC Series cabinets are factory-tested by a NATA-registered laboratory. 
Additional testing and certification is recommended as follows:

On site prior to use.

After any electrical or mechanical maintenance.

After filter replacement.

After re-location.

At least annually.

In special circumstances, e.g. if faulty cabinet operation is suspected.

AES Environmental is a NATA-registered laboratory and provides comprehensive on-site maintenance, testing and certification services for safety cabinets, laminar flow work stations, cleanrooms and HEPA filter installations. This service is available from fully-equipped laboratories in major Australian centres.