Designed to complement research conducted by WMG University of Warwick, Total Containment Solutions (TCS) attached wet scrubbers to LEV arms to safely handle hydrofluoric acid and remain BS EN 14175 compliant.
As this research into recycling batteries is highly specialised, WMG decided to modify some existing laboratory space to meet the requirements of their research scientists. They asked suppliers to offer solutions for keeping users protected from dangerous gases and fumes.
“We chose to work with TCS because of their ability to meet our challenging fume cupboard specification and create a custom solution around the battery recycling industrialisation we are researching. Every detail was thought of, even at the point of installation and commissioning,” said Anwar Sattar, lead engineer, WMG.
The fume cupboards were specifically designed for the experiments researching recycling methods conducted by the WMG team. TCS adapted its standard ducted fume cupboard design to a hybrid version including filters. This accommodated the benchtop experiments being conducted where certain chemicals could not be exhausted to the atmosphere.
The chemistry experiments involved in WMG’s research often produce hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is especially hazardous to handle. The team required two wet scrubbed LEV arms to neutralise the HF before evacuating it to the atmosphere plus two standard LEV arms, as well as a filtered and ducted fume cupboard for additional user protection. An extra requirement was for a highly customised walk-in fume cupboard designed to fit around existing equipment.
Two LEV arms were wet scrubbed for handling experiments producing HF, whilst the other two were normally extracted. The scrubber system featured a fully automated dosing system that constantly measures and regulates the pH levels in the neutralisation solution. This avoids the need for manual dosing, creating a simpler process for users and ensuring more accurate and reliable experiments.
The scrubber system featured an auto dosing system and integrated pumped drain. The walk-in fume cupboard features recess drains in the side cheeks and a bunded sump with perforated trays at the bottom which can withstand weights of 200kg (440lb). The sash can be lowered all the way to the ground and the cupboard features a ramp to enable access for equipment on castors.
“We are pleased to now be supporting wider EV research with Professor Mark Amor-Segan, WMG, at the same campus, using wet scrubber systems in their destructive battery testing facility. This follows an increase in enquiries about similar projects in the sector, where our ability to adapt standard fume cupboard designs is much sought after,” said Gary Broomhead, commercial manager, TCS.
