Abstract:

Laboratory exhaust systems are too often treated as standalone mechanical components during the design process. In reality, within critical environments, they serve a much broader purpose. An effective exhaust strategy must protect occupants, safeguard laboratory processes, prevent re-entrainment at outdoor air intakes, minimize impacts on neighboring buildings, and preserve the long-term reputation of the facility. At the same time, laboratory exhaust systems are frequently among the largest energy consumers in a building, making energy efficiency a critical design consideration.

This presentation examines sustainable laboratory exhaust design through a technical and practical lens, exploring applicable standards, guidelines, and industry best practices. It will highlight the key design challenges associated with critical laboratory exhaust systems and discuss the performance criteria engineers should evaluate when developing an exhaust strategy.

We will also explore how factors such as roof geometry, wind conditions, nearby air intakes, screen walls, turndown operation, and receptor locations can significantly influence the optimal solution from one project to the next. Rather than focusing solely on airflow rates, static pressure, or fan selection, the discussion encourages design teams to evaluate exhaust system performance across the entire site and throughout the full range of operating conditions.

The presentation will compare engineered high-plume exhaust systems, traditional upblast fans, taller stack configurations, and hybrid approaches. Particular emphasis will be placed on right-sizing equipment, VAV operation, intelligent controls, redundancy, maintainability, lifecycle cost, and overall value.

Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how to ask better design questions, avoid unnecessary airflow and fan horsepower, reduce the risk of exhaust re-entrainment, and select laboratory exhaust solutions that support both safety and sustainability throughout the life of the facility.

Learning Objectives:

Describe how site conditions can affect the selection of laboratory exhaust strategies.
Compare common laboratory exhaust system approaches and their applications.
Identify opportunities to improve safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency in laboratory exhaust design.
Apply performance-based thinking to reduce re-entrainment risk and optimize long-term system value.

Sponsored By: Strobic Air

Strobic Air is a leading provider of high-performance laboratory and critical-environment exhaust systems, delivering energy-efficient, low-noise solutions that help reduce energy consumption, operating costs, and environmental impact. With decades of experience in critical airflow applications, Strobic Air is a trusted partner to engineers, architects, and facility owners seeking reliable exhaust solutions that prioritize safety, performance, sustainability, and long-term value.