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LDS Sheet Metal Inc follows the Industry Resources (ACGHI) Industrial Ventilation Manual of Recommended Practices or Design standards for local and dilution exhaust systems. We offer comprehensive clean air solutions, ventilation services, and sheet metal fabrication products and services. Let us put our more than 90 years of combined experience to work for. We are licensed and insured and all our work is warrantied. Call (313) 986-1242.

Local Exhaust vs. Dilution Exhaust

Local Exhaust Ventilation

A local exhaust system is a “source capture” ventilation system comprised of four basic elements:

1. Air cleaning device
2. Fan
3. Duct system (including exhaust duct, discharge stack, and/or recirculation duct)
4. Capture hood

A local exhaust system is typically the best option for source capture.

Advantages

• Dirty air is filtered and returned recirculated back into the space.
• Does not affect building pressure.
• Harmful contaminants are captured directly at the source.
• Protects the operator's breathing zone.
• Minimizes fugitive dust and contaminants.

Disadvantages

• Higher up-front cost
• Filter consumption cost

General Dilution Ventilation

Dilution ventilation is not as satisfactory for health and safety control as a local exhaust system. Dilution ventilation systems usually handle large volumes of air by means of low-pressure exhaust and supply fans. An adequate quantity of air must be provided if the system is to perform satisfactorily.

Advantages

• Fans can be used to remove stagnant air and provide air changes in large spaces.
• Fans can be used to balance building pressure.
• Fans can be used to control indoor atmospheric conditions in hot industrial environments.
• Lower initial cost of ownership than a local exhaust system.

Disadvantages

• Exhausts large amounts of heat and or air conditioning from a building which greatly increases energy costs.
• Potentially exhaust contaminants into the atmosphere.
• Not to be used as the sole source for ventilation of contaminants.

Design Criteria Considerations

• (ROI) return on investment
• Functionality
• Efficiency
• Filter life expectancy
• Controls