Published on 27th March 2026
By Dr Andrew Manning CEng MIMechE
At Clean Air, we never stop asking how things can be better, even when they already work well.
Our latest innovation focuses on a specialist piece of lab safety equipment: the recirculating fume cupboard. Ideal when ducted extraction isn’t possible, such as in listed buildings, recirculating (or ductless) fume cabinets protect by drawing contaminated air through filters and returning it to the room. But while their flexibility is a major benefit, they require precise design and careful risk assessment to ensure safe, reliable operation.
That’s why our team recently turned the spotlight on the Clean Air recirculating model.
Small Redesign, Big Results
With subtle but effective engineering changes, we’ve improved airflow uniformity through the filter by 26.7%, without compromising containment. Why does this matter?
When airflow is uneven, some areas of a carbon filter may become saturated more quickly than others, reducing the overall effectiveness and putting users at risk. By refining airflow distribution, we help ensure that the entire filter surface is working as it should, maintaining protection across the cabinet.
Innovation Powered by CFD
To achieve this improvement, our engineers used advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools to test over 25 different designs digitally. This allowed us to optimise airflow and containment performance with no need for wasteful prototypes or harmful SF₆ gas.
It’s faster, cleaner, and smarter engineering, and a great example of how Clean Air combines scientific insight with sustainability.
The Bottom Line
Recirculating fume cabinets offer valuable flexibility, especially in challenging spaces. But they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. A proper risk assessment, correct filter choice, and high-performance design are all critical to keeping users safe.
With our redesigned model, Clean Air continues to lead the way in smart, sustainable safety solutions for modern labs.
Find out more about the updated recirculating fume cabinet standards here.
Want to know more about our recirculating range? Get in touch with our experts today.
Andy has a master’s degree in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University and a PhD from Northumbria University, graduating in 2022. He previously worked for the MoD in testing and inspection of HMS Queen Elizabeth during its construction and sea trials and was also an equipment specialist for chilled water and ventilation systems.
