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Animal Laboratory Ventilation & Exhaust Treatment Systems

Created on 02.05
The ventilation and exhaust gas treatment system of an animal laboratory is a critical component for ensuring environmental safety, experimental data reliability, and personnel health. To meet the specific requirements of animal holding rooms, operating rooms, and necropsy rooms, independent exhaust systems combined with high-efficiency filtration and exhaust treatment technologies must be established to ensure emissions comply with biosafety standards.
Laboratory storage room with rows of shelves holding yellow containers.

I. Design and Implementation of Independent Exhaust Systems

Animal holding rooms, operating rooms, and necropsy rooms should be equipped with completely independent exhaust duct systems to prevent cross-contamination:
  • Directional airflow control: Maintain negative pressure to ensure airflow moves from clean areas to contaminated areas
  • Zoned pressure gradients: Set pressure differentials according to the biosafety risk level of each area to prevent pollutant migration
  • Precise air velocity control:
    • Animal holding rooms: 0.15–0.25 m/s
    • Operating rooms and necropsy rooms: Adjusted according to operational and procedural requirements

II. Application Standards for High-Efficiency Filtration Technologies

1. Multi-Stage Filtration Configuration

  • Pre-filters (G4): Capture large particles and protect downstream filters
  • Medium-efficiency filters (F8): Remove medium-sized particulates
  • High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters (H13/H14):Filtration efficiency of 99.97%–99.995% for 0.3 μm particles

2. Filter Installation Requirements

  • Use fully sealed mounting frames to ensure zero leakage
  • Install differential pressure monitoring devices for real-time filter condition monitoring
  • Provide scanning leak test ports to facilitate routine integrity testing

III. Technical Requirements for Exhaust Gas Treatment Units

Given the unique exhaust compositions generated in animal laboratories, multi-stage treatment processes should be applied:

1. Chemical Filtration Units

  • Acidic gas treatment: Neutralization using alkaline media
  • Ammonia removal: Dedicated acidic media filtration systems
  • VOCs treatment: Activated carbon adsorption or catalytic oxidation technologies

2. Biosafety Filtration and Inactivation

  • High-efficiency inactivation of aerosols potentially containing pathogenic microorganisms
  • Combined use of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection units and HEPA filtration
  • Thermal inactivation systems for high-containment biosafety laboratories

IV. Technical Performance Indicators for Biosafety-Compliant Emissions

1. Emission Concentration Limits

  • Particulate matter: ≤ 20 mg/m³
  • Ammonia: ≤ 10 ppm
  • Hydrogen sulfide: ≤ 5 ppm
  • Microbial aerosols: No viable pathogens detectable after treatment

2. System Monitoring and Validation

  • Real-time monitoring of exhaust system differential pressure, air velocity, temperature, and humidity
  • Periodic testing of filtration efficiency and system airtightness
  • Comprehensive validation at least once per year, including smoke testing and airflow visualization

V. Key Points for System Operation and Management

  • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for filter replacement
  • Develop emergency response plans, including procedures for system failure
  • Maintain complete records of system operation data, maintenance activities, and inspection reports
  • Implement professional training and competency assessment programs for operating personnel

Conclusion

The scientific design, standardized implementation, and rigorous management of ventilation and exhaust gas treatment systems are fundamental to ensuring biosafety, environmental protection, and research quality in animal laboratories. By integrating independent exhaust systems, high-efficiency filtration devices, and advanced exhaust treatment technologies—while continuously meeting biosafety emission requirements—animal laboratories can effectively control contamination risks and provide a safe and reliable environment for scientific research.
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