I’ve just returned from China, where I had the opportunity to experience the groundbreaking Sunway Digital Fume Hood firsthand. This is, without a doubt, the most advanced fume hood I’ve seen in my 40+ years in the industry. The Sunway team has made the leap from analog to digital, integrating a host of new features that bring intelligence and self-awareness to the hood. It's not just a fume hood anymore—it’s a smart hood.
We’re so excited about this development that we’re installing one in our demo lab. Starting next year, we’ll be launching a brand-new series of weekly newsletters dedicated to exploring these innovations. Keep an eye out in December for an opportunity to sign up and be part of this journey.
To give you some context, the evolution of fume hoods reminds me of the transformation of cell phones. Just like the launch of the first iPhone changed the world of mobile communication, I believe this digital fume hood is a game-changer for laboratory safety. But you might be asking yourself: *Why is all this innovation coming from Asia?
The answer is simple. While the Western world operates under long-established regulations—ASHRAE 110 has been around since 1985—Asia is approaching fume hood development with a fresh perspective. With fewer regulatory constraints, China and India have been free to explore radical innovations. China’s 500+ fume hood manufacturers operated in an almost ‘Wild West’ environment for years, allowing rapid experimentation and improvement. As a result, a handful of leading companies have emerged, driving impressive advancements.
Now, as China establishes national standards, it’s not just catching up—it’s leapfrogging over the West. Over the next decade, I believe we’ll see the same kind of impact on the global market that the iPhone had on mobile tech.
If this topic sparks your interest, stay tuned for our upcoming newsletters and get ready to sign up. I rarely get this impressed, but this innovation has left a mark.
In 2025, our workshops will feature a hands-on demo of the smart hood. If you’d like to see, touch, and experience it yourself, reserve your spot today at www.fumehood.academy
Let’s embrace the future together!
Warmest regards from the entire Fume Hood Certified Team,
Chip Albright
Founder and President
Fume Hood Certified, LLC.
PO Box 71477
Phoenix, AZ 85050.
Email: Chip@fumehoodcertified.com