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Frequently Asked Questions

Once the ASPS has opened the sash, what does the user have to do to adjust the height of the sash?

Nothing other than move the sash. The sash will move normally if the user wishes to adjust the sash position. There are no levers to move or buttons to push to allow the sash height to be adjusted.

Why is it that users like, or at least are not opposed to the New Tech ASPS?

From discussing with lab personnel the use of the hood once this device has been installed , we note two categories of response.

a) The operation of the hood sash does not have a negative impact on their work. This is possibly the most critical element of user acceptance. Once they are familiar with it, it just becomes the way the hood functions. If the installation of this device resulted in a negative impact on the work, the users would not accept it, and would go out of their way to make it not work.

b) They like the result. We often hear comments such as, "It doesn’t stink in here anymore." And "Its really quiet in here now." Possibly the most telling was a comment that said nothing specific, yet said everything. The user's comment was, "It's really cool."

Will the New Tech Automatic Sash Positioning System (ASPS) operate in concert with any Laboratory Variable Air Volume Control System?

Yes. The ASPS opens and closes the sash. The Lab VAV system will respond to keep the average face velocity constant irrespective of sash position. The method that the VAV system uses to control the face velocity is independent of the ASPS.

Can the New Tech ASPS be retrofit onto an existing chemical fume hood?

Yes, the ASPS can be installed as a retrofit on almost all vertical rising sash fume hoods. In some cases, minor modifications to the hood are required. Hood modifications are most common where the force required to operate the sash exceeds the acceptable range.

Can the ASPS be purchased for installation by the owner?

Conditionally - The manufacturer requires installers to be factory certified. Upon agreement, factory personnel will train owner personnel to install the devices at their facility. The decision to allow specific individuals to install these devices is at the sole discretion of New Tech.

What utilities are required?

The installation of an ASPS requires 20-25 PSI pneumatic air and a 120V receptacle.

Is a building pneumatic air system required to operate the ASPS?

No. While the pneumatic actuator works on air pressure, institutions that do not have house pneumatic air available typically utilize bottled compressed air to power the actuators. A tall bottle of Air or Nitrogen will typically last about 6 years on one hood.

If we supply building pneumatic air, how much air does the device require?

The ASPS consumes approximately 25 SCIM per actuation. People knowledgeable about pneumatics commonly say that this is a trivial amount of air.

If I purchase a single or small group of Automatic Sash Positioners, will I get a break on future purchases?

Yes. We are aware that, in retrofit applications, owners are reluctant to stop all work in their labs to install these devices on all hoods. Commonly groups of sash positioners are installed, followed by a delay, then another group, and so on. In response, New-Tech has implemented the Repeat Customer Discount Program.

Can the sash closer be installed on horizontal sliding sash hoods?

No. We have no solution for horizontal sashes. However, it may be possible to retrofit the hoods to vertical sliding sashes.

We have provided an acceptable answer to a client who insisted on horizontal sliding sashes. In that case, the choice was the use of a modified HOPEC hood. This hood has a typical veritical rising sash onto which the ASPS is installed. Completely independent of the vertical rising sash is a set of horizontal sliders located in front of the vertical rising sash. In operation, when the user approaches the hood, the vertical rising sash is raised to the full open position, and the user uses the hood as if it were a typical horizontal sliding sash hood. When the user leaves the hood face, the vertical sash closes.

Can the sash closer be installed on combination sash hoods?

Yes. However we cannot keep the horizontal portions of the sash closed unless we pin them together and close them permanently.

What happens when power is lost to the unit?

Previously our standard model, upon loss of electrical power the sash closed slowly. We have recently changed our standard offering to the situation where, on loss of power, the sash did not move. As there is no electrical power, the sash interference sensor is not functional. Our present standard model was an option previously.

Are there options available if we would like the device to operate slightly differently?

Yes. New Tech has developed numerous options in direct response to requests from owners. Below is a short list of options. If you would like to see something added to this list, please feel free to request it.

  • Close Only – In this configuration the user must manually open the sash, and the ASPS will close it after the preset time delay.
  • Hood Light Control – This option turns off the light in the fume hood once the user has left the hood face and a time delay is satisfied. The time delay is separate from the delay used to close the sash, and is commonly set to a much longer time period.
  • Sash Interference Audible Alarm – An audible alarm is included to alert the user that, while closing, the sash safety eye has noted something in the path of the sash.
  • Sash Interference BAS Alarm - A set of dry contacts is provided for attachement to your building automation system (BAS). The BAS receives a signal when sash interference is detected and takes whatever action that it is programmed to perform.
  • Two Height Selection – A selector is provided to set the height of the sash opening to one of two different heights. This might be half open or fully open, or it might be set dependent on the height of the hood user. We have actually provided as many as four selectable height settings on a hood.
  • Loss of Power – UPS Back up – A small UPS is provided to assure that the device will continue to function normally on loss of power. If there is any likelihood that the hood will be in use during this period, it is recommended that the power to the unit be on emergency power as well.

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