LEV Design
HOW WE CAN HELP WITH LEV DESIGN
Efficient & Bespoke Local Exhaust Ventilation Design
If you are looking for fume extraction system design, you will likely already understand the importance of quality LEV design when it comes to keeping your workplace safe.
Why is Bespoke LEV Design Important?
LEV is not a one size fits all. Many factors need to be taken into account when it comes to LEV system design, environmental and operational factors will have a major impact on the required attributes of your LEV system.
THE MAIN FACTORS OUR BESPOKE LEV DESIGN TAKES INTO ACCOUNT
Each commercial ventilation system we design is as individual as our clients. Our approach focuses on engineering solutions rather than product-led quotations, allowing each system to be tailored to the workplace and the contaminants being controlled. Some of the factors we need to take into account are:
Size of work area
The properties of the hazardous material requiring control
The volume of the hazardous material
How the operators work
Does the solution cover the entire process
Are there any potential explosive risks
Why Choose Vent-Tech for LEV Design?
Our comprehensive vehicle exhaust extraction system design service starts with a detailed site survey
We use the very latest measuring equipment to create a precise 3D scan of your premises. This allows us to create a bespoke solution that not only protects your employees but also takes into account the exact nature of your workplace and how you work.
We call on over 20 years of experience in the business to meticulously work on a LEV design that fits your needs and is aligned with HSG 258 standards, ensuring workplace health and safety by mitigating airborne contaminants.
All our engineers are BOHS certified, and our expert team is led by industry thought leader Adrian Sims. Adrian is one of only a handful people in the UK to hold the prestigious Certificate of Competence in Control (another 2 of the holders work at Vent-Tech). This gives you the confidence that our advice will keep you and your staff safe and your business legal.
LEV Design Report
After the design visit, we will get to work on creating a LEV design report and computerised models of the work area. As part of our design documents, we will provide you with:
3D Design drawing showing:
Hoods, type, and size.
Ductwork, route, and size.
Discharge stack (if required), size and height.
Fan and filter (if required) location.
LEV Design file, containing:
Analysis of hazardous substance and control options required.
Capture velocities at source of fumes.
Face velocities of hoods.
Transport velocities within ducting.
Discharge velocity at stack termination.
Fan duty and pressures.
Fan and filter (if required) specifications.
THE LEV DESIGN REPORT
The LEV design report confirms compliance with COSHH, DSEAR, Noise at Work and HSG258 guidance.
Within the report, we will also provide our costs for the supply and installation of the LEV system. However, the LEV design is yours and can be used to send to tender knowing that you will be getting accurate like-for-like quotes and full COSHH compliance in the specifications. Should you decide to use our installation services, then we will credit the design fee from your final invoice.
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PLUME DISPERSAL CONSIDERATIONS IN LEV DESIGN
THE Importance of Plume Dispersal in LEV Design
When an LEV system extracts hazardous dust, fumes, vapours, or chemical contaminants from a process, the contaminated air is typically discharged externally through a discharge stack.
A discharge stack is designed to release extracted air safely into the atmosphere. However, factors such as stack height, discharge velocity, surrounding buildings, and weather conditions can all influence how contaminants behave once they leave the system.
Plume dispersal analysis is the process of modelling how discharged air disperses into the atmosphere under real environmental and meteorological conditions. This helps identify whether contaminants will disperse safely or whether there is a risk of recirculation back into the workplace, nearby buildings, or neighbouring areas.
As part of our LEV design service, Vent-Tech can provide plume dispersal analysis using ADMS (Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System) software where required. This allows discharge stack arrangements to be assessed during the design stage to help support safe and compliant LEV system performance.
Plume dispersal analysis can be particularly beneficial for:
- Sites operating under Environment Agency or local authority permit conditions.
- Dense industrial or urban environments where recirculation may be a concern.
- LEV systems handling hazardous dusts, fumes, vapours, or chemical contaminants.
- Projects where discharge stack height and discharge velocity need to be validated as part of the LEV design process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is bespoke LEV design important?
Every workplace process generates contaminants differently. Factors such as the type of hazardous substance, operator movement, process layout, airflow requirements, and environmental conditions all influence how an LEV system should be designed. A bespoke LEV design helps ensure contaminants are captured effectively and controlled safely.
What is included within an LEV design report?
An LEV design report typically includes system calculations, hood specifications, ductwork sizing and routing, airflow requirements, fan duties, discharge velocities, and discharge stack recommendations where required. It also provides documented guidance to support COSHH compliance and future installation works.
Why is discharge stack design important in LEV systems?
The discharge stack is responsible for safely releasing extracted air into the atmosphere. Incorrect stack height, poor discharge velocity, or unsuitable positioning can increase the risk of contaminants recirculating back into the building or nearby areas.
What is plume dispersal analysis?
Plume dispersal analysis is the process of modelling how discharged air behaves once it leaves an LEV discharge stack. Using Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling software, the assessment helps identify whether contaminants will disperse safely under real environmental and meteorological conditions.
Can Vent-Tech design LEV systems for hazardous dusts and fumes?
Yes. Our LEV design service covers systems intended to control a wide range of hazardous airborne contaminants, including dusts, welding fumes, vapours, chemical emissions, and other process-generated substances.
Get in Touch Today to Find Out More About LEV System Design
If getting your LEV system design done right is important to you, talk to us to find out how we can help. Our team can explain in more detail what we cover, how we can cater to additional requirements, how the costings work, and answer any other questions that you may have.
To find out how we can help you, please call the team on 0117 964 7945 or fill out our contact form below and we will get back to you shortly.
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