When a leading chemical manufacturer came to H.W. Coates with plans for small-batch sampling and testing of specialised chemical compounds, the challenge was clear: safely handle everything from harmless powders to highly corrosive substances under one roof. The answer? A ductless polypropylene solution, purpose-built to house their decanting equipment and support loads of up to 25 kg.
Project Name
Project Spectrum
Location
Cheshire
Sector
Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain
Client
H.W. Coates Ltd
Company Bio
Moving chemicals since 1971. H.W. Coates is the UK's number one chemical warehousing and transport company, where records are set, standards are raised, and dangerous goods are handled right.
About this case study:
Brief
H.W. Coates came to TION with a clear challenge: procure the right equipment to support an ambitious new in-house sampling process, driven by the demands of their biggest customer. The scope spans a wide range of materials, from benign milk powders to stronger organic compounds like ethyl hexanal, with large receptacles being decanted into smaller bottles at weights of up to 25 kg and running up to 12 times a day. With operator safety, precision and repeatability all on the line, getting it right was non-negotiable.
Solution
TION specified a 1200mm XL ductless polypropylene fume cupboard fitted with both HEPA and carbon filtration, purpose-built to handle the full spectrum of materials in scope, from benign powders to corrosive and inhalation-risk compounds like ethyl hexanal. The unit was configured with two internal sockets and pass-through ports to support precision scales and the wider decanting setup. Installed at H.W. Coates' Middlewich facility, the solution was delivered on time and ready to handle a demanding 12-cycle daily workload from day one.
Outcome
H.W. Coates now has a fully operational, safe and compliant sampling process at their Middlewich facility, giving their biggest customer confidence that every sample is handled with precision and care. Alongside the fume cupboard, H.W. Coates implemented their own dedicated sample storage and racking system, creating a streamlined workspace built around the process. The combined HEPA and carbon filtration ensures complete protection against particulate and chemical vapour exposure, going beyond a single-filter solution.
Summary
A new process, an exacting customer and a tight timeline. TION delivered a ductless polypropylene fume cupboard that gave H.W. Coates everything they needed to get up and running safely, quickly and compliantly. The combined HEPA and carbon filtration, dual sockets and pass-through ports ensured the solution was built around the process from the ground up. From specification through to installation at their Middlewich facility, it was a seamless end-to-end experience that set a strong foundation for a long-term relationship.
"TION’s service was exceptional from start to finish"
H.W. Coates
Facilities Maintenance Manager
Equipment Used In This Project
Ductless
Ductless Fume Cupboards
Specifically designed for low-volume chemical-based applications, our ductless fume cupboards are a mobile, energy-efficient alternative to fixed, ventilated models. Each cabinet is equipped with a variety of filters and comes in a range of sizes.
