CaptiveAire’s ND-2 hood is a high-performance ventilation solution designed for commercial kitchens that require exceptional capture and containment of cooking vapors and grease. This article provides a detailed, user-focused guide based on official documentation and manufacturer specifications for the installation and integration of the ND-2 hood. It includes insights into the hood’s construction, performance features, available configurations, and the fully integrated package system offered by CaptiveAire.
Overview of the ND-2 Hood System
The ND-2 model is a Type I wall canopy hood suitable for use over cooking surfaces with temperatures ranging from 450°F to 700°F. It is ETL Listed and certified under multiple U.S. and Canadian safety standards, including UL710, ULC710, and ULC-S646. The hood is designed to provide superior exhaust flow rates and includes features such as a mechanical baffle and performance-enhancing lip for improved capture efficiency.
CaptiveAire offers the ND-2 hood as a standalone unit or as part of a fully integrated ventilation package, which includes an integral utility cabinet, pre-wired electrical controls, a listed fire suppression system, and optional components like exhaust fans, make-up air units, and factory-built ductwork. This pre-engineered approach ensures optimal system performance and compliance with safety and code requirements.
Installation Requirements and Procedures
Installation of the ND-2 hood must be performed in accordance with industry standards and local building codes. The following are key considerations and steps based on the provided documentation:
1. Hood Placement and Clearance
- Clearance to Combustibles: The hood is built with a standard 3-inch rear standoff to meet the requirements outlined in NFPA 96. This ensures sufficient clearance between the hood and combustible materials when installed in a wall application.
- Hanging Height and Leveling: The hood must be hung at the appropriate height to ensure effective capture of cooking vapors. It should be installed level and aligned with the cooking surface. Proper hanging height is critical for code compliance and operational efficiency.
- Ductwork Connections: Ductwork must be continuously welded and properly sealed to prevent leaks. Factory-built ductwork is available as an option for seamless integration.
2. Mounting and Structural Considerations
- Hanging Angles: Pre-punched hanging angles are provided on each end of the hood. Additional sets are included for hoods longer than 12 feet.
- Structural Channels: Hood includes structural channels on the top and wrapper channels on the bottom for added support and rigidity.
- Weight Reduction: The design incorporates rigid single-wall end panels to reduce overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
3. Electrical and Control Integration
- Factory Pre-Wired Lighting: The hood includes pre-wired incandescent lighting with tempered glass globes. The lighting is accessible from the bottom of the hood and is designed to illuminate the cooking surface.
- Control Options: Hoods can be equipped with modular utility cabinets and end standoffs. Optional listed light and fan control switches are flush-mounted and pre-wired through electrical chase ways.
- Fire Suppression System: The fully integrated package includes a listed fire suppression system, which is pre-engineered for immediate functionality and code compliance.
4. Ductwork and Exhaust System
- Grease Extraction: All hoods come standard with stainless steel baffle filters and a deep grease trough for easy cleaning. Optional Captrate Combo® and Captrate Solo® filters are available for enhanced grease capture.
- Grease Drain System: A removable 1/2 pint grease cup is included for convenient cleaning. Standard filter stops prevent gaps between filters.
- Self-Cleaning Option: An optional self-cleaning hood feature includes a spray bar that extends the full length of the hood behind the filters. This system allows for daily hot water spray cycles to clean the plenum and a portion of the duct.
5. Insulation and Heat Management
- Insulated Double-Wall Rigid Front: The ND-2 hood is constructed with an insulated, double-wall rigid front that reduces radiant heat transfer into the kitchen environment. This design also prevents condensation and enhances the hood’s ability to contain cooking vapors.
- Aerodynamic Design: The hood’s signature mechanical baffle and C-shaped capture area optimize airflow and capture efficiency. The baffle also serves as a built-in wiring chase for electrical outlets and controls.
Exhaust Flow and Performance Specifications
The ND-2 hood is designed to deliver high exhaust flow rates, making it suitable for a range of cooking applications:
- Exhaust Flow Rates: A 4-foot hood can operate at 150 CFM per foot, or 600 total CFM. Hoods are available in single or back-to-back configurations to accommodate different kitchen layouts.
- Capture and Containment: The hood’s aerodynamic design and mechanical baffle ensure excellent capture and containment of cooking vapors. This is particularly important for maintaining a safe and comfortable kitchen environment and complying with air quality regulations.
Optional Features and Accessories
CaptiveAire offers a variety of optional features and accessories to enhance the functionality and performance of the ND-2 hood:
- Make-Up Air Units: Up to 80% make-up air can be supplied through optional front and side plenums, depending on the configuration (ND-2 Series with PSP or AC-PSP Accessory).
- Exhaust Fans and Ductwork: Listed exhaust fans and factory-built ductwork are available for seamless integration into the ventilation system.
- Utility Cabinet and Controls: Modular utility cabinets and end standoffs provide a centralized location for electrical controls and system management.
- Material Options: The hood is fabricated from Type 430 stainless steel as standard, with Type 304 stainless steel available as an option for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
Construction and Durability
The ND-2 hood is built to withstand the demanding conditions of a commercial kitchen environment. Key construction features include:
- Polished Stainless Steel: The interior and exterior of the hood’s front are made of polished stainless steel, enhancing aesthetics and ease of cleaning.
- Fully Welded Corners: The front corners are fully welded and polished for a seamless, durable finish.
- Reduced Weight Design: The use of single-wall end panels reduces the overall weight of the hood without compromising structural integrity.
Compliance and Safety Standards
The ND-2 hood is certified and listed under multiple U.S. and Canadian safety standards:
- ETL Listing: The hood is ETL Listed under file number 3054804-001 and complies with UL710, ULC710, and ULC-S646 standards.
- NFPA 96 Compliance: The hood is designed and built in accordance with NFPA 96, which outlines the minimum requirements for the safe installation and operation of commercial kitchen exhaust systems.
Manufacturer Background and Package Integration
CaptiveAire is a leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems in the United States. With over 40 years of experience, the company is known for its commitment to quality, service, and competitive pricing. The ND-2 hood is part of CaptiveAire’s fully integrated ventilation package, which includes:
- Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS)
- Exhaust fans
- Electrical controls
- Direct-fired heaters
- Supply and grease-rated exhaust duct
- Fire suppression systems
- Grease filters
- Make-up air units
- High volume low speed (HVLS) fans
- Exhaust hoods
- Utility distribution systems
This integrated approach allows for a pre-engineered system that is optimized for performance, ease of installation, and long-term reliability.
Conclusion
The CaptiveAire ND-2 hood is a high-performance, ETL Listed ventilation solution designed for commercial kitchens that require effective capture and containment of cooking vapors. With its aerodynamic design, mechanical baffle, and optional self-cleaning system, the hood ensures efficient airflow and compliance with safety standards. When installed as part of a fully integrated package, the system includes pre-wired controls, a fire suppression system, and optional components such as make-up air units and exhaust fans.
Installation must be performed in accordance with industry standards and local codes, with particular attention to hood placement, clearance, and ductwork integration. The ND-2 hood is available in a variety of configurations and material options to meet the specific needs of different kitchen environments.