Laminar Flow Hoods
Laminar Flow Hoods, also known as clean benches, are used in laboratories, healthcare facilities, and other controlled environments to create a sterile and particle-free work area.
These hoods provide a continuous flow of filtered air to maintain a clean environment for various applications, such as handling sterile materials, working with sensitive samples, or conducting experiments that require a controlled environment.
Laminar Flow Hoods can be classified as either vertical or horizontal based on the direction of airflow within the hood (See the airflow diagrams below:
1. Vertical Laminar Flow Hood
In a vertical laminar flow hood, the airflow is directed vertically from the top of the hood to the work surface. The filtered air passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter located at the top of the hood and then flows downward toward the operator and the work area. This airflow pattern helps maintain a sterile working environment and prevents contaminants from entering the work area.
Vertical laminar flow hoods are commonly used for applications that require a high level of protection for the samples or materials being handled. They provide an added level of protection by minimizing the risk of contaminants settling on the work surface and are particularly useful when working with sensitive materials or conducting procedures that require a sterile environment.
2. Horizontal Laminar Flow Hood
In a horizontal laminar flow hood, the airflow is directed horizontally from the back of the hood toward the front, parallel to the work surface. The filtered air passes through a HEPA filter located at the back of the hood and flows across the work area before being exhausted out of the front of the hood. This airflow pattern helps create a clean, particle-free environment for the materials or samples on the work surface.
Horizontal laminar flow hoods are commonly used for applications that require protection of the samples or materials from contamination. They provide a uniform airflow across the entire work surface, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between different items being processed. Horizontal laminar flow hoods are often used in applications such as tissue culture, electronics assembly, or any process where a clean, particle-free environment is required.