Laminar flow is a simple term that is used to define the flow of air. Here the airflow is maintained inside a restricted and specified area – the hood. The most important feature of the flow hood is that it is designed to control the airflow direction and its velocity. The technique is widely used in clinical workbenches. These are the main types of safety cabinets that are used in any lab condition.
The most common type of laminar flow hood is in the form of an enclosed cabinet. The enclosure will circulate the airflow within the specified area. The cabinets are designed to keep circulating the air after passing the air through the HEPA filter unit.
The moment you invest money on six feet laminar flow hood, you are purchasing a completed enclosed set-up for the laboratory.
Why the laminar hood is so useful?
The hood can be used as the workbenches in the lab conditions. as the cabinets are completely enclosed so it will prevent the contamination and widespread of the toxins in the laboratory. If you are working in the lab with toxic biosamples then you will find this set-up of more use.
You will also find a lot of industries making use of these hoods. They are widely applicable in the manufacturing and testing of semiconductor samples. You will also find wide applications of the hoods in the areas where handling of toxic and sensitive samples is performed.
The most important function of the laminar hood
Although the Laminar Flow Hoods is designed to help create a perfect safe work area, still it is useful in many other ways. The laminar hood performs its main function of controlling the direction of the air flow n the hood.
This is one of the most important features of the laminar hoods. If the airflow is not directional then the contamination will spread across the entire lab setting. This can in turn contaminate the laboratory sample that is been tested.
For the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and few industrial applications, maintaining a clean and contamination-free environment is essential. It is also safe for the health of the working staff and lab attendants.
Types of laminar flow hoods widely used
The most important point to keep in mind is that the cabinets are safe. This means that they are designed to offer a very safe work environment. The cabinets will also be provided with a proper ventilation system that can be ducted or ductless types.
1. Type A cabinets are designed to work in limited work areas. These types will generally circulate the same air inside the workstation. They are more common in lab settings where the clean air supply is the main requirement.
2. Type B cabinets are the ones that have been provided with a fixed duct. The duct unit will connect the inner side of the cabinet with an external supply of air. The cabinet will keep replacing the indoor air with a fresh supply of air.
3. Type C1 cabinets are the ones that are easy to set up as type A or B. they can be connected to the fixed duct system. They are safer as the air supply can be completely regulated. The cabinets will help in maintaining a clean environment inside the work area.
4. PCR types are more commonly termed PCR stations. These types will make use of a quality HEPA filter system. The cabinet is mainly used in the work area where it is important to maintain a particle-free work condition. The cabinets can also be provided with a UV light unit.
Other most common types are also graded as clean workbenches. These can be either horizontal or vertical types. Six feet laminar flow hood benches are placed under this category. For all types of lab conditions, these workbenches are more common to install.
Horizontal workbenches can be installed in a place where the work area has to be more spacious. The vertical workbenches are usually used in lab settings where the floor area is limited. In either type, the airflow system is the main component of the workbenches.
If you have to set up a cleanroom facility you may need to invest in any one of the above mentioned laminar hoods. Your choice will usually depend on the work area requirements. It is always best to consult professionals before you make your choice. The cabinets have to be engineered to perform best for the workplace. It is always better to purchase one that has been recommended by the professionals for your workplace setup.