Laminar Flow Hoods
Laminar flow hoods are essential equipment when working with delicate or hazardous materials, such as biological cells or unstable chemicals. Choosing the right type of laminar flow hood allows scientific researchers to work safely and effectively in the laboratory. Educate yourself about the features of laminar flow hoods so you can choose the right equipment for your laboratory or cleanroom.
What Is a Laminar Flow Hood?
A laminar flow hood is a device that circulates and filters air inside a partially enclosed work area to protect both the workers and the samples they are working with from contamination. All types of flow hoods contain high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. They remove 99.7 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air. The filtered air is circulated around the unit under high pressure to keep dust away from the experimental area.
Types of Laminar Flow Hoods
There are two main types of laminar flow hoods:
Horizontal flow hoods, which direct air toward the operator.
Vertical flow hoods, which direct air downward from the top
Horizontal Laminar Flow Hoods
Horizontal laminar flow hoods generally cost less than vertical flow hoods
They’re used in particle-free cleanroom environments that don’t involve hazardous materials.
Horizontal laminar flow hoods are ideal for assembling sterile instruments or electronics, preparing solutions, and working with biological samples. Their simple airflow pattern and open workspace design make them easy to use, maintain, and clean.
In a horizontal laminar flow hood, the HEPA filter is positioned at the back of the flow cabinet. It pushes filtered air horizontally across the work surface toward the user, sweeping contaminants away. With air directed at the laminar flow hood user, horizontal hoods are not suitable for work with dangerous or infectious substances.
Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods
Vertical laminar flow hoods are more costly than horizontal flow hoods
They're essential when working with hazardous materials, such as radioactive substances or chemicals that produce toxic gases.
In a vertical laminar flow hood, the HEPA filter is located above the bench and blows filtered air down onto the work area. This air flows through gaps in the bottom and back of the cabinet and is circulated back to the filter, where particles are removed. Vertical exhaust hoods reduce the risk of workers breathing in harmful vapors, helping to keep the laboratory a safe place to work.
How to Use Laminar Flow Hoods Correctly
Even if you select the right type of laminar flow hood, it will only prevent contamination if you use it correctly. If too many objects are placed in the work area, they disrupt air flow, preventing the laminar flow hood from effectively circulating and cleaning the air. Therefore, it's very important to keep the work area tidy and free from clutter
Workplace training is also vital. Researchers and technicians working in your laboratory must understand how a laminar flow hood functions and how to use it properly. This basic training can prevent contamination, helping your experiments and scientific processes to go smoothly.
Custom Laminar Flow Hoods
Every laboratory is unique, which means that standard-sized laminar flow devices may not fit easily into your space. In this case, custom-built laminar flow hoods could allow you to make the most efficient use of your space.
Find the Ideal Type of Flow Hood for Your Workplace
Contact CleanAir Solutions to discuss your exhaust hood needs and find out which types of laminar flow hood are most suitable for your laboratory or cleanroom. Whether you need horizontal or vertical flow hoods, or custom-built solutions, we can help you find the laminar flow hoods you need.