Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods: Making, Usage and More

One of the essential equipment used in the laboratory and the controlled setting is Laminar flow systems. The laminar flow systems are based on the laminar airflow principle. Under the laminar flow process, the airflow is manipulated to move in at a certain speed in a specific direction with the least cross-over of air streams within the given airflow pathway.

The Laminar airflow systems or laminar airflow hoods are manufactured to provide a laminar flow of air in a given large or small work area for performing some controlled tasks that require such an environment where there is a non-turbulent airflow. For example, while Laminar airflow systems can be cabinet-based, they can work as workbenches or experiment rooms requiring a non-turbulent and clean, uncontaminated environment.

 

Use of Laminar Flow Hoods

Laminar flow hoods, whether vertical laminar flow hoods or horizontal laminar flow hoods are generally used when there is a need to maintain a high degree of cleanliness and uncontaminated environment at the workplace. They are typically designed to protect specific working areas, only making them one of the best alternatives available in the market and distinct from others.

The Laminar flow hoods produce such particle-free and uncontaminated environments through the filtration systems, which are present both outside and inside such airflow systems. The outside air is first purified through filter pads and HEPA filters inside. Then, it is used majorly in the laboratory and experimental biological settings, tissue and cell culturing, semiconductor and microelectronic assemblage, and other such uses that can’t tolerate any particle contamination in their work and storage environments.

Vertical Laminar Flow Hood: Making and Working

Vertical Laminar Flow hoods are one of the two designs in which Laminar flow hoods are generally available. In these laminar flow hoods, the laminar air is directed vertically downwards towards the working area. The air thus directed is allowed to leave through holes at the base.

Therefore, the Vertical Laminar flow hoods generally provide more protection to the users as well along with protecting the work samples from getting contaminated as the air and contaminated particles are directed, through the hole at the base, away from the user, and not towards him as in Horizontal Laminar flow hoods.

The vertical laminar flow hoods, and for that matter, even the Horizontal Laminar flow hoods, are generally made up of stainless steel to protect the system from rusting, with no gap left anywhere except for the passage through which hands can be inserted. However, no gaps are left to ensure that no microbial build-ups and settling of contaminants exist anywhere in the system, contaminating the work samples.

Therefore, to ensure a clean, uncontaminated, and particle-free passage of air through the workplace and the vicinity of the workplace, the system uses filtration techniques to get rid of contaminations from the air.

Pros and Cons of Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods

The following are the various pros and cons of using Vertical Laminar flow hoods that can be easily found at Cleatech LLC Cleanroom and Laboratory Solution:

Pros

1. As the hood is not that deep as in the case of Horizontal Laminar flow hood units, it is easy to use and consumes much less space than the horizontal ones.
2. Another significant advantage of vertical laminar flow hoods over horizontal laminar flow hoods is that air does not flow directly towards the operator. The sash acts as a barrier between the operator and the contaminants.
3. As the filter is on the top, it is much easier to access and change without any technical intervention.
4. The less turbulent effect is caused by the air that strikes larger objects or the equipment used in processing.
5. Fewer chances of cross-contamination of items placed on the work surface.

Cons

• Although the filters in Vertical Laminar flow hoods are easier to access, the requirement of general overhead clearance is always there.
• Changing filter or service the units, generally, a step ladder is required.
• Placing items on top of other items is impossible as it obstructs the airflow.
• Due to the airflow directed vertically towards the work surface, the effect of turbulence is generally much more than horizontal units, on smaller items.