Many workplaces like laboratories need a sterile and contaminant-free environment. Laminar airflow hoods do just that by steering the pollutants away from the workplace keeping the facility safe. By using laminar flow hoods, you will have an undisturbed supply of clean air in the workplace. These help in mechanical and processing duties that are non-hazardous in nature.
How does a Laminar Flow Hood work?
A laminar flow workstation creates a sterile environment by getting rid of the pollutants employing a mechanism that is called unidirectional air stream. The mechanism utilizes HEPA filters to remove any impurities from the sir and then disperse it across the area. This creates a secure environment which is imperative for laboratories and for other workplaces too. These items need good protection from contamination.
The laminar flow hoods regulate the air flow at a constant speed, releasing a consistent composition of air. Generally, the hoods are equipped with two filters, the HEPA filter, and a pre-filter to filter the air effectively and protect the materials used and the products manufactured in the workplace.
Laminar air flow workstations are available with energy-efficient HEPA filters. Thus, they offer 99.99% efficiency in filtering air, removing particles of up to 0.3 microns. The fans in these workstations often feature options to control its speed, allowing users to control the volume of air supplied to the workbenches. The fans work quietly and thus there is no disturbance.
The pre-filters of the flow hoods can be snapped, making it much easier to maintain and repair them. To enhance the efficiency of the hoods, thick acrylic panels can be installed on the sides and on the rear of the workbench.
Areas of Use?
Laminar air flow hoods are ideal for laboratories. This is because the equipment and materials are delicate to particles and dust are in use. The most common applications of these laminar hoods include medical facilities, electronics industry, and circuit board manufacturing. Medical devices manufacturing, semiconductor industry, glass tube manufacturing industry are important applications as well. For laboratories with special requirements, the user can customize the laminar flow hood.
Types of Laminar Flow Hoods
Depending on the pattern of airflow, there are several types of laminar flow workstations. These cabinets and hoods are available as either horizontal or vertical or both because they are functional. The horizontal laminar airflow workstations feature a horizontal air flow. This is because here the air shifts direction after originating from the top.
The vertical laminar air flow workstations, on the other hand, feature a vertical air flow. This is from where the dispersal takes place from holes in the foundation of the workstation. Though they both create a sterile environment, the vertical laminar flow hoods offer worker or operator safety. This is because the air disperses from the bottom.
You can customize both the workstations. This is according to the needs of the user with features like removable work surface, removable tops, lower shelves etc. Customization of these workbenches ensures that they meet your specific needs and work well within the environment.
Final Words
The laminar flow workstation you choose should be able to provide a steady flow of clean and pollutant-free air. To ensure great efficiency you need to choose a renowned manufacturer. The manufacturer should work in adherence with the necessary compliances and uses only high-quality materials. Variable fan speed, silent fan operation, and customization are key features to look for when buying a laminar airflow hood.