Every task performed in medical and research-related laboratories requires a clean and sterile environment. To achieve this, we can minimize contamination from dust and particulate matter through something called a laminar flow cabinet. The working principle of laminar flow cabinets is to promote the continuous flow of air inside and outside the cabinet. There are many types of laminar flow cabinets, each with its own characteristics and specifications. Because of this, it keeps laboratory items sterile and clean. Such healthcare tools play an important role in medical and research laboratories.

How to make this possible? – Laminar flow cabinet

The flow bench is responsible for creating a clean and sterile environment in which to perform tasks in the laboratory. It includes a filtration system that jets and moves the air in a certain pattern.

How do they work?

Air is drawn in and out through HEPA filters, filtering out unnecessary particles and particles that can cause contamination. The working mechanism of laminar airflow cabinets is to continuously flow air at a uniform and stable speed.

As far as the type of filters that the cabinet contains, they are of two types namely HEPA filter and pre-filter. In addition to this, medical equipment seals one side of the device to maintain a constant pressure in the device, which also prevents the air in the workroom from becoming contaminated.

How are laminar flow cabinets made?

To eliminate the buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms, laminar air flow cabinets are made of stainless steel in almost every cabinet. These laminar flow cabinets are also called clean benches because they filter out everything, making the work environment clean.

How to maintain these laminar flow cabinets?

Blower:

The blower plays an important role in the effectiveness of the laminar flow cabinet. Every worker in the laboratory has access to a flow cabinet with sliding glass that can be lifted if the worker wants to remove any item. With the windows raised, the process of keeping the environment clean begins as air is pushed out by the laminar flow cabinet’s blower to prevent outside air from mixing with the sterile air inside the cabinet. The blower must be maintained regularly to ensure strong and consistent blowing speed.

Filter:

Filters are an essential part of a laminar flow cabinet as they are responsible for capturing tiny substances and particles that flow into the cabinet. This material should be filtered out as it can contaminate the air under the hood. Each hood filter has a different lifespan and should be replaced accordingly. You should remember to change the filter regularly to keep it working efficiently.

Every machine in the laboratory requires regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its normal operation, and the same is true for laminar flow cabinets. Among all the machines owned by the laboratory, the laminar flow cabinet belongs to the list of essential equipment to ensure the sterility of the air in the work area.

Types of laminar flow cabinets:

Horizontal laminar flow cabinet:

Laminar airflow cabinets are so named because air circulates and flows through them. The basic motivation for this type of laminar airflow cabinet is to protect materials in the workplace rather than the individuals working in the laboratory.

In this type of laminar airflow cabinet, air flows from higher up and moves horizontally through the sterile area. The room has a huge filter that covers the wall directly in front of the individuals working in the workspace. This laminar airflow cabinet is designed to provide lab workers with a spotless workspace. The device performs well because there is consistent positive pressure.

Vertical laminar flow cabinet:

Vertical laminar flow cabinets are just as efficient as horizontal laminar flow cabinets, but they move air differently. Use the kind of hood the equipment has so that the airflow from the top to the workpiece is directed downwards. The hood of a vertical laminar flow hood includes an air filter that is located directly above the work area. Air from laboratory work flows through openings in the bottom of the fume hood. As opposed to horizontal laminar flow cabinets, vertical laminar flow cabinets provide safety to work areas and laboratory professionals.

Class I laminar flow cabinet

This is an extremely basic cabinet cover. It provides adequate safety for materials in laboratories and work spaces. Nonetheless, Class I laminar flow cabinets do not protect the working materials from contamination. This cabinet works similarly to a chemical fume hood. All they do is collect harmful fumes, but they cannot sanitize or sanitize them.

Class II laminar flow cabinet

Class II laminar flow cabinets help keep work areas free of contamination and disinfect work areas. They provide adequate safety from the risks associated with the use of hazardous materials.

Class III laminar flow cabinet

The Class III laminar flow cabinet provides the highest level of safety to laboratory workers as it is sealed to prevent any risk of human pathogens. Its use is most appropriate in situations where infectious substances are used.

Where can we use this laminar flow cabinet?

Laminar flow cabinets are particle-sensitive electronic equipment primarily used in laboratories. Laminar flow cabinets can be customized according to the laboratory scenario in which they will be used, or they can be used to perform general laboratory tasks, mainly in medical, industrial, electronics and pharmaceutical environments.

Therefore, laminar flow cabinets can be used anywhere in the laboratory where the air and environment need to be kept fresh and sterile.