Laminar flow hoods and clean benches
Product SelectionWhat are fume cabinets used for?Fume cabinets are highly versatile and can be used in biological, medical or pharmaceutical, biochemical, and research applications. The main objective of using a fume cabinet is to provide a standardized level of protection against contamination or exposure to unwanted aerosols inside and outside of the hood workspace.
In biochemical laboratories, some procedures will call for the use of dangerous chemicals that can omit toxic fumes. Fume cabinets help contain toxic gases and vapor from leaving the workspace. This makes handling such compounds easier, as lab technicians will not have to wear as much protective equipment or gas masks – which can be advantageous when working with toxic fumes for extended periods.
Laminar flow and biological hoods are designed to protect both products and experimental materials from pathogens and other contamination within the lab space and ambient air. A consistent positive pressure airflow controls this, keeping unfiltered air out with minimal effort while filtering all incoming air into the cabinet. This filtration is accomplished using high-end filters that can trap viruses, bacteria, and other microbial contaminants from entering the workspace.
Some fume hoods will incorporate recirculating systems for airflow, reducing the exhaust output into the environment. A number of filters can also be applied to the exhaust airstream that will minimize the environmental impact of releasing fumes or foreign compounds into the air outside. How do fume cabinets work?Fume cabinets operate by providing local exhaust ventilation. This process takes contaminated air from the workstation, drawing it through an air filter and trapping chemical and particulate contaminants. The filters are often carbon or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. After the air is filtered, it is sent through air ducting to a remote location as exhaust from the system. Two types of fume hoodsConstant volumeThis system operates with a consistent exhaust flow rate or quantity of air pulled through the hood. In this type of configuration, when the sash is lowered, and the cross-sectional area of the hood opening decreases, the velocity of airflow through the hood increases proportionally. This causes airflow velocity at the hood's opening to increase as the sash is lowered. Variable air volume (VAV)In this design, exhaust flow rate through the hood caries as the sash is raised or lowered to maintain a constant face velocity. This allows for a consistent air volume when the sash is lowered or raised. 3 types of fume hood cabinetsBased on your laboratory specifications, there are three types of safety cabinets: fume, biosafety, and laminar flow benches. Each category offers unique filtration methods with varying degrees of protection and safeguarding for sterility. Fume CabinetsWhen handling hazardous chemicals in a lab, performing all experiments and reactions inside a fume cabinet is crucial. Their primary function is to protect operators from dangerous fumes in the ambient air of the workspace. Fume cabinets have an array of filters on their exhaust system to avoid possible contamination or toxicity into the air. Otherwise, they do not prevent biological or particulate contamination in the workspace. Biosafety HoodsWhile a fume hood protects the user, a biosafety hood protects the user, the environment, and the material. The largest difference in fume and biosafety hoods is that a biosafety hood has more advanced filtration like HEPA filters to protect against biological contamination.
Laminar Flow BenchesSimilar to a biosafety hood, laminar flow benches provide protection to the lab worker and any specimens or products within the cabinet. However, they do not provide the same filtration protection for the exhaust to the environment. It is not recommended to work with biologically hazardous materials in a laminar flow bench, as contamination is unlikely but possible. Laminar flow is ideal for sensitive biological samples that do not run safety risks in the case of cross-contamination. ConclusionSafety cabinets are a laboratory standard for conducting safe and uniform experiments or product manufacturing. Each cabinet class provides a unique set of features to keep your procedures clean and accurate while maintaining a comfortable and hazard-free work environment. |