A Laminar Air Flow is used to control particulate infection and is demarcated as air mingling at the same velocity and in the same direction with no or negligible cross-over of air streams. If the airflow design becomes stormy then there will be twirls and eddies that might lead to the accretion of particles arbitrarily on the surface and unpredictably. Laminar flow systems bought from Laminar Air Flow Dealers are obligatory in the surroundings prone to infection often as they sweep particles in a uniform direction from the clean area (filter face) to the exodus which is present in the back or bottom of the hood. These systems are intended in such a way that the freshest area will always be the upstream area closest to the filter face. All the work is completed in this clean zone as it is made of germs free and there is less likelihood of creating turbulence.
Founded on the clearance necessities, work surface design, process location, and operator safety, the direction of the airflow is decided. In the case of perpendicular laminar airflow, the air flows down from a sieve located above the work surface. In horizontal laminar airflow, the sieve is positioned behind the work zone.
Horizontal vs Perpendicular Laminar Air Flow System:
Perpendicular Laminar hoods supplied by Laminar Air Flow Dealers bear a resemblance to the plan of a small-scale laminar flow cleanroom in which the filter is positioned in the ceiling. The air is focused downwards, and all the atoms are made to sweep out of the enclosure through the front access area. The majority of the powder and micro-contaminants are detached from the work surface. Therefore, perpendicular laminar air flow cavities are widely chosen. On the other hand, the Horizontal Laminar hood needs more floor typography with additional rear clearance to permit air to enter the system. Founded on the applications, the kind of laminar airflow cabinet must be designated. These laminar flow schemes can also be used where the floor space is best i.e. they can be easily disconnected and positioned on the standard lab bench.
We require to also keep in mind the dangers to which an operator is prone. In the case of a horizontal laminar air stream, the air occurs from the front opening. If there are any vapors or fine powders, then they might be gusted on the operator’s face which might be endangering his/her life. Therefore in such circumstances, it is suggested to use the Perpendicular Laminar Air Flow system bought from Laminar Air Flow Dealers in India.
Things to be measured for both Horizontal and Perpendicular Laminar Hoods:
- Any bio-hazardous trials must not be performed in both. Particularly intended cabinets named BioSafety Cabinets of various classes must be used. Founded on the poisonousness of the contaminants, the levels of the BSC have been decided.
- Always run the laminar hood for 15 minutes preceding the performance of the real operation. This eliminates the dirt atoms clogged on the filter.
- Continuously keep the hood spotless. They must be gutted before and after operations. Any muted processes like unloading samples must be done away from the filter.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Perpendicular Laminar Flow Cabinets:
Advantages:
- Needs less space
- Suits compounding germ-free products
- Safer as the air doesn’t unswervingly stream onto the person’s face.
- Admission to the sieve is easy because it’s positioned on the top
- Less instability
- Negligible cross-contamination
Drawbacks:
- Space is less so it might be obstructing.
- There will air flow obstacle if substances are positioned one above the other.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Horizontal Air Flow Cabinets:
Advantages:
- Abridged turbulence effect
- No band and therefore easy to work
- Less infection of hands and gloves
Drawbacks:
- Repairing the sieve must be done regularly
- Vapors are gusted toward the operator’s face
