Many medical and research laboratories require sterile working environments in order to carry out special work. Laminar Flow Cabinets can provide the solution. Laminar Flow Cabinets create particle-free working environments by projecting air through a filtration system and exhausting it across a work surface in a laminar or unidirectional air stream. They provide an excellent clean air environment for a number of laboratory requirements.(clean benches)The principle of laminar flow cabinet is based on the laminar flow of air through the cabinet.
Uses of Laminar flow Cabinet / Clean Benches
-used for general lab techniques in the microbiological as well as the industrial sectors.
-pharmaceutical industries.
-media plate preparation and culture of organisms.
-particle-sensitive electronic devices.
There are two different Laminar Flow Cabinets:
Horizontal Laminar Flow Cabinets
The name of Laminar Flow Cabinets Due to the direction of airflow that comes from above and becomes horizontal. In this action there is protection of materials and products
Vertical Laminar Flow Cabinets
Vertical Laminar Flow Cabinets are similar to the horizontal method when air directed vertically downwards onto the working area.The air exits through the basic holes. This method is safer for the operatorץ
WHO - World Health Organization
Biosafety - Laboratory biosafety manual
Warning instructions when using
-the laminar flow cabinet should be sterilized with UV light before and after the operation.
-The UV light and airflow should not be used at the same time.
-When UV light is "on" do not perform any operations
-Dress securely and fully
Clean benches: Advantages, Working process & Uses
The clean bench provides product protection with a constant, unidirectional flow of HEPA-filtered air across the work surface. The clean bench is an integral part of any laboratory where sterile technique is required.
What Is A Clean Bench, And What Does It Do?
A clean bench is a sealed laboratory bench that keeps the air clean and free of pollutants and other contaminants. It is also a laminar airflow cabinet. In a clean bench, the air is drawn through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and then dispersed evenly across the workspace through an adjustable baffle. The HEPA filter eliminates airborne particles, while the baffle provides laminar airflow that protects the work surface.
Like the one in this picture, the lab's hoods utilize cutting-edge technology to provide a clean, safe, bacteria-free environment for delicate biological substances. The hood keeps operating conditions 99 percent free of .3 micron particles.
A clean bench is used in many settings, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics manufacturing, and scientific research. In a healthcare setting, a clean bench is used to prepare sterile items for surgery or to perform certain types of lab testing. In the pharmaceutical industry, clean benches are used to manufacture drugs and in quality control testing. Food processors use clean benches to prevent contamination of food products. And in the cosmetics industry, clean benches protect against contamination of makeup and skincare products.
Safety Issues Of Clean Bench
A Laminar Flow Cabinet will only offer protection for items being worked on. The filtered air is carried across the working surface, directing the airflow away from the employee. It does not protect the worker from exposure to airborne contaminants. A clean bench is not to be used when working with dangerous substances. If you are working with chemicals, gasses, or other dangerous materials, you must utilize a chemical fume hood. Do not confuse a clean bench with a biosafety cabinet, as the former is not a primary containment device.
Advantages of Using A Clean Bench
Clean benches are utilized in every sector where a high degree of cleanliness is required. Horizontal or vertical laminar flow is used on clean benches for particular conditions. This means that the air flows in one direction only, from the front to the rear or from top to bottom. It is interesting to know that the airspeed can be as high as 100 feet per minute in a laminar flow clean bench. It will trap all particles larger than 0.3 microns in the filter.
Laminar flow can carry contaminants away from the working area, protecting the product. If you need to work with products that are very sensitive to contamination, then a laminar flow clean bench is ideal.
Another reason to choose a clean bench is for personal protection. If you are working with hazardous materials, a clean bench can provide a barrier between you and the contaminants.