The laminar flow is an essential concept which helps to control the contamination of particulate substances in the laboratory. The laminar airflow is basically air which is moving at a constant speed at a constant direction and having no forms of cross air streams. Compared to this turbulent air flow can create swirls and that deposit particulate matter on the top of different random surfaces in the laboratory. Laboratories would need to be safe from contamination and hence they need laminar flow hoods as they would sweep the contaminated air in a particular direction from the clean area towards the exit areas. In this article you will learn more about these laminar hoods.

However a lot of people wonder about the direction in which the laminar flow should be moving: vertically (that is downward from the filter which is positioned on top of the working surface) or horizontally (that is forward from the filter which is positioned behind the working surface). There would be the main reasons to choose any of these type types of airflow systems and depending upon the clearance requirements, the location of the process, the design of the work surface and also operator’s safety, you would have to pick one.

It is essential that you remember that the direction of the sweeping is from the clean to the dirty side whenever you are cleaning the hood. You should be wiping down the surfaces in a smooth and linear motion and begin with the filter’s face and then move downstream along with the direction of air flow.

Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods

The hoods of these laminar flow hoods are not very deep and hence they do not require too much of floor space.

These are suitable to compound the sterile products.

These are quite safe as the air does not blow directly towards the operator. The sash will provide a barrier to protect the operator’s face.

These have a filter on the top and hence are easier for accessing.

There will be lesser turbulent effect from the air striking any large objects and processing equipment.

There would be less amount of cross contamination of the items that are positioned in the work surfaces.

Horizontal Laminar Flow Hoods

The horizontal laminar hoods would reduce the turbulent effect of the air that is striking the work surface.

There would not be any sash and hence it will be easier for working. The position of the equipment will be easy to adjust although there would be air blowing directly towards the operator.

The hands and the gloves would be less contaminated because they are touching the downstream of the samples.

If you want to get more information on this, then you must search for the differences between a Vertical Laminar Flow Hood and Horizontal Laminar Flow Hood on the internet.

Hopefully, the information mentioned in this article will have helped you. To know more on flow hoods, follow us!

Author Bio

Cleatech LLC, the leading company manufactures laboratory and cleanroom equipment. Buy the top-quality Vertical Laminar Flow Hood and other laboratory equipment such as Horizontal Laminar Flow Hood at Cleatech.com.

Source: https://makandracards.com/cleatech-llc/205997-what-is-the-difference-between-a-vertical-laminar-flow-hood-and-horizontal-laminar-flow-hood