A laminar flow cabinet is a specially designed room or chamber to prevent the spread of laboratory aerosols (needles, droplets, aerosols) that could contaminate the surrounding area. The laminar flow cabinet with its air-intake, filtration system, and exhaust outlets is designed to completely separate the air in the room or chamber from the outside air.
These systems can prevent the spread of aerosols and other contaminants by ensuring that a single set of particles enters the system but never leaves it. Some of the most common working components of a laminar flow cabinet are shared here:
- HEPA Filters
A HEPA filter is a type of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. It is designed to remove particle sizes of .3 microns or smaller from the air. It is installed in a Global Lab Supply Laminar Flow Cabinet to protect laboratory workers from inhaling bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles.
These filters are commonly used in surgical operating rooms or with the delivery system for an artificial lung. In addition, HEPA filters are often referred to as “microfilters” because they are designed for devices with particulate sizes as small as .3 microns.
- Exhaust System
An exhaust system is a part of the laminar flow cabinet designed to remove particulate matter from the air in the room or chamber. The exhaust system includes several components: a fan with a powerful motor, an air exhaust system, and a HEPA filter.
The operation of this exhaust system is similar to other types of exhaust systems such as hoods, duct systems, and air handlers. By installing an exhaust system in to laminar flow cabinet, you can ensure that no circulating aerosols or contaminated air enter your glass laminar flow cabinets.
- Air Intake System
The air intake system pulls clean air from the surrounding area and injects it into the room or chamber. This air intake system is similar to the exhaust system but can be designed to demand more volume than the volume of exhaust systems. An air intake system may include several components, including a blower, volute, ducting, and grills.
- Ducting System
A ducting system is part of an exhaust system for a laminar flow cabinet that directs the airflow from the fan through pipes and tubes to specific devices in your science lab. The system should be designed to ensure that the airflow is not restricted and can effectively reach all components of the laminar flow cabinet. Additionally, a proper inlet and an outlet vent with a velocity determined by air pressure and range of motion create a smooth airflow inside the room/chamber.
A laminar flow cabinet serves as protection for laboratory workers and is an important component of a well-functioning laboratory and research facility.
Original Sources: https://www.fuzia.com/article_detail/709565/what-are-different-components-of-a-laminar-flow-cabinet
