Reasons For Using Laminar Flow Hoods In Industries And Laboratories

Author: Sandy Bryan

A contamination free workplace is very much important for the safety of the workers and scientists but how can employers or lab authorities ensure that? Simple, by introducing a laminar flow hood.

Now before we proceed further, let us learn what exactly a laminar flow hood is. A Laminar flow hood can be described as a type of workbench which provides a contamination free environment in the workplace using laminar airflow. Recently, ductless laminar flow hoods have become an economic alternative to chemical fume hoods and biological safety cabinets, which are generally designed with expensive exhaust systems.

A laminar flow hood is ideal for a variety of cleanroom environments. Let us now learn about the reasons for using laminar flow hoods in industries and laboratories.

It is economical and cost-effective

Laminar flow hoods are economical and cost-effective. They do not consume much electricity. You will be glad to know that they do not require much maintenance also. After installing laminar flow hoods in your workplace, you will have to incur maintenance costs only in the form of yearly filter replacements.

Resistant to flames and chemicals

You know very well that laboratories across the world deal in various types of chemicals and some of them can be quite hazardous. A laminar flow hood has the ability to resist fires as well as the corrosive effects of various chemicals. These items are designed with various features according to the requirements of the clients. They can either be made flame resistant or chemical resistant. You can also add both features in a single laminar flow hood if you want.

It is eco-friendly

Laminar flow hoods are eco-friendly by nature. These tools are used for recycling the air of the workplace while removing the contaminants. This improves the quality of the air, thus making it safe for breathing. You can remain assured that no air will be removed from the laboratory or manufacturing unit during the cleaning process. After the completion of this process, you can safely dispose of the saturated carbon filter in the landfill without any worry about environmental damage.

Laminar flow hoods are portable

Laminar flow hoods are portable which means they can be carried from one place to another. These tools have no connection beyond the power cord. This makes it possible for the workers to carry them at any place of their choice, thus making them a useful item in the laboratories.

Helps to maintain sterility in experimental environments

The main function of laminar flow hoods is to clean the air of the workplace and make the special enclosed environment free of all impurities. These tools are essential for laboratories, especially those where sensitive experiments are conducted. You must remember that in any kind of sensitive experiment, even the slightest contaminant can hamper the effectiveness of the entire experiment so maintaining a contamination free environment is necessary for laboratories conducting such experiments. These tools will recycle the air and make it free of impurities.

Ensures the safety of the laboratory

A Laminar flow hood is also helpful for ensuring the safety of the workplace environment. It cleans the air of all kinds of contaminants, including the hazardous ones. By removing such impurities, these tools can ensure the safety of the workers. Laminar flow hoods are available in mainly three forms

  • Class I workstations: Class I workstations are designed to protect researchers from toxic fumes, vapors, chemicals or dust released during chemical reactions.
  • Class II workstations: Class II workstations are used to simplify the biological and microbiological experiments by clearing the surrounding areas' impurities. This ensures that there will be no problems in the experiment.
  • Class III workstations: Class III workstations are usually walk-in cabinets or glove boxes. They prevent gas from flowing outside. They are also ideal for handling dangerous materials.
  • You must have understood by now why laminar flow hoods are considered important in both laboratories and manufacturing units. You should take proper care of them.