Vertical vs horizontal laminar flow hood

Posted by Paula Beall on December 16th, 2020

What is laminar flow?

Laminar flow is described as a fluid (gas or liquid) that flows in layers. This tends to occur with minimal disturbance. It is characterized by uniform Clean Room Particle Count. This is in contrast to turbulence when fluids swirl and mix as they move through confined spaces.

The laminar flow mechanism was developed in the early 1960s. Laminar flow can safely move fluid in straight, smooth pipes, so this feature is used to ensure a pollutant-free operating area.

What is a laminar flow hood?

A layered flow hood is a special device made to avoid particle contamination, a closed bench. Use the following laminar flow hood operating principles to solve pollution-sensitive space issues. Laminar flow allows particles to pass from the area under the hood (the surface of the filter) to the back or bottom of the hood.

The Lamina Flow Hood can be customized to meet your specific laboratory needs and is also suitable for general laboratory work. However, the overall design and structure remain the same. These cameras are made of high-quality material with no gaps or seams. Designed for easy cleaning and disinfection, bacteria do not accumulate in any sample. It also protects the sample from external contamination, but it is important for operators to be aware that it is exposed to its contents.

Vertical laminar flow diagram

The Vertical Laminar Flow Hood system directs the flow to a downward filter at the top of the work chamber on the operating surface. It emphasizes the effects of gravity and moves the flow through the front access area to remove particles. The amount of new pollutants (EC) or trace pollutants is not always sufficient. Most of the particles are removed from the box with the help of airflow, and some of the land on the surface of the enclosure, which can be easily disinfected.

Horizontal laminar flow map

Similarly, Horizontal Flow Hood is named after the direction of airflow in a closed mechanism. Technically, the flow starts from above, similar to a vertically layered bell, but changes rapidly, moving from back to front across the functional surface. In some cases, air intake is done laterally. Both methods use the principle of horizontal flow to protect materials and products.

With a horizontal laminar flow hood, the air is drawn from the back of the unit, not from the top. Directed air is then carried horizontally across the surface. The system draws air directly into the operator from the operating space. This design also includes minimizing turbulence on both sides of the work area. This is explained by the fact that the movement of the air inside is rarely obstructed because it does not hit obstacles until the air separates.

This type of protection system may require additional space to place the filter unit mounted on the back and additional space on the back to prevent air from entering the area. As a result, horizontally layered hoods are relatively demanding on floor space and bench size. It is also not particularly suitable for large samples as it impedes airflow.