Air Science

We're Here to Help

239.489.0024

Contact Us

info@airscience.com

Horizontal and Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods

Horizontal Vertical Laminar FLOW

Laminar flow hoods go by a few different names, including laminar flow cabinets, laminar flow workstations, or laminar flow clean benches. They are used in various fields when the main goal is to protect the work surface, product or equipment on the work surface from particulate contamination. These hoods rely on laminar, or constant, non-turbulent, airflow that moves unidirectionally. This controlled airflow purges and prevents airborne particulate accumulation in the work zone, maintaining a sterile environment for process and sample protection.

Horizontal Laminar Flow Hoods vs. Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods Airflow

Horizontal and Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods Air Flow

Laminar flow cabinets rely on either horizontal laminar airflow or vertical laminar airflow. For horizontal laminar flow hoods, the HEPA/ULPA is located on the back wall. Positive pressure streams of the filtered air move through the work zone, parallel to the work surface, before exhausting out the front of the cabinet.

In vertical laminar flow cabinets, the HEPA/ULPA filter is located above the work surface. The positive pressure filtered air then moves down vertically, striking the work surface and exhausting out the cabinet front. On some laminar flow hoods, perforations located on the back wall also allow air to exhaust, reducing work surface turbulence.

When an operator needs to work directly over equipment on the work surface, horizontal airflow is best as it is less likely to be disrupted by hands entering the workspace. Larger equipment can lead to airflow blockages or create turbulence in horizontal airflow, so it should be used in hoods with a vertical flow pattern.

Regardless of the airflow pattern, laminar flow hoods are intended for non-hazardous operations as the air that passes across the work surface is not filtered again before being recirculated into the room. Applications that require operator and environmental protection from hazardous or potentially hazardous materials on the work surface instead rely on biological safety cabinets (BSCs).

Air Science® Laminar Flow Hoods

Explore our laminar flow hoods and cabinets today or contact us for more information on our products.

Resources

Horiztonal or Vertical Laminar Flow EBook

Horizontal or Vertical Laminar Flow: Which is best for your application?

Laminar Flow vs Turbulent Flow Blog

Airflow in Your Laboratory: Laminar Flow vs. Turbulent Flow

Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods vs. Biological Safety Cabinets

Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods vs. Biological Safety Cabinets