Product Description
The Model Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Cabinet is a sophisticated enclosed workstation designed specifically to create a microbial-free and particle-free work environment. This clean bench provides a space where sensitive products or specimens are protected from contamination originating from airborne particulates or microorganisms. The central function of the LAF cabinet is ensuring product sterility, making it an essential piece of equipment across laboratory, medical, and industrial fields.
Advanced Filtration System and Air Quality:
This unit guarantees highly controlled contamination prevention by employing a constant, unidirectional airflow (known as laminar flow) with minimal turbulence. The system operates by pulling air from the surrounding environment via a powerful blower unit and then passing it through a multi-stage filtration process:
1. Pre-Filtration: Air initially passes through a pre-filter (often a 5 Ply HDPE type) to capture larger particles like dust and lint. This step extends the lifespan of the main filter.
2. HEPA Filtration: The air is subsequently filtered by the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. This critical component ensures exceptional cleanliness, capturing 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, including bacteria and fungal spores.
3. Cleanliness Standard: The resulting environment inside the working area maintains Air Cleanliness Class 100.
To provide enhanced surface sterilisation before and after operations, many Laminar Air Flow units are equipped with an optional UV germicidal lamp.
Types and Airflow Dynamics:
Model Laminar Air Flow Cabinets are available in two primary configurations:
• Horizontal Laminar Air Flow: The filtered air flows from the rear of the cabinet horizontally across the work surface, exiting directly towards the operator. This provides excellent contamination control for small components and applications requiring minimal turbulence on the work surface.
• Vertical Laminar Air Flow: Air flows vertically downward from the top of the cabinet onto the work area before exiting through the front or bottom. This type is generally preferred when using larger equipment, as the design typically offers a taller and deeper workspace.
The unidirectional airflow ensures that the pressure inside the cabinet prevents external contaminated air from entering the sterile working area.
Recommended Applications
The Model LAF Cabinet is ideal for operations where product or sample integrity must be maintained in a sterile environment. It is suitable only for non-hazardous materials because the air is discharged towards the user and back into the room.
Typical uses include:
• Microbiology: Media preparation, plate pouring, and culturing of non-infectious organisms.
• Life Science: Plant tissue culture and general cell culture experiments.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Preparation and supply of sterile pharmaceutical products, quality control, and sterility testing.
• Manufacturing: Assembly and testing of particle-sensitive electronic devices and optical systems.
Technical Specifications (Standard and Optional Features):
Feature Category
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Specification/Component Details
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Air Cleanliness
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Class 100
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Air Filtration
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HEPA Filter (0.3 microns pore size, captures 99.97% of particulates $\ge$0.3 microns)
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Pre-Filter
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Standard inclusion (e.g., 5 Ply HDPE)
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Air Flow Direction
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Vertical and/or Horizontal Models available
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Air Flow Velocity
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Typically ranges from 0.45 m/s to 0.65 m/s
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Construction Materials
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Stainless Steel (SS), Powder Coated Mild Steel (MS), or GI sheet
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Work Surface
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Flat stainless steel (SS) worktop to prevent rusting
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Front Sash/Shield
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Manual sliding type (Acrylic transparent or glass shield)
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Illumination
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Fluorescent or LED Light (1 or 2 lights)
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Noise Level
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Approximately 65 db (or 65 $\pm$5 db) away from one meter
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Standard Electrical
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220 volts or 230V / 50 Hz / Single Phase
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Standard Fittings
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Mains on/off switch, Blower on/off switch, Light on/off switch, Air/gas cock
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Optional Features
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UV Germicidal lamp, Motorized sliding door, LCD display for velocity/time/lamp on/off, UV Hour meter, Magnahelic gauge, Extra power outlet switch, Foot rest, Leveling lugs for stand, DOP HEPA filter testing
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Typical Sizes (Working Area)
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2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft (and larger dimensions available)
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