Laminar Flow Hoods

Horizontal and vertical models that provide protection for samples and work procedures.

The EdgeGARD® from Baker comes in several horizontal and vertical flow models that provide particulate-free, HEPA-filtered uniform airflow across the work area.

A laminar flow hood (clean bench) protects products and samples for a variety of life science, industrial laboratory and process applications. There are two categories of laminar flow hoods, horizontal and vertical, which refer to the direction of airflow within the hood.

Horizontal Laminar Flow Hoods

These are designed for a variety of industry applications involving low-risk agents, including: sterile product preparation, sterile drug compounding, IV admixture preparation, plant cell culture, media preparation, pharmaceutical procedures, electronic assembly, limited experimental research.

Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods

Ideal for when product protection and some particulate control are required. Unlike a horizontal hood, these models provide controlled airflow in a vertical direction over the entire work surface. These are also designed for the same variety of industry applications as horizontal laminar flow hoods listed above.

Laminar Flow Hood Considerations

Size: Our horizontal laminar flow hood models have a work surface height of 30”. Riser or caster options can be purchased to allow for work surface heights ranging from 36” to 42”. We even offer a space saver model for when you have a limited area, such as IV and nursing stations, satellite pharmacies, and intensive care units. Our vertical laminar flow hood models include an optional adjustable height stand that provides a work surface height range of 30” to 36”.
Optional hydraulic lift: Baker also has the option of adding a hydraulic lift to both the horizontal and vertical flow clean benches. This option provides the most ergonomic solution for customers looking for work surface height adjustability.
Placement and location: If floor space is tight, consider a vertical hood, which isn’t as deep.

HEPA filtration: EdgeGARD models use a HEPA supply filter with 99.99% minimum efficiency in capturing 0.3 micrometer particulates. You can also easily remove the HEPA filter screen for cleaning or service, and a concealed HEPA filter frame eliminates turbulence at the rear wall.
Ergonomics: All horizontal and vertical models feature cable ports, which allow a safe and ergonomic way of introducing cables and siphoning tubes into the hood without interfering with containment. The vertical flow models have an ergonomically designed sash that provides a 10-degree sloped angle.
ISO classes: All of our models comply with standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which provides classifications for cleanrooms and the air inside them. Our horizontal models ensure ISO Class 5 (Class 100) cleanliness and our vertical units ensure ISO Class 4 (Class 10).

Common Laminar Flow Hood Applications

Horizontal and vertical laminar flow clean benches are designed for a variety of industry applications.

Microscopy Flow Hood: When a microscope is being used in a laminar flow hood, you should consider vibration that might be caused by the motors. Using a vibration pad may help. If not, ask your sales rep if there is an option to isolate the motors. With this option, the motors are not mounted to the frame of the hood.
PCR Hood: When clean air is needed for PCR experiments, a laminar flow hood is the perfect choice. These hoods are designed to protect equipment and other contents in the work area from particulates. Keep in mind, though, that this should just be used when product protection is required. If you need both product and personnel protection, you need a biological safety cabinet.
Wet Processing Flow Hood: This is a specialized application that might require sinks and even polypropylene construction instead of metal. This application is something you should discuss with your local sales rep to review all the options.
Cell Culture and Mycology Flow Hood: Typical cell culture done in a laminar flow hood is work that is not harmful to the lab technician, such as work on plants and fungi. These hoods provide the perfect clean air environment that is required of this type of work.
Sterile Drug Compounding Cleanroom Hood: Laminar flow hoods have long been the workhorse of a pharmacy. They provide the particulate-free environment that is required. Common options include IV bar, storage bins and cable ports. Talk to your local sales rep to make sure you know about all available options.

Founded in 1967, D.A.I. Scientific has provided solutions for the following companies:

Testimonials

In 2019, we purchased two Baker STERILGARD biosafety cabinets (BSCs) through DAI. This model BSC offered numerous desired features at a very reasonable price. Our local sales representative through DAI was extremely helpful! He provided a wealth of information regarding the BSCs, as well as documentation we required to process the purchase. Dan was key in arranging for inside delivery directly to our labs through a company that had extensive experience with setup and delivery of Baker BSCs. The delivery and setup of these large pieces of equipment could not have gone more smoothly. Dan was also on-site for the delivery and provided a thorough tutorial on the use of the new BSCs at that time.

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital

FAQs

What does a laminar flow hood do?

A laminar flow hood, also known as a laminar flow clean bench, protects products and samples for a variety of life science, industrial lab and process applications with particulate-free, HEPA-filtered uniform airflow across the work area. It’s important to note, however, that laminar flow hoods do not provide protection for workers or the environment.

How do laminar flow hoods work?

Laminar safety hoods provide particulate-free, HEPA-filtered uniform airflow. You can see how the air flows in Baker’s informational videos.

What is the difference between horizontal and vertical laminar flow hoods?

The two categories of laminar flow hoods refer to the direction of airflow within the hood.

Why are laminar flow hoods important?

Laminar flow hoods provide protection for samples and work procedures.

What are the advantages of laminar flow hoods?

They protect products and samples for a variety of life science, industrial lab and process applications. As Baker explains, “Baker's EdgeGARD® HF horizontal laminar-flow clean bench provides HEPA-filtered air and proven product protection ideal for a range of laboratory applications. With a patented cabinet design incorporating high-velocity return air slots, EdgeGARD® HF provides precise control of airflow volumes and velocities, thereby maximizing product protection and ensuring Class 100 cleanliness in the laboratory.” They come in two models, vertical and horizontal, depending on the desired direction of your airflow. If space is tight in your lab, consider a vertical model, which isn’t as deep. Space-saving models are also a great option for limited areas, such as IV and nursing stations, satellite pharmacies and intensive care units.

What are the disadvantages of laminar flow hoods?

A laminar flow hood protects your samples, but it doesn’t protect you and your colleagues in the lab. This type of lab equipment is recommended for work with non-hazardous materials.

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