Horizontal Laminar Flow Hoods

Horizontal laminar flow hoods provide a constant flow of particulate-free air for Class 100/ISO 5 applications. Ambient air is drawn into the unit and passes through a prefilter. A blower directs the air through HEPA or ULPA filters horizontally across the workstation surface, providing a clean-air environment for media plate prep, plant tissue culture, electronics inspection, and pharmaceutical work. Horizontal laminar flow hoods or clean benches usually have a larger work area than vertical units, with room inside for instruments such as microscopes.

Features to consider when choosing a laminar flow hood include microprocessor controllers to monitor filter conditions (insufficient air flow, for example), seamless construction to minimize turbulence, easy-clean stainless steel versus rust-free polypropylene construction, and built-in lighting. Unlike biological safety cabinets, the air coming from horizontal laminar flow hoods goes back into the environment; thus, they are not for use with biohazardous substances.