A Vertical Laminar Airflow (LAF) Unit is a clean work cabinet that delivers HEPA filtered air straight down over the work surface to create a unidirectional, low turbulence zone. Room air is drawn in, passed through a prefilter and then through a HEPA filter (typically H13 or H14) and supplied at a constant velocity of about 0.3 to 0.5 m/s, which sweeps particles away from the product and out of the work area. This provides an ISO Class 5 equivalent environment at the work zone for tasks like media prep, aseptic transfer, plate pouring, and instrument assembly. Typical features include an EC or VFD controlled blower for stable airflow, a differential pressure gauge to track filter loading, LED lighting, and an hour meter for maintenance planning. The enclosure is usually SS 304 with smooth interiors, clear sash, and spill tray for easy cleaning, with options such as UV germicidal light with safety interlock and built in power outlets for small equipment. Note that a vertical LAF protects the product from contamination but does not provide biohazard containment for the user or the room.
Horizontal Laminar Airflow Unit
A Horizontal Laminar Airflow (LAF) Unit is a clean work cabinet that delivers HEPA-filtered air from a rear plenum across the work surface toward the operator to create a unidirectional, low-turbulence zone. Room air is drawn in, passed through a prefilter and then a HEPA filter (H13 or H14), and supplied at a constant velocity of about 0.3 to 0.5 m/s, which sweeps particles away from the product and maintains an ISO Class 5 equivalent environment at the work area. Typical uses include media preparation, aseptic dispensing, instrument assembly, and electronics handling where product protection is required. Cabinets are usually SS 304 with smooth interiors, a perforated or solid work tray, clear front shield, LED lighting, and an EC or VFD-controlled blower for stable airflow. A differential pressure gauge helps track filter loading, and options include UV germicidal light with safety interlock, hour meter, and built-in outlets. Note that a horizontal LAF protects the product but does not provide biohazard containment for the user or the room and is not suitable for volatile chemicals.