Laminar airflow equipment and RABS
Turn your clean room into a Class A environment
What is a Laminar Flow unit?
Laminar Flow units are used to blow filtered air above areas requiring a sterile environment. The right shape, physical separation from the surrounding areas and temperature control are critical factors when choosing and designing LAF equipment.
What is LAF equipment used for?
The most typical application is to protect the sterile material storage area after being sterilized in an autoclave. Moreover, sterile product-filling lines are also equipped with LAF equipment. Restricted Access Barrier Systems (RABS) are also used to prevent external contamination by operators when handling sterile components. Mobile LAF equipment is used to transport sterile materials trough class B or D environments, always keeping class A products inside the trolley.
Horizontal LAF tunnels for lyophilized products storage
Horizontal air flow LAF trolley
Vertical air flow trolley
3D air flow computer simulation
How does LAF equipment work?
There are two main LAF families: self-ventilated LAF units and LAF units connected to the existing HVAC system. In the first type, air is taken from the surrounding area and is blown trough HEPA filters by means of an axial or centrifugal electric fan. All the motors are inverter driven and can be tuned to create perfect laminar flows. In the HVAC system type, each HEPA filter box is directly connected to the existing air handling unit, which feeds the air. This system is tuned by dumpers installed above the LAF.
How is LAF equipment made?
The self-ventilated units consist of an airtight stainless steel box with electrical fans installed on the top and HEPA filters on the bottom. Each filter has a mechanical lock to guarantee a perfect seal and for easy replacement. All units are equipped with a Magnehelic pressure gauge to control filter clogging, with ports for filter integrity testing, and with strip led lights on the bottom. The electrical panel manages the speed of the electrical air fans. Optional equipment, such as cooling systems and in-line anemometers, is also available. Fixed LAF units are installed on the ceiling of the departments, and can cover large areas. Typically, PVC strips or Lexan/glass doors are used to create a compartment that protects the classified area. Mobile LAF units are self-supporting modules on wheels, comprising a container trolley and Lexan doors. They are equipped with UPS to allow the equipment to operate while moving through departments and to protect the objects placed inside, in an ISO 5 environment.
Main technical features
- Fully-welded AISI 304 frame
- External satin or mirror polished finish
- Fully customizable
- RABS with gloves