Horizontal vs Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods

A laminar flow hood is a vital device in the control of particle contamination. Laminar airflow is defined as air moving at the same speed and in the same direction, with no or minimal cross-over of air streams (or “lamina”). By contrast, turbulent flow creates swirls and eddies that deposit particles on surfaces randomly and unpredictably. Most contamination-sensitive environments such as dust-free hoods require laminar flow because it predictably sweeps particles in a uniform direction, from the cleanest area under the hood (the filter face) to the exit area, which is generally the sash opening or vents along the back or bottom of the hood. The design ensures that the cleanest (and most germ-free) area will always be the upstream area closest to the filter face. This non-contaminating configuration applies to both horizontal and laminar flow hoods and is commonly used in the case of compounding sterile products, particularly in compliance with USP 797 and USP 800 standards. Work is generally done in the clean zone, as far as possible from obstructions that create turbulence.

But which direction is better: vertical airflow (downward from a filter positioned above the work surface) or horizontal airflow (forward from a filter positioned behind the work surface)? There are compelling reasons to choose either airflow system, depending on clearance requirements, process location, work surface design, and operator safety.

Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods

Room air (in red) enters the system from above the HEPA filter; 99.99% particle-free air is forced downward toward the work surface.

Vertical laminar flow hoods are often chosen because they resemble, on a small scale, the design of a laminar flow cleanroom, in which fan/filter units are typically positioned in the ceiling. By directing the laminar flow downward, vertical laminar flow reinforces the effect of gravity and sweeps particles out of the enclosure, generally through a front access area. Micro-contaminants may not have substantial mass, but most particles do eventually settle on a work surface or the floor of a room, and vertical flow helps get them there faster.

A clean bench using a vertical laminar flow design is also preferable where floor space is at a premium. Because this configuration stacks the fan/filter module on top of the hood, a vertical laminar flow hood can generally be installed on a standard lab bench. 

Horizontal Laminar Flow Hoods

Room air (in red) enters the system from behind the HEPA filter; 99.99% particle-free air is forced in a back-to-front direction across the work surface.

A horizontal-flow hood requires additional depth to accommodate the rear-mount filter/fan unit with some additional rear clearance to allow air to enter the system. These clearance requirements necessitate a deeper bench and more floor space than a vertical flow system.

Although both airflow designs provide effective sweeping action near the filter face, their respective flow patterns eventually encounter disruptions that often tip the scale in favor of one or the other configuration. In a vertical-flow hood, the obvious obstacle is the work surface. A perforated or rod-top work surface allows the laminar air stream to pass through the hood with minimal obstruction, but these tops can be a problem in operations involving liquids or small parts. If you’re working with these materials and want to avoid picking up parts off the floor, a horizontal flow design may be preferable.

Yet even a solid top may not rule out vertical flow if work is performed above, not on, the work surface. If sterile or particle-sensitive processes are performed in a clean, sterile zone midway between the work surface and the filter face, a vertical flow hood is generally acceptable. As long as hands and other contamination sources move up and down, not sideways above a sample, sensitive materials will remain clean.

Read More: The Importance of Airflow Uniformity - Terra Universal Blog 

Finally, consider the effects on operators of air exiting the laminar flow hood. Although horizontal laminar flow, with air traveling from the rear of the hood and exiting the front opening, may not encounter large obstructions inside the hood, it does eventually encounter the person performing the work. Any annoying substances, such as soldering fumes or fine powders, may be blown into the operator’s face. While this collision may not compromise the laminar flow where work is performed, it may pose a health risk. In such cases, vertical flow is probably preferable.

Other Considerations

Some final considerations involving both vertical and horizontal laminar hoods:

1) Neither vertical nor horizontal laminar flow hoods are appropriate in the presence of biohazards. Only an approved containment system, such as a Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet, should be used in applications requiring Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 containment.

2) Whichever laminar flow hood design you choose, be sure to run it for at least 15 minutes before you begin critical operation, to allow particles to be purged from the enclosure.

3) Remember the sweeping direction, from clean to dirty, whenever you clean a hood. Wipe down surfaces in smooth, linear motions beginning at the filter face and moving downstream, with the air flow. Likewise, perform “dirty” operations, like unpackaging samples, as far from the filter as possible.

Related Posts: How to Clean a Laminar Flow Hood

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