The “best” flow hood is a little difficult to determine, but we can offer a few examples of good products. This is safety equipment we’re talking about here. The thing to avoid is any compromise on needed quality-if your project requires a better flow hood than what you can make, then either buy one or abandon the project. If you’re only moderately handy but don’t actually need high quality for this particular project, then making a very simple flow hood is a great way to save money. If money isn’t a problem but you’re in a rush, then buying is by far the better option. If you are good at DIY projects and short on cash, making a flow hood is the obvious choice. The choice is going to come down to what kind of quality you need and what kinds of resources you have. The disadvantage is that building a flow hood takes both time and skill, and not everybody has either. The greatest advantage to building at home is cost-a professionally made unit is likely to cost twice as much for similar size and quality. Laminar flow hoods can be purchased ready-made, but it’s also possible to make a simple one at home. Conversely, horizontal flow hoods are both roomier and bulkier. Unfortunately, the work area is typically smaller, and you may need a step-ladder to service the fan. Vertical hoods take up less floor-space and can be installed as an attachment over a standard work-bench. The difference is whether the fan that moves the air is above the work area or beside it. If the absolute security of a well-designed glove box (a box completely sealed against outside air, accessible only through gloves sealed to access holes) isn’t necessary, a laminar flow hood protects against contamination while allowing complete freedom of movement by the worker through the open front.Ī laminar flow hood can either a vertical configuration or a horizontal configuration. Flow hoods are also used by people conducting medical or biological research, and by people working with dangerous chemicals. Laminar flow hoods are used by mushroom growers and mycologists who are inoculating agar plates or otherwise working with living fungal tissue highly vulnerable to contamination by airborne molds, bacteria, or other problems. Flow hoods can also move air in the other direction, in through a filter, across the project, and then out towards the worker, if the idea is to protect the project (rather than the worker) from contamination. So, for example, if somebody is working on a project that produces unhealthy dust, and the flow hood sucks air in past the worker, across the project, and then through a filter, then laminar flow means none of that dust will end up in the worker’s face-nothing moves backwards against the direction of the flow. “Laminar flow” means a mass of air all moving in the same direction at the same speed, without eddies or other complication. Set up your workspace with this in mind.Laminar flow hoods are essentially boxes that prevent airborne contamination by directing, rather than preventing, airflow. The heat will still sterilise, but the air flow will blow the bacteria on the loop back towards you. If you need to sterilise an inoculating loop in the hood while using a Bunsen burner, keep in mind that the stronger air flow of the Laminar flow hood will override the traditional cone of protection. Spray the inside of the Laminar Flow hood with 70% ethanol and wipe it down with paper towel.Īs you move your work into the flow hood, spray the outside of each bottle/tube with 70% ethanol and wipe them down with paper towel.Īs a general rule, always move an object backwards and to one side after use. Put on your gloves and spray them with 70% ethanol. As the suction begins to pull on the front panels, slide them off.ĭon’t leave the front panels on for too long as they may be damaged by the air pressure. Make sure there are no gaps for light to leak through and absolutely DO NOT stare at it.Īfter 10 minutes, turn off the UV light, and turn on the Laminar flow fans. If your Laminar Flow Hood is equipped with a UV light, cover up the front with the panels and turn on the UV light.
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