Laminar Air Flow (LAF)
Microbiology Room Equipment: High-Accuracy Laminar Air Flow (LAF)
In the sterile environment of a microbiology laboratory, maintaining a localized Grade A environment is essential for processes that do not involve hazardous pathogens but require absolute protection from ambient particulates. Metrolabs provides high-accuracy Laminar Air Flow (LAF) units, engineered to provide a constant stream of unidirectional, HEPA-filtered air across your workspace.
Our LAF units are built with a “Zero-Ledge” philosophy, ensuring that your primary work zone remains an aseptic extension of your Modular Cleanroom Panels.
Unidirectional Airflow: The Barrier Against Contamination
The core function of an LAF unit is to replace turbulent room air with a “laminar” (unidirectional) flow of purified air. This creates a positive pressure zone that sweeps particulates away from sensitive samples.
Vertical Laminar Flow (VLF)
In a VLF configuration, the HEPA filter is positioned in the ceiling of the unit. Mechanism: Air moves downward from the top, bathing the work surface and exiting through the front opening or a perforated base. Best For: Large equipment or tall instruments that might block a horizontal air stream.
Horizontal Laminar Flow (HLF)
In an HLF configuration, the HEPA filter is mounted on the rear wall of the unit. Mechanism: Air moves from the back toward the operator, ensuring the most sterile air reaches the sample first. Best For: Delicate tasks like media preparation, petri dish pouring, or assembly of micro-components where the researcher’s hands stay downstream of the sample.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Metrolabs LAF Standard | Benefit |
| Material | Grade SS 316L (Internal) | Resists corrosion from aggressive disinfectants and IPA. |
| Air Velocity | $0.45 \text{ m/s} \pm 20\%$ | Maintains stable laminar flow and prevents turbulence. |
| Vibration | < $0.002 \text{ mm}$ (Amplitude) | Provides a stable platform for high-accuracy microscopy. |
| Noise Level | < $65 \text{ dB}$ | Contributes to a focused and comfortable work environment. |
Engineering & Material Excellence
Metrolabs LAF units are designed for long-term performance and structural integrity in pharmaceutical and research settings.
Surgical-Grade Surfaces: The entire work zone is fabricated from SS 304 or SS 316L stainless steel. We utilize a “Zero-Ledge” design with coved internal corners to ensure 100% “wipe-down” accessibility.
Tiered Filtration: * G4 Pre-filters: Captures large atmospheric dust, protecting the primary filter.
H14 HEPA Filters: Provides $99.997\%$ efficiency in capturing particles as small as $0.3 \text{ microns}$, ensuring the work zone meets ISO Class 5 (Grade A) standards.
Integrated UV-C Sterilization: Features high-output germicidal lamps to decontaminate the work surface during idle periods, ensuring the unit is sterile before every use.
Advanced Features for Research Integrity
Every Metrolabs LAF unit is equipped with high-accuracy monitoring systems to guarantee the safety of your samples:
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): Automatically adjusts the motor-blower speed to compensate for filter loading, maintaining a constant air velocity over the life of the HEPA filter.
Differential Pressure Gauges: High-accuracy analog or digital manometers allow personnel to monitor the pressure drop across the filters for maintenance planning.
Transparent Side Panels: Fabricated from tempered safety glass or UV-resistant polycarbonate, providing maximum visibility and light penetration into the work zone.
The Metrolabs Advantage
We focus on the high-accuracy fabrication required for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and semiconductor industries.
Cleanroom Integration: Our LAF units can be ceiling-suspended or floor-mounted to integrate seamlessly with your existing Cleanroom Partition Systems.
Custom Configurations: We offer specialized LAF units with anti-vibration tables for sensitive weighing or perforated work trays for optimized vertical airflow.
Technical Insight: To ensure the highest level of sample protection, always place your equipment toward the back (HLF) or top (VLF) of the work zone. This ensures that the most pristine air hits your samples before it passes over your hands or other potential sources of particulates.