DIY laminar flow hood filtration question

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In summary, the discussion revolves around creating a DIY laminar flow hood, focusing on the effectiveness of different filtration methods, the importance of maintaining airflow and cleanliness, and tips for construction to ensure proper air circulation and safety in a laboratory environment.
  • #1
grunttruck
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hello everyone, i am building a laminar flow hood for plant tissue culturing and have a question regarding flow and filters. my issue is i want a decent size of work space, that isn't all cramped up. as it stands, a 12"x24" hepa or merv 17 rated filter is pretty expensive, but two 12"x14" filters are not. my question is, would the laminar flow be disrupted by splicing two filters together? assuming i find a pair of filters that have a thin enough trim/border that would make the seam marginal at best, that is, if this makes sense. thoughts?
 
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  • #2
Are you going to use a perforated plate to generate the flow pattern? If so, the seam between the filters won't matter.
 
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  • #3
russ_watters said:
Are you going to use a perforated plate to generate the flow pattern? If so, the seam between the filters won't mat
cheers for the reply.. the plan i was following didn't mention any perforated plates, but i suppose i could include them. would egg crate work? or even putting the hepa filters before a furnace prefilter of the same combined size?
 
  • #4
Furnace pre-filter would work OK, but, how big is this seam? It may not be a big problem. And do you have a drawing of the hood?
 
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  • #5
russ_watters said:
Furnace pre-filter would work OK, but, how big is this seam? It may not be a big problem. And do you have a drawing of the hood?
i'm reckoning the seam will be about 1/4" max

here's a couple pictures from the plans. the first is the filter box without the filter and fan housing, the second includes those. this plan is for a 2'x4' filter, but i will be scaling it down
capture1.JPG
capture2.JPG
 
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FAQ: DIY laminar flow hood filtration question

What is a laminar flow hood and why is it important?

A laminar flow hood is a carefully designed enclosure that directs filtered air in a smooth, unidirectional flow to create a contaminant-free environment. It is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications, such as microbiology, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, to prevent contamination of samples and processes.

What type of filter is used in a laminar flow hood?

The most commonly used filter in a laminar flow hood is a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are capable of trapping 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, ensuring a high level of air purity.

How do I determine the appropriate size of the HEPA filter for my DIY laminar flow hood?

The size of the HEPA filter depends on the dimensions of the workspace you need to cover and the airflow requirements. Measure the width and height of the area where you plan to install the filter, and ensure that the filter size matches these dimensions. Additionally, consider the airflow rate (in cubic feet per minute, CFM) needed to maintain laminar flow, which is typically around 90-100 feet per minute.

What kind of blower or fan should I use for my DIY laminar flow hood?

You should use a blower or fan that can provide a consistent and adequate airflow to maintain laminar conditions. The fan should have a CFM rating that matches or slightly exceeds the requirements of your HEPA filter and workspace. Ensure the fan is capable of overcoming the resistance (pressure drop) created by the HEPA filter, typically measured in inches of water gauge (in. w.g.).

How do I test the effectiveness of my DIY laminar flow hood?

To test the effectiveness of your DIY laminar flow hood, you can use a particle counter to measure the concentration of airborne particles before and after the filter. Another method is to perform a smoke test using a smoke generator or incense stick to visualize the airflow and ensure it is unidirectional and free of turbulence. Additionally, you can conduct microbiological tests by exposing sterile culture plates to the airflow and checking for contamination growth.

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