Do you choose a perforated or a solid work surface for your laminar flow cabinet?

A perforated or a solid work surface for your laminar flow cabinet | Photo: ELSCOLAB

When fitting out a microbiological laminar flow cabinet, the choice between a solid and a perforated work surface is a practical question that comes up regularly.

Both versions offer operator safety, but they behave differently with regard to the airflow.

Airflow as the deciding factor

• Perforated work surface
  With a perforated work surface, there is 100% respect for the laminar airflow at the level of the work surface. Despite the small size of the holes, liquid may accidentally leak through, or small objects may fall into the drip tray beneath the work surface.
• Solid work surface
  A solid work surface does not have this permeability. The air escapes via the front or rear grilles of the work surface, which means the air has to work harder to escape.

Both work surfaces guarantee the safety of the laboratory operator. But when an undisturbed laminar airflow is the priority, a perforated work surface is preferred.

Written by

ELSCOLAB

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