Clean benches provide filtered air across a work surface in laboratories to protect samples from contamination. They are used in a variety of laboratories, including medicine, research, manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and more. Their broad spectrum of uses means that each clean bench and industry has their own custom needs, processes, and equipment. This ensures that no matter what sample is being used, they can stay uncontaminated!
Clean benches use a laminar flow to avoid contamination of samples. They are recommended for work with non-hazardous materials where clean, particle-free air is necessary to keep materials free of contamination. The laminar flow ensures the work surface is constantly flooded with filtered air to remove particles from the air surrounding the samples.
They differ from biological safety cabinets in that they do not provide the personnel or surrounding environment protection from any air particles created by the samples or aerosols created on the work surface. That’s why clean benches are used for non-hazardous materials only.
In order for the clean benches to properly utilize a laminar flow and protect the samples from contamination, a HEPA filter or carbon filter are typically used. These critical air filters are key for ensuring a clean bench works as it should and industry standards can be followed.
Air Filters for Clean Benches
HEPA filters remove a minimum of 99.97% of particles that pass through the filter at 0.3 microns. Particles of this size are the Most Penetrating Particle Size and are the most difficult to filter. HEPA filter media’s include sub-micron, wet laid glass and/or meltblown polypropylene electrostatically charged fibers arranged in non-woven format to capture fine particles. For clean benches utilized in food processing, research, and technology, these air filters are key for ensuring the samples stay uncontaminated while they’re being examined or processed. These are often used with a pre-filter for maximum efficiency.
Another level of filtration that some clean benches and equipment may use is a carbon filter. Carbon filters using activated charcoal are some of the most common filtration materials used. Carbon filters are used to remove odours and gases from the air. They can be used as a pre-filter in combination with HEPA filters or other filter types to ensure the air around the sample in the laminar flow is uncontaminated.
HEPA filters and carbon filters for clean benches are among the standard filters manufactured for this purpose. However, in some cases, other filtration solutions will be required or custom filters created for customized clean bench equipment.
APC Filtration’s Critical Air Filters
APC Filtration designs and manufactures custom critical air filters for clean benches, laminar flow cabinets, and other medical and research laboratory equipment. Whether your laboratory requires standard air filters, HEPA filters, or carbon filters, we can help! We have designed critical air filters for clean benches across North America and our rapid prototyping process means you get fast results and a quick turnaround time.
Contact APC today to learn more about our custom critical air filtration manufacturing for clean benches. We can create a custom HEPA or carbon filter solution for you! Call or email us today.
