Clean Benches: What is a Clean Bench?

Clean benches are frequently used in laboratories across a wide range of industries worldwide. These hoods utilize state-of-the-art technology in order to provide the laboratory with a clean, safe, bacteria-free environment for sensitive biological substances. The hood ensures that the operating environment is 99% free of .3 micron particles.

What Exactly Does a Clean Bench Do?

Clean benches prevent dust, smoke, bacteria, microorganisms, and other undesired dirt in the air from contaminating the biological materials and samples that the operator is currently working on. The HEPA filter, which is a high-efficiency mechanical filter, lets the air through, cleaning it and directing the airflow right to the substances. A clean bench can maintain a high level of air cleanliness even in a significantly polluted environment.

Does a Clean Bench Protect the Worker Too?

A clean bench only protects the samples, substances, and materials being worked on, as it directs the filtered air across the operating surface towards the worker. These hoods can be used for particular cleaning operations, such as the dust-free assembly of sterile facilities or electronic devices. A clean bench must never be used while working with drugs, highly infectious substances, or other dangerous samples. The operator will be exposed to the substances, which, depending on the material, could lead to poisoning, infection, contamination, or toxicity. So, a clean bench should not be mixed up with a biosafety cabinet.

What Are the Different Types of Clean Benches?

• Circulation bench: this hood allows clean air to circulate.
• Light table clean bench: the workstation is made of glass or acrylic; plus, it has a fluorescent lamp.
• Drainage bench: the workstation also includes a sink with a tap.
• Drying bench: the infrared light allows the materials to dry quickly.
• Built-in bench: floor-standing units are built into the equipment.
• Exhaust bench: the air can be sucked in from the workstation or just a part of it.
• Vibration-free bench: the gap between the main unit and the workstation prevents the hood from vibrating.

Why Choose a Laminar Flow?

Laminar flows are used in all industries where there are high demands on the purity of the air environment. Clean benches for particular environments are equipped with a horizontal or vertical laminar flow. This means that the air flows in one direction and at one speed in parallel lines without backflow. This type of protection and the right enclosure design ensures that the laminar flow protects the work on the clean bench surface. A laminar flow can carry contaminants away from the clean bench to where they can be efficiently collected by filtration and disposed of in another, more convenient location.

Recommended Clean Benches

We can recommend the clean benches from Lamsystems for work. They are designed for maximum performance and efficiency. Clean benches from Lamsystems keep foreign elements from contaminating the air and samples. Special HEPA filters allow only purified air to pass through and maintain high levels of air purity even in significantly polluted environments. This equipment can be placed inside existing cleanrooms and clean areas to create local workplaces of higher purity class.

Clean Bench Fundamentals

To describe a clean bench, imagine a box with a desk in the middle and walls towards the top, front, and sides. Workers place in their hands within the enclosed space. Outside air is drawn inside the bench and filtered to get rid of dust and other impurities, before being circulated throughout the bench.

How to Utilize a Clean Bench

A clean bench is simple to use. After completely sanitizing your hands, use alcohol to disinfect them, as well as everything you'll use inside the clean bench. Switch on the cabinet and place your hands into the working chamber.

What to Look for in a Clean Bench

Before purchasing a new clean bench, make sure to plan out how you'll put it to use. It will be easier to select the right product if you've clearly identified its intended use.

• Is it appropriate for the intended purpose?
• Is it going to fit in the installation area?
• Is it within your financial means?
• Do the cleanliness, ventilation, and weight meet the minimum requirements?
• Does it sufficiently collect dust?