Vertical and Horizontal Laminar Flow Cabinet Technology: Advances in Protection

Recent years have seen a major expansion in demand for clean-air technology, partly due to the huge advances in the field of micro-electronics. The many products being manufactured in this field require clean production conditions, which can be achieved by installing a horizontal or vertical laminar flow cabinet. At the same time, there has also been a growth in pharmaceutical and scientific applications needing a clean-air environment.

Technology in this field has made rapid advances to meet user needs and to cater for the increasing range of applications where a VLAF or HLAF cabinet may be used. Tecomak Environmental Services supplies products from EuroClone, which is at the forefront of designing more advanced cabinets. All the clean benches they produce not only meet all relevant guidelines and standards to ensure compliance, but also have additional features to provide users with the highest quality equipment.

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High Performance: Consistent and guaranteed quality is essential in all the types of application where clean production is needed. For instance, in the case of micro-electronics and components for precision machinery, even a low level of contamination from dust or particles in the atmosphere can affect the production and mean the equipment being manufactured will not be fit for purpose.  A flow of particle-free air is equally essential for production of medicines and drugs in pharmaceutical labs.

Any companies or institutions choosing a EuroClone laminar flow bench can be sure that the equipment will give high performance together with reliability.  The Aura Vertical SD4 vertical laminar flow cabinet and the Aura HZ horizontal laminar flow cabinet both meet the BS EN ISO 14644 standard, meaning they provide Class 5 air quality to meet the GMP Grade A requirements.
Both types of cabinet contain H14 HEPA filters giving full compliance with the EN 1822 standard, while for the Aura HZ there is the option of the U15 ULPA grade.

Enhanced Protection: Anyone looking not only for product protection, but also for advanced operator protection, will find that the Aura Vertical SD4 VLAF cabinet offers this, since its design is almost the same as that of a microbiological safety cabinet.  This means it is suitable for workplaces where a biologically clean atmosphere is needed.

Monitoring Performance: It is essential to be sure that laminar flow benches perform consistently, and this means there is a need for in-built alarms and monitoring equipment to ensure the airflow is constant. Both the Aura HZ and the Aura Vertical SD4 have a control and alarm system including an easy-to-read display of air speed value. This is equipped with a control panel and includes both visual and sound alarms, which raise an alert in the event of any problem with either the air speed or the condition of the filters.

Helping Productivity: Ergonomic design can help to create better working conditions and so encourages greater productivity, as well as being an element in operator protection. The Aura SD4 and Aura Mini both feature a sloped front which has been ergonomically designed to ensure greater comfort. Also, both the horizontal and vertical flow cabinets in the range come with a support stand which is fully height-adjustable and includes a foot rest. All the Aura cabinets also contain the latest fans, keeping both noise and vibration to a minimum, which is another help to workplace comfort and productivity.

Making Maximum Use of Space: Some facilities have limited space, but still need quality clean air systems and high performance. The Aura Mini's space-saving design achieves this, and it is available in different configurations as required, with inward and outward air barriers to provide operator and product protection. Like the larger models, it also has an integrated alarm and control system.

When you are looking for a horizontal or vertical laminar flow cabinet, you will want to find a manufacturer and supplier who are reliable and who use the latest technology.   Tecomak is an installer and supplier which has been operating in this field for many years and has a proud reputation. We are the chosen supplier for EuroClone, a well known and highly regarded manufacturer whose reputation for quality is known across Europe. Tecomak provides a comprehensive maintenance service and will advise you on any changes and upgrades you may need in the future.

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Which Laminar Flow Cabinet is the Right Choice for Your Workplace?

A laminar flow cabinet provides “clean air” for a sterile production area in a workplace, ensuring an airflow in one direction and at a consistent speed. There are two different types of cabinet, or “clean bench” available, providing horizontal and vertical flow. Both protect processes, while vertical laminar flow cabinets can in addition be used to provide operator protection.

Whether you require an HLAF or VLAF cabinet, Tecomak are expert suppliers and installers of this equipment, providing products manufactured by leading European company EuroClone. Before deciding which cabinet is right for your facility, you need to look at various key factors, including the type of application and layout of your production area or laboratory.

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Type of Application: There are various different types of application and facility where clean production is needed. In these areas, a horizontal laminar flow cabinet, such as EuroClone's class-leading Aura HZ, could be suitable. This type of cabinet is used in sectors including electronic and micro-electronic manufacture, pharmaceutical and medical production, and many other areas of industry and scientific research.

There are also other types of application within these sectors where more operator protection is needed, for instance because of the types of materials concerned, and in these cases a vertical or downflow cabinet is likely to be preferable. The Aura Vertical SD4 closely resembles a microbiological safety cabinet in its design, and so provides a very high degree of protection for operators as well as for production and the environment. Both the Aura HZ and the Vertical SD4 meet requirements for use in a GMP Grade A environment.

In addition, specialist cabinets are available for some applications, such as the EmbryoS@fe 100 IVF VLAF cabinet. This is specifically designed for working areas where IVF processes are being carried out, and provides an ISO5 working environment, with features including built-in microscopes and microprocessor control.

Laboratory Layout and Available Space: It may be easier to use a vertical cabinet if space is limited, because an HLAF cabinet will require more clearance and floor space than a VLAF. Other considerations in choosing a direction of flow include how the work surface has been designed and where the process is located within the facility.

The EuroClone range includes the Aura Mini, a VLAF which is especially suited for facilities where space is limited. This model is a partially recirculating downflow cabinet designed to give both product and operator protection. It has many of the same features as the larger models in the Aura range.

Reliability: Whether you choose horizontal or vertical laminar flow benches, you will want to be sure that you are getting the highest level of protection and meeting all official standards. This is essential not only to ensure regulatory compliance, but also to be sure that your products are of the highest quality in order to satisfy clients or customers.

It is therefore important to choose equipment made by a leading manufacturer and certified to meet the highest standards. EuroClone has more than four decades of experience in manufacturing this type of specialist product. Its laminar flow benches all have high technical specifications and conform to the relevant regulations and guidelines.

As well as choosing a reliable manufacturer, it is equally vital to find a company with a good reputation and wide-ranging experience of contamination control to install your clean benches.  Tecomak is highly experienced in this field, with all the expertise you need, and can advise you on which type of cabinet is suitable for your particular requirements.

Advanced Features: When deciding on a laminar flow cabinet , it is likely you will be looking for a number of desirable features. These include high-quality components, including filters and fans, and a design which minimises noise and vibration. In-built monitoring systems, alarms and failsafes to ensure consistent performance are also important. You may also want to check whether accessories are available, such as support stands and UV lights. EuroClone's cabinets fulfil all these requirements, using the latest technology to give the highest quality and reliability.

As an expert provider of specialist ventilation services, Tecomak not only installs VLAF and HLAF cabinets, but also provides maintenance,  servicing and compliance testing.

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Advances in Microbiological Safety Cabinet Technology

Over recent years there have been rapid advances in microbiological safety cabinet design. As well as seeking equipment which is compliant with all relevant safety standards, users are increasingly requiring a number of advanced features, better to meet the demands of their labs and facilities.

Tecomak supplies and installs products from EuroClone, one of the leading European companies in this field. Its cabinets use the latest design developments to give a high level of protection and performance. Here is a look at some of the advances in technology which are benefiting users of the latest models.

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State-of-the-Art Protection: This is the most important consideration for any user of a microbiological safety cabinet, since you want to be sure you are getting the highest levels of safety. EuroClone's MSC models have a whole list of advanced design features to give operator, product and environmental protection.

For instance, the S@feMate ECO Class II Safety Cabinet has an electrical sliding sash which is both air and aerosol-tight. The S@feFlow Class II MSC also features this type of sash, as well as a dual skin configuration to provide optimum containment efficiency. Both models offer highly stable airflow and have numerous inbuilt safety features. For full details, look at the product specifications on the main Tecomak site.  All EuroClone cabinets supplied by Tecomak are certified? as fully compliant with various official safety standards, underlining their quality and reliability.

In-Built Monitoring: When choosing a safety cabinet, one factor to consider is the level of integral monitoring, ensuring consistent performance and giving early warning if anything goes wrong. A user-friendly system for monitoring performance is built into the S@feFlow from EuroClone. This model features a control panel with a 15cm screen, which constantly monitors various aspects of performance, including filters and UV lamps, as well as logging data. This cabinet range also has multi-level alarms and an emergency power supply.  

Energy-Saving Features: Demand for eco-friendly design in laboratory equipment, including safety cabinets, is growing. This is partly because of the increased awareness that all companies and institutions need to build environmental responsibility into every aspect of their operation. Energy-saving equipment is also in demand because it helps to cut running costs.

The S@feMate ECO is built for low energy and heat output, with the latest power-saving motor blowers.  Another aspect of these cabinets' design is the fact that they are built to ensure easy cleaning, with smooth internal surfaces and an easily removed stainless steel work surface. As well as being important in its own right, cleanability saves time and is a part of energy efficiency.

Ergonomic Design: There is now increasing recognition of the benefits for staff safety and productivity if people are able to work comfortably. This means that ergonomic design is seen as a priority for many types of equipment, including safety cabinets. The S@feMate ECO's ergonomic features include a sloped front to ensure comfortable access, in addition to good lighting of the working area via side windows. The S@feFlow can be used with an advanced electronically-controlled lift support stand, making it possible to adjust the work surface to the correct height for any user.

Lower Sound Levels: As with ergonomics, reduced noise in the laboratory helps to create better working conditions and so boosts both safety and productivity. Both the S@feFlow and the S@femate ECO have inbuilt “Silence Within” technology to keep noise to a minimum. The S@feFlow is tested and certified as having a noise level of below 53 dB (A), while for the S@femate ECO the level is less than or equal to 55 dB (A) with the aperture fully open.

Meeting Specialist Requirements: Specific applications may require specialist safety cabinets with a range of additional advanced features. Tecomak supplies the Embryos@fe i-REF  Series microbiological safety cabinet for IVF facilities. Its many high-tech features include built-in microscopes, an integral LCD monitor, heated built-in work surface and sample glass stage.

Another specialist product is the S@feMate Cyto Class II Safety Cabinet, offering specific protection for work with cytotoxic drugs, with its design including three HEPA H14 ?lters and a bag-in/bag-out system of replacing filters. This avoids the risk of either the engineer or the environment being exposed to dangerous chemicals.

Tecomak engineers constantly undergo training and keep up with any changes in the industry and the regulatory framework, as well as the latest advances in microbiological safety cabinet technology. This means you can be sure of compliance with all the regulations relevant to your sector. As well as installing cabinets configured to your specific needs and requirements, we provide an expert maintenance service.

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Choosing the Right Microbiological Safety Cabinets for Your Facility

Today's ever-expanding range of laboratory and industrial applications has seen a rise in demand for microbiological safety cabinets. They are used in sectors including clinical and pharmaceutical research, as well as commercial companies and healthcare. As more processes are developed involving use of cells or biological materials, the need for protection is growing.

If you are considering installing a biological safety cabinet, there are various key factors to consider before deciding which class and model is right for your lab. This will partly depend on the type of application, whether this involves developing a new drug, working with human fluids or tissues or IVF technology.

Tecomak is a supplier for EuroClone, a leading microbiological safety cabinets manufacturer, and can install quality equipment from its range within your facility, as well as providing expert maintenance and testing.

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Type of Protection: There are various different types of protection you might need, depending on whether you just need to protect operators and safeguard the working environment, or also to give product protection. A Class 1 safety cabinet provides operator protection by a system of air filtration, while Class 2 also protects the working area. If a process needs to be completely enclosed because of highly biohazardous materials, in hazard group 4, a Class 3 safety cabinet can be used.

The 4 hazard groups, defined by the Health and Safety Executive, pose different levels of risk, with level 4 being the most hazardous. While both Class 1 MSC and Class 2 MSC are considered suitable for working with biological agents from hazard groups 1 to 3, in practice a Class 2 cafety cabinet is the most popular option for high-tech modern facilities, because of the advantage of the product protection it provides.

Tecomak supplies and installs high-quality Class 2 MSC including the S@feMate ECO and S@feFlow cabinets from leading manufacturer EuroClone, which both provide state-of-the-art protection with a whole range of class-leading features.

You may also need specialist types of cabinet for particular processes, such as working with cytotoxic drugs. Tecomak can install EuroClone's S@feMate Cyto Class II Safety Cabinet to give optimum protection in areas where these products, also known as antineoplastics, are used.  Meanwhile, IVF labs and clinics can benefit from installation of specialist cabinets from the innovative Embryos@fe i-REF Series, specifically designed for areas where assisted human reproduction technology is in use.

Safety and Reliability: As well as deciding which class of MSC you require, it is important to choose a manufacturer and an installer with a good track record. You need to be certain that products providing this type of protection are of top quality and comply with all relevant standards and regulations.

Tecomak's long track record shows that we are a firm which can be relied on for specialist laboratory services. The company has ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation, and has been in business for decades, with many testimonials from satisfied customers. All Tecomak engineers undergo constant training to ensure their knowledge is always up to date.

EuroClone also has a high reputation as a top manufacturer, having achieved ISO 13485 registration and including a whole range of safety features in their products. Five-year warranties when you buy the the S@feMate ECO and S@feFlow from Tecomak give additional peace of mind.

Environmental Friendliness: Green credentials are another key consideration when choosing biological safety cabinets. There is an increasing awareness that we all have a responsibility to the planet and need to minimise the carbon footprint of any processes, including those in labs. Cost considerations are a further reason for eco-awareness, since the operating costs of an inefficient cabinet are much higher than those of an energy-efficient model.

The environment is always a priority for EuroClone, with the S@feMate ECO incorporating the latest low energy fan units. This means a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as well as reducing output of heat and so saving energy, in keeping with Tecomak's focus on environmental responsibility.

There are also many other key points to consider in choosing microbiological safety cabinets, such as ergonomics, productivity and how much space a cabinet will take within your facility. As experts in this field, Tecomak bears all these considerations in mind, and can give you advice on which model of cabinet will suit your requirements and how to configure it to your particular lab.

You can be sure that all the models we supply feature the latest technology and meet the most rigorous standards, ensuring full regulatory compliance for your sector. We can also provide expert maintenance and testing of equipment following installation.

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