Laminar flow workstations won't hurt the cash flow
12/01/2002
Compiled by Ryan Cliche
Larger manufacturing facilities often require just a few "critical clean" areas, making laminar flow workstations an ideal solution. In fact, less than 40 percent of a typical cleanroom's floor space is dedicated to clean manufacturing and storage. As a result, it's often more cost-effective to construct a low-class cleanroom and supplement it with laminar flow workstations than it is to create a higher-class cleanroom. Here is a representative sampling of the latest laminar flow workstations to hit the cleanroom market.
Gasket leak protection
Designed to create a freestanding minienvironment, the Series 412 vertical laminar flow clean bench has two seals—one each on the downstream and upstream sides of the HEPA filter—to protect against contamination in the event of a gasket leak. Depending on application needs, systems can range from vertical flow benches with open interiors, to exhausting clean benches with wet processes, to recirculating temperature control ISO Class 3. The bench also features an upper cabinet module that houses the prefilters, HEPA or ULPA main filters, blower motors and lights. A modular lower support frame includes the lower work surface module.
Clean Air Products
Minneapolis, MN
www.cleanairproducts.com
Toxic odors and fumes
Designed as an exhausting vertical laminar airflow clean workstation, the PVE Series is designed for when toxic odors and fumes are present or when corrosive materials are used. Intake air passes through a HEPA filter 99 percent efficient on .3 microns, according to company claims, providing an ISO Class 5 airflow into the work chamber and downward through the perforated work surface. The use of polypropylene offers immunity to corrosion, resistance to acids and solvents, non-conductive properties and a minimum of maintenance.
CleanZones LLC
Manalapan, NJ
www.cleanzones.com
More corrosion resistance
LM Air Technology also sports a PVE Series. The use of polypropylene and fire-retardant polypropylene offers immunity to corrosion, resistance to acids and solvents, non-conductive properties and minimum maintenance.
LM Air Technology Inc.
Rahway, NJ
www.lmairtech.com
Adjustable/selectable airflow
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The TF-300 controlled environment has a "Tri-Flow" (TF) design for horizontal, vertical or combination airflow. Individual units can be linked together to form production lines, while allowing each unit to have different or unique airflow settings as dictated by process requirements. It can also be used with manual, automated or hybrid semi-automated process tooling including conveyors for linked units as needed.
StratoTech Corp.
Loveland, CO
www.stratotech.com
Processing enclosure
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The vertical laminar flow station for ISO Class 4 environments directs a laminar flow of HEPA-filtered air downward to the work surface. All-stainless steel or powder-coated filter housing incorporates 50 dBA blowers. Side panels and an optional PLC-controlled front sliding shield control the laminar air stream and restrict contaminant influx. Standard systems measure 32¥80¥52 to 100 inches, with a working space of 30¥35¥48 to 96 inches (above a 32-inch-high optional work surface).
Terra Universal Inc.
Anaheim, CA
www.terrauniversal.com