Dependable filtered airflow is critical to maintaining product protection from environmental contaminants. Applications categories include:
- Experimental cell culture
- PCR extractions
- Automated sample processing, culture, and analysis
All ductless product protection cabinets force filtered positive pressure air into the work area, preventing room air contaminants from entering the cabinet workspace.
Any potential airborne laboratory particulate, are removed from the airstream by High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, comprised of mats of randomly arranged synthetic fibers. This filtration media captures a wide range of particle sizes. To protect filters from loading due to dust, pre-filtration is used to eliminate particles of 5.0 microns or larger to an efficiency of 92%
Applicable standards for particulate filtration and containment include:
- BS EN ISO 14644-1:2015 – ISO Class air conditions
- ISO 16890 – pre filtration –
- EN 1822 - HEPA H14 filtration media standard eliminates particles 0.3 microns or larger to an efficiency of 99.995%.
- EN 1822 - ULPA U16 Standard is available as an optional upgrade and has an efficiency of 99.999% for particle sizes of 0.1 – 0.3 microns MPPS (Most Penetrating Particle Size)
In all Product Protection units, good cabinet design is important, to ensure uniform laminar airflow through the filter. Filter casing design is also crucial, to prevent particulate breakthrough and resulting influx of contaminants into the workspace. In addition to superior design, Caron also offers periodic performance validation testing to protect customer product from the results of on-site component damage or filter saturation.
For the PCR application, periodic workspace decontamination is also important. UV lights, operating in the UVC band (200-275 nanometers), break down rogue DNA that can otherwise linger within the workspace and contaminate results. Appropriate and built-in safety features within the Caron PCR are important when using this technology, since while UVC is effectively blocked by acrylic panels, direct exposure to skin or eyes can cause harm to users.
