VWS Series vertical laminar flow cabinets

APPLICATIONS
VWS Series cabinets are designed to provide a high degree of protection for process products and apparatus in laboratory and production facilities. Many critical applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, scientific and electronics fields demand an ultra-clean work environment that is free from biological and particulate contamination. 

Typical applications include: 

Aseptic dispensing

Assembly of electronics and optics components

Cell culturing

Media pouring

Preparation of medical devices

Sterility testing

VWS Series cabinets are intended for work with nonhazardous materials in such applications.  

Description
VWS Series cabinets are self-contained Class 3.5 vertical laminar flow work stations designed for installation on standard laboratory benches, or on optional floor stands. Cabinets are available with work zone width of 90cm, 120cm or 180cm.  Each cabinet is factory-tested and certified by a NATA-registered laboratory to establish compliance with the performance requirements. Please refer to our Standards page. 

Horizontal flow cabinets
HWS Series cabinets may be preferred for applications where the work process is optimally presented to horizontal airflow. 

Operation
Vertical laminar flow in the work zone creates a biologically-clean, particle-free work environment. A direct-drive fan draws in ambient air through a prefilter on the top of the cabinet and supplies it to the work zone through a HEPA filter. The average vertical air velocity in the work zone is maintained between 0.45 and 0.5 m/s, with all velocity readings within 20% of their average. 

Air leaving the work zone is divided into two portions. Part of the airflow leaves through the work opening, with the balance recirculated to the fan/HEPA filter system via perforations in the lower section of the work zone. This reduces turbulence in the work zone, and extends HEPA filter service life. Air cleanliness within the work zone is better than Class 3.5 (Class 100). To enhance work zone air cleanliness, it is recommended that cabinets are installed in cleanrooms which provide a secondary barrier. 

Construction

Cabinet.
The housing is constructed in electro-galvanised steel, etch-primed and finished in a special baked enamel that has been developed for laboratory equipment.The work zone is constructed in Grade 304 stainless steel, with the fitting of panels designed to minimise crevices and to aid routine cleaning. A removable, washable metal screen protects the HEPA filter from mechanical damage. 

Fans.
A direct-drive fan is regulated by a speed controller to enable airflow to be maintained through filter life. Fans and filter plenums are designed to provide ultra-quiet operation and low vibration level. 

HEPA filters.
Clyde-Apac HEPA filters are manufactured to the most exacting standards for critical applications. Each filter is individually certified to achieve an arrestance efficiency of not less than 99.995% to the stringent BS3928 Sodium Flame test, and to be leak-free in accordance with AS1807.6. 

All testing is conducted in a NATA-registered factory laboratory and a NATA-endorsed test label, being an extract of the test report, is affixed to each filter. The positive-pressure filter seal is surrounded by a negative pressure zone, thus enhancing the reliability of the filter installation.

Prefilters.
An easily-accessed, washable prefilter arrests not less than 90% of particles 5 micron and larger, thus prolonging HEPA filter life. A warning light in the control panel signals the need for prefilter service. 

Physical Data

Electrical.
A low voltage touch control panel is located on the front of the cabinet. The status of all switched functions is indicated by LEDs. An integral fluorescent lamp housing reduces heat build-up near the operator. Glare-free lamps provide a minimum lighting intensity of 800 luxat the work floor. 

Standard features

Stainless steel work zone

Prefilter service indicator

Partial airflow recirculation

Comprehensive operation manual

Low-voltage touch controls

Glare-free fluorescent lighting

Quiet, low-vibration operation

Options

Germicidal UV lamp

UV shield/work zone cover

IV hanging rail

Hourmeter

Manometer

Power outlet

Service taps for air, gas and vacuum

Floor stand

Double-sided operation

UV sterilising chamber

Heated work surface for IVF applications

Personnel protection - limitations
VWS cabinets provide protection for products or experiments, but do not protect personnel from aerosols of hazardous materials that may be handled in the cabinet. For applications where personnel and environmental protection is required, Clyde-Apac Class I or Class II biological safety cabinets, or cytotoxic drug safety cabinets (as applicable) should be considered. 

Quality Assurance and Control
Clyde-Apac laminar flow and HEPA filter products are manufactured in Australia under an accredited Quality Management system. 
Please refer to our Standards page. 

On-Site Testing
VWS Series cabinets are factory-tested and certified by a NATA-registered laboratory. Additional testing and certification is recommended as follows: 

On site prior to use 

After any electrical or mechanical maintenance 

After filter replacement 

After re-location 

At least annually 

In special circumstances, e.g. if faulty cabinet operation is suspected 

AES Environmental is a NATA-registered laboratory and provides comprehensive on-site maintenance, testing and certification services for safety cabinets, laminar flow work stations, cleanrooms and HEPA filter installations. This service is available from fully-equipped, NATA-registered laboratories in major Australian and selected International centres.