Project:Flow Hood

Overview

A Laminar Flow Hood would enable us to greatly improve the aseptic technique protocol in the hackspace. But first we need to make one.

Basic design

We should aim to build a vertical flow hood as that not only protects cultures from contamination but protects the user from the cultures being worked on.

Here is a basic diagram of what it should look like.

SketchUp file of proposed design

Construction and Materials

Frame

We need to construct a frame: perhaps weld together some steel box section; or chop up and repurpose an old shelving unit; or construct it out of makerbeam, openbeam or easy fix.

Work surface and side panels

Because we will be using 70% ethanol for sterilisation, the materials used for the sides and work surface must be resistant to this. Unfortunately 70% ethanol kills perspex over time so we should use glass for the sides and a sheet of polypropylene for the work surface.

Sealant

The inside edges of the flow hood need to be sealed and air tight. As with the side panels, the sealant must be resistant to 70% ethanol, so ordinary bathroom sealant is out. So far the only ethanol resistant sealant I have found is PRC Rapid Seal which is rather expensive. A much cheaper alternative that may work is simply sticking PTFE tape along the edges. However the ethanol may work its way under the tape and cause the adhesive to loosen.

Filters

HEPA rated filters will remove any bacteria and other contaminants from a flow of air. They are often used in air conditioners and air purifiers. The entire 'ceiling' of the flow hood must consist of filters, so the dimensions of worksurface of the hood are constrained by what size filters we can find for a reasonable price. So far these filters on Amazon appear to be our best option - we can put two next to each other to achieve a 64x42cm work surface. So far I have had no luck in getting the pressure drop information about the filters from Fellowes, an alternative is to use this costlier filter (UMPW78132418) from a company that will be able to provide detailed information

After finally discovering the specs of the Fellowes filters, they're not appropriate. That means we need to opt for the UMPW78 18x24 (spec sheet).

Blower/Fan

We need to find a blower that will blow the right amount of air through the filters to create laminar flow. Instructions on how to figure out the maths of achieving laminar flow through a HEPA filter can be found in this helpful PDF.

Shopping List

Item	Amount	Cost
Aluminium Angle 1" x 3/4" x 1/8"	5000mm	£14.00
Aluminium Angle 3/8" x 3/8" x 1/16"	1000mm	£1.17
Mild Steel Box 1" x 1" x 14swg	2x6000mm	£39.70
Polypropylene Sheet 1000 x 500 x 1mm	1	£4.85
Polypropylene Sheet 1000 x 1000 x 1mm	1	£9.24
Fellowes Large HEPA filter	2	£51.22
Glass 409 x 800 x 3mm	2	£...
Glass 638 x 550 x 3mm	1	£...
Fan	1	£...

Links

http://myco-tek.org/showthread.php?49-EvilMushroom666-s-Flowhood-Build

http://edgeqld.org.au/catalyst/2013/01/03/diy-laminar-flow-hood/