Chapter 4: Performance Features And Safety Precautions; Hepa Filters; Ulpa Filters - Thermo Scientific 1310 Operating Instructions Manual

4. Performance Features and Safety Precautions
All 1300 Series B2 Biosafety Cabinets operate using the following principles:
• Filtration and retention of particulates by High Efficiency Particulate Air
(HEPA) filter(s)
•
Laminar airflow
• Directional airflow
The major components in a Biosafety Cabinet are:
•
The HEPA or optional ULPA filter(s)
•
The motor/blower to force air through the Cabinet
•
Cabinet air intakes (grilles), ductwork and air balance controls

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are disposable, dry-type particulate filters. The filter material or
media is typically made of borosilicate microfibers formed into a thin sheet, in a
process similar to the production of paper. This sheet is folded, or pleated to
increase its surface area. The pleats are held in place by aluminum diffusers or
by beads of glue that add rigidity to the media pack. The pack is then set into a
frame, and sealed as shown in Figure 4-1.
The HEPA filter manufacturer establishes the efficiency of the filter by
challenging it with an aerosol of known particle size. The number of particles
that penetrate the filter are quantified, and this establishes the efficiency of the
filter. Thus, the filters used in the Thermo Scientific 1300 Series B2 Cabinets are
at least 99.99% efficient in removing particles 0.3 micron.
Note: The HEPA filter media is very fragile. DO NOT touch the media. If you
think the media of a HEPA filter is damaged, DO NOT USE THE CABINET.
Have the HEPA filter integrity tested by a certifier before using the cabinet.
Note: HEPA Filters are only effective against particulate material. Gases will
pass through the filter.

ULPA Filters

ULPA filters have the same properties as the HEPA filters described above
except ULPA filters are rated at 99.999% efficient in removing particles 0.1-0.2
or 0.2-0.3 micron.
Operating Instructions Safety Cabinet | 1300 Series B2
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