The downflow booths use HEPA filtered air to push dust or vapours down and away from the operator breathing zone, creating a clean processing zone and minimising cross-contamination risk with other products/processes. This allows a wide range of process operations to be carried out without the need for PPE.
Our downflow booths are available in a range of standard and bespoke configurations to suit individual requirements of operator protection and product protection, the processing activities to be undertaken, and any environmental and energy concerns.
Downflow booths have predominantly been used in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, cosmetics, and food industries. However, they are becoming increasingly common in other areas, including the metal finishing and sampling industries.
There are two main configuration options, depending on the application:
- Recirculatory booths are typically used in dry powder handling operations and achieve a minimum H13 grade 99.995% @MPPS filtration performance. A conditioned downflow of air passes evenly from the booth’s ceiling inlet plenum, pushing any dust downwards and away from the operator’s breathing zone. The air is then extracted from the booth via low-level exhaust grills and through a series of filters prior to recirculation into the booth’s working area. A small percentage of air is discharged from the booth through high-level bleed to maintain the working space under negative pressure, minimizing airborne contamination from leaving the booth.
- Single pass, once-through booths are used in applications where solvent fumes or vapours are anticipated, or when high potency products demand a once through philosophy. The single pass booth operates a vertical airflow, pushing dusts and vapours downwards and away from the operator’s breathing zone with air discharged 100% to atmosphere, ensuring that solvent laden air will not be recirculated back into the booth.
Latest Developments in High Containment
By combining clean air technology and barrier screen protection between the operator and the source of dust particles, our Downflow Booths can achieve OELs as low as <1µg/m3, which is consistent with more robust, fully enclosed containment methods.
5D Articulated Containment Screens offer a range of movements: side to side; forward and backward; raise and lower; controlled tilt function; controlled rotation; to give operators ease of movement with minimal restriction. Optional materials of screen construction include rigid and flexible transparent materials.
