All Stainless Steel Construction Assures the Integrity of your Cleanroom
Compounding equipment placed in a cleanroom must be constructed with materials that are highly durable, non-shedding and can withstand rigorous cleaning protocols. All laminar flow and compounding equipment manufactured by Germfree is constructed with 100% stainless steel. The physical properties of stainless steel make it inherently optimal for the demands of cleanroom equipment.
Proper disinfection protocols are critical in sterile compounding areas. SOPs demand frequent cleaning and may utilize strong chemicals. Best practices for cleanroom operations indicate that both the interior work area, as well as the exterior surfaces of hoods are effectively cleaned. Stainless steel is preferred for its resistant properties and overall ease of cleaning.
It is also imperative that core compounding equipment is rugged, durable and non-shedding. Stainless steel will not corrode nor shed even when impacted by the ongoing wear of a high production environment. Certain painted or coated materials present a plausible risk of corrosion or shedding after repeated exposure to harsh chemicals and long-term use.
The Laminar Flow Hood that Enhances Airflow Efficiency
Germfree’s BVBI line of Vertical Laminar Flow Hoods is engineered to enhance the performance of the cabinet and the overall airflow efficiency of the cleanroom. The air return is positioned near the bottom of the unit. This bottom intake feature provides two advantages for a USP 797 compounding cleanroom:
- A well-designed ISO Class 5 Laminar Flow Hood significantly contributes to the required Air Changes Per Hour (ACPH) within a cleanroom. All of Germfree’s Laminar Flow Cabinets provide this benefit. The BVBI provides an additional advantage by drawing in air located toward the floor of the cleanroom. By filtering the room air with the highest potential particle count; the BVBI can augment overall cleanroom efficiency.
- The low position of the bottom air-intake ensures that return air is not pulled from the fan-filter ceiling modules. This facilitates the smooth downward flow of HEPA-filtered air for other cleanroom operations conducted near the hood.
The Laminar Flow Hood that is Ideal for Your Compounding Workflow
Germfree’s BVBI Series of Laminar Flow Hoods provide an efficient platform for preparing non-hazardous Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSPs). The units have an extra deep work area (28½”) with vertical laminar flow. This allows for maximum utilization of the full work area for all processes, and increased flexibility when using automated compounding devices. The units are constructed from 100% stainless steel with a pharmaceutical grade finish to ensure durability and ease of cleaning. The BVBI features a SpillGuard in the back of the full-width work area.
The fluorescent light housing is externally mounted to provide optimal lighting. The acrylic rear and side panels of the laminar flow hood allow for additional ambient light to enhance work area visibility.