Information on
Laminar Flow

Laminar flow is the movement of liquids and gases in which no turbulence or cross-flow occurs. The fluid flows in layers that do not mix.

Laminar flow is used for technical equipment such as safety cabinets or clean rooms. The term "laminar flow" is widely used here: Laminar flow refers to a mostly vertically directed, low-turbulence air flow of highly purified filtered air that flows at a uniform speed over the workspace or workplace to be protected. The penetration of suspended particles is prevented and the particles generated by the work process are displaced. The term laminar flow is misleading, as a pure laminar flow swirls around obstacles such as machines or people.

Areas of application

In industry, low-turbulence, quasi-laminar flows are used wherever high demands are placed on particle-free working environments - for example in clean room technology or safety workbenches. Typical areas of application in which contamination of products by airborne particles must be avoided include semiconductor technology, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

How it works

Filtered clean air flows through a large inlet surface with low turbulence and usually vertically into the room and escapes on the opposite surface. Particulate-laden air is forced out of the room, minimising contamination of sensitive work areas and machines. The laminar flow is generated using special systems consisting of fans, air filters and air distributors. The defined cleanroom quality depends on which filter classes are used.