Erlab Captair Bio 391 Smart Horizontal Laminar Flow Clean Bench
| Brand | Erlab |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | Captair Bio 391 Smart |
| Flow Type | Horizontal Laminar Flow |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 1013 mm × 670 mm × 965–1059 mm (adjustable height) |
| Category | ISO Class 5 (Class 100) Clean Bench |
| Certification | Complies with EN 12464-1, EN 14644-1, and NF S90-100 for microbiological safety cabinets and clean air devices |
Overview
The Erlab Captair Bio 391 Smart is a CE-marked, ISO Class 5 (equivalent to Federal Standard 209E Class 100) horizontal laminar flow clean bench engineered for aseptic sample handling in molecular biology, cell culture, PCR setup, and low-risk microbiological applications. Unlike vertical flow biosafety cabinets, this unit delivers unidirectional, particle-free airflow parallel to the work surface—generated by a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (H14 grade, ≥99.995% @ 0.1 µm) and a brushless DC motor-driven centrifugal fan. The horizontal configuration ensures minimal turbulence at the operator’s hands and sample zone, eliminating cross-contamination between reagents and templates during sensitive nucleic acid amplification workflows. Designed and manufactured in France, the Captair Bio 391 Smart adheres to stringent European environmental and electromagnetic compatibility standards (EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-4), and integrates ergonomic height adjustability (965–1059 mm) to accommodate diverse user anthropometry and laboratory bench configurations.
Key Features
- SmartTouch™ intuitive control panel with real-time display of airflow velocity (m/s), filter saturation status, and operational hours—enabling predictive maintenance scheduling.
- Adjustable-height stainless steel work surface (304 grade) with integrated front-edge drip tray and recessed cable management channels.
- Double-walled, insulated enclosure with acoustic damping material reduces operational noise to ≤55 dB(A) at 1 m distance—critical for shared core facilities.
- Pre-filter + HEPA H14 dual-stage filtration system certified per EN 1822-1; validated filter integrity via DOP/PAO testing at installation and annually per ISO 14644-3.
- Integrated UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm, 15 W) with motion-sensor interlock and delayed auto-shutoff to prevent accidental exposure.
- Optional Ethernet/IP or RS-485 connectivity for integration into centralized lab monitoring systems (e.g., LabVantage, Siemens Desigo CC).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Captair Bio 391 Smart is validated for use with open vessels including PCR tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, 96-well plates, Petri dishes, and tissue culture flasks up to 175 cm² footprint. It is not intended for handling volatile organic compounds, radioactive materials, or pathogenic agents requiring BSL-2 containment. Regulatory compliance includes conformity with EN 12464-1 (indoor air quality for cleanrooms), EN 14644-1 (cleanroom classification), and French standard NF S90-100 (performance requirements for laminar flow devices). While not a biosafety cabinet, its design supports GLP-compliant documentation through audit-trail-capable software logs (when paired with optional SmartLink module), aligning with ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations for QC/QA environments.
Software & Data Management
The built-in SmartControl firmware records runtime parameters—including cumulative fan operating time, UV lamp cycles, and HEPA pressure differential delta—stored locally for ≥12 months. With the optional SmartLink gateway, data export is supported via CSV or XML over HTTP(S) to LIMS or ELN platforms. All timestamps are synchronized via NTP, and user access is role-based (Operator, Technician, Administrator) with password protection and session timeout. Audit trails meet ALCOA+ principles: attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, complete, consistent, enduring, and available—facilitating internal audits and regulatory inspections under ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 frameworks.
Applications
- PCR master mix preparation and template loading to minimize amplicon carryover contamination.
- Aseptic transfer of mammalian and insect cell lines during subculturing and transfection procedures.
- Handling of sterile media, antibiotics, and growth factors in upstream bioprocessing R&D.
- Quality control testing of pharmaceutical excipients and medical device components under ISO 14644-1 Class 5 conditions.
- Genomic library construction and NGS sample indexing where ambient particulate interference must be eliminated.
FAQ
Is the Captair Bio 391 Smart suitable for working with infectious agents?
No. This is a laminar flow clean bench—not a biosafety cabinet—and provides personnel and environmental protection only against airborne particulates, not aerosolized pathogens.
What is the recommended HEPA filter replacement interval?
Typically every 18–24 months under continuous operation; however, actual service life depends on ambient particulate load and is monitored in real time via differential pressure sensors.
Can the unit be installed in a non-ventilated room?
Yes. As a recirculating horizontal flow system, it does not require external ducting or make-up air—ideal for modular labs or retrofit installations.
Does it support calibration traceability to national standards?
Yes. Erlab provides UKAS-accredited calibration certificates (optional) for airflow velocity and UV irradiance, traceable to NPL (UK) or LNE (France).
Is height adjustment motorized or manual?
Manual gas-spring-assisted mechanism with dual-locking position pins—ensuring stability across the full 94 mm range without power dependency.
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