Kanomax Model 6705 Air Flow Hood for HVAC Commissioning in Pharmaceutical Cleanrooms

Overview

The Kanomax Model 6705 Air Flow Hood is a precision-engineered instrument designed specifically for quantitative air volume measurement and commissioning of HVAC systems in regulated pharmaceutical environments—including ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms, aseptic processing suites, and controlled laboratory spaces. It operates on the principle of integrated volumetric capture: air entering the hood is uniformly distributed across a calibrated internal grid, where an array of high-stability thermal anemometer sensors measures local velocity profiles. These discrete readings are spatially weighted and integrated in real time to compute total volumetric flow (m³/h) with traceable uncertainty. Unlike single-point anemometers, the 6705 eliminates turbulence-induced errors by capturing the full face velocity distribution—critical for validating unidirectional airflow per ISO 14644-3 and EU GMP Annex 1 requirements. Its robust aluminum-magnesium alloy housing, low-inertia fan-assisted design, and built-in backpressure compensation ensure stable readings under variable static pressure conditions typical of HEPA-filtered supply diffusers and return grilles.

Key Features

• Wide dynamic flow range: 40–3800 m³/h, covering standard ceiling-mounted diffusers (e.g., 610×610 mm), large perimeter returns, and laminar flow hoods
• Traceable accuracy of ±3% of reading ±10 m³/h—validated against NIST-traceable calibration standards per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures
• 3.5-inch manually rotatable backlit LCD display with intuitive icon-based UI; supports real-time flow rate, accumulated volume, temperature, and relative humidity readouts
• Onboard data logging for up to 3,000 measurement records, each timestamped with date, time, and user-defined location ID
• Integrated Bluetooth 4.2 module enables wireless pairing with the official Kanomax AirFlow Manager mobile application (iOS/Android) for remote configuration, live streaming, and report generation
• Backpressure compensation algorithm automatically corrects for resistance induced by filter loading or duct geometry—ensuring consistent accuracy across varying system impedances
• Dual power options: 4 × AA alkaline batteries (typical 9-hour runtime) or external DC 5 V power adapter for extended stationary use
• Modular hood system with 10 standardized and custom-sized interchangeable hoods—including 610×610 mm (standard), 915×915 mm, and 1220×1220 mm—enabling rapid adaptation to diverse grille geometries without recalibration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model 6705 is validated for use with all common HVAC terminal devices found in cGMP pharmaceutical facilities: unidirectional flow hoods, HEPA-filtered supply diffusers, perforated ceiling panels, return air grilles, and laminar flow workbenches. It meets the functional and metrological requirements outlined in ISO 14644-3:2019 (Testing and monitoring), ISO 14644-4:2022 (Design and construction), and EU GMP Annex 1 (2022 revision) for airflow visualization and quantitative verification. While not itself a certified medical device, its measurement data supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used in conjunction with Kanomax’s validated AirFlow Manager software (with audit trail, electronic signature, and role-based access control). The instrument operates reliably across the full environmental envelope of cleanroom support areas: 0–50 °C ambient temperature and 0–100% RH—ensuring repeatability during qualification protocols conducted under worst-case seasonal conditions.

Software & Data Management

Kanomax AirFlow Manager (v3.2+) serves as the primary PC- and mobile-based interface for the Model 6705. The software supports automated import of logged datasets via USB or Bluetooth, batch export to CSV/PDF/Excel formats, and customizable reporting templates aligned with IQ/OQ documentation standards. All data transfers include embedded metadata: instrument serial number, calibration due date, operator ID, test location coordinates, and environmental conditions at time of capture. Audit trail functionality logs every user action—including parameter changes, record deletions, and report generation—with immutable timestamps. When deployed in validated environments, the software can be configured to comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through optional digital signature modules and secure user authentication.

Applications

• Commissioning and requalification of cleanroom HVAC systems per ISO 14644-1/2/3 and EU GMP Annex 1
• Face velocity mapping and uniformity assessment of ISO Class 5 laminar flow cabinets
• Supply air volume balancing across multi-zone pharmaceutical manufacturing suites
• Return air capacity verification for containment and pressure cascade control
• Supporting risk-based qualification (RBQ) activities for HVAC system lifecycle management
• Periodic performance checks during routine maintenance and filter change validation
• Integration into facility monitoring systems (FMS) via Modbus TCP or analog output (optional)

FAQ

Does the Model 6705 require annual recalibration?
Yes. Kanomax recommends annual recalibration by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory to maintain measurement traceability and compliance with ISO 17025 and internal quality system requirements.
Can the 6705 measure airflow in exhaust ducts or fume hoods?
It is not intended for high-velocity, high-turbulence duct applications. Its design targets terminal device measurement (diffusers, grilles, hoods) where flow is conditioned and laminarized. For duct applications, Kanomax recommends the 6715 model with pitot tube and differential pressure capability.
Is the Bluetooth connection encrypted?
Yes—Bluetooth communication uses AES-128 encryption and requires explicit pairing authorization, satisfying data integrity requirements for non-public networked instruments in regulated environments.
How does backpressure compensation improve measurement fidelity?
By dynamically adjusting sensor gain and integration algorithms based on real-time static pressure feedback, it mitigates systematic under-reading caused by resistance downstream of the hood—particularly critical when testing HEPA filters nearing end-of-life or diffusers with complex internal vanes.
Are firmware updates provided free of charge?
Yes. Kanomax releases verified firmware updates via its official support portal, including enhancements to data security, battery management, and regulatory alignment—available at no cost to registered instrument owners.