Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO Vertical Laminar Flow Clean Bench
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Heraguard ECO |
| Type | Vertical Laminar Flow Clean Bench |
| Certification | CE (2006/95/EC, 2004/108/EC, 2011/65/EC, 2006/121/EC) |
| Safety Standard | EN 61010-1:2011, EN 61326:2006 |
| Pre-filter | EN779 Class G3 |
| Air Velocity | 0.15–0.25 m/s (Stage 1), 0.32–0.45 m/s (Stage 2) |
| Illumination | >1000 lx |
| Noise Level | <55 dB(A) (Stage 1), <60 dB(A) (Stage 2) |
| Power Consumption | 270 W (ECO 0.9–1.5), 550 W (ECO 1.8 & ECO 1.8/95) |
| Work Surface Load Capacity | 30 kg |
| Net Weight | 90–220 kg |
| External Dimensions (W×H×D, mm) | 1000×1170×810 to 1900×1475×1010 |
| Work Area Dimensions (W×H×D, mm) | 920×645×585 to 1820×950×785 |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific™ Heraguard™ ECO Vertical Laminar Flow Clean Bench is an ISO Class 5 (formerly Class 100) certified workstation engineered for reliable personnel- and sample-protective laminar airflow in non-sterile but particle-controlled laboratory environments. Unlike biosafety cabinets, the Heraguard ECO operates as a unidirectional vertical flow clean bench—air is drawn through a pre-filter and conditioned via a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (≥99.995% @ 0.3 µm), then delivered downward at a uniform, low-turbulence velocity across the work surface. This configuration ensures continuous removal of airborne particulates from the operator-facing side of the work area, protecting sensitive samples—including cell cultures, microelectronics components, pharmaceutical formulations, and analytical standards—from environmental contamination. Designed for compliance with EN 61010-1:2011 (safety requirements for electrical equipment) and EN 61326:2006 (EMC for laboratory instrumentation), the Heraguard ECO integrates structural integrity, ergonomic accessibility, and regulatory-ready documentation for GLP-aligned laboratories.
Key Features
- Modular Sizing Options: Four standard internal widths (920 mm to 1820 mm) and two height configurations (standard 645 mm or extended 950 mm work height) accommodate diverse workflow footprints—from small-scale benchtop assays to multi-user production staging.
- Optimized Visual Ergonomics: Full-height side panels fabricated from single-piece, tempered safety glass maximize ambient light transmission and lateral visibility while maintaining structural rigidity and chemical resistance.
- Tool-Free Maintenance Architecture: Front-access HEPA filter replacement requires no disassembly of cabinet housing or wall-mounting hardware; pre-filters are manually replaceable without tools, reducing scheduled downtime and service labor costs.
- SmartPort Integrated Utility Routing: Patented side-wall pass-through ports provide sealed, particle-isolated pathways for vacuum lines, power cords, and data cables—eliminating external conduit clutter and preserving laminar flow integrity.
- Configurable Work Surface: Standard white melamine resin surface offers cost-effective durability; optional 316 stainless steel cladding provides enhanced corrosion resistance for solvent-intensive or high-cleanliness applications (e.g., QC testing of parenteral products).
- Operator Comfort Enhancements: Optional fold-out transparent sash (stored within the lighting canopy) mitigates facial desiccation from direct laminar airflow; UV germicidal irradiation (254 nm) is available as a factory-installed accessory for periodic surface decontamination.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Heraguard ECO supports a broad range of non-hazardous, non-volatile sample types—including microbial culture plates, semiconductor wafers, optical components, lyophilized reagents, and precision weighing vessels. Its vertical laminar flow design is not intended for handling biological agents requiring containment (BSL-2 or higher) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs); it complies strictly with ISO 14644-1:2015 Class 5 performance criteria when operated under validated airflow conditions. CE marking confirms conformity with EU directives covering low voltage (2014/35/EU), electromagnetic compatibility (2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU), and REACH (EC 1907/2006). Documentation includes full Declaration of Conformity, risk assessment files, and traceable filter certification reports per EN 1822-1:2019.
Software & Data Management
The Heraguard ECO is a standalone mechanical system with no embedded firmware or networked software interface. All operational parameters—including fan speed stages, illumination control, and UV timer (if equipped)—are managed via a tactile, backlit membrane keypad with real-time status feedback. The control panel logs cumulative operating hours for preventive maintenance scheduling and supports manual calibration verification per ISO 14644-3:2019 Annex B. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as no electronic records are generated), audit trails for filter replacement, UV lamp usage, and annual airflow validation can be maintained manually using Thermo Fisher’s recommended logbook templates—fully compatible with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 quality management systems.
Applications
- Preparation of sterile media and culture plates in microbiology and cell biology labs
- Assembly and inspection of microfluidic devices and MEMS components
- Weighing and dispensing of reference standards in analytical chemistry QA/QC
- Handling of moisture- or particle-sensitive materials in material science R&D
- Non-sterile packaging operations for medical device components
- Environmental monitoring sample preparation (e.g., air filter cassette loading)
FAQ
Does the Heraguard ECO provide protection against biological aerosols or hazardous vapors?
No. It is a sample-protective clean bench only—not a biosafety cabinet or fume hood. It does not recirculate or exhaust hazardous substances and must not be used for work involving infectious agents, cytotoxic drugs, or volatile solvents.
Can the HEPA filter be validated in situ without removing it?
Yes. The unit supports upstream/downstream particle challenge testing per ISO 14644-3 using standard polyalphaolefin (PAO) or sodium chloride aerosol protocols, with access ports located adjacent to the filter frame.
Is the UV lamp option compatible with all models?
UV irradiation is available as a configurable option on all ECO variants except the ECO 0.9; installation requires factory integration during final assembly and cannot be retrofitted in the field.
What is the recommended frequency for pre-filter replacement?
Under typical laboratory conditions (ISO Class 8 ambient), G3 pre-filters should be inspected monthly and replaced every 3–6 months—or immediately upon visible dust loading—to maintain optimal HEPA service life and airflow stability.
Does Thermo Fisher provide IQ/OQ documentation for this model?
Yes. Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols—including airflow uniformity mapping, light intensity verification, noise measurement, and filter integrity test procedures—are available upon request and align with ASTM E2500-13 and EU GMP Annex 15 guidelines.
