Using HEPA Filters for Laminar Flow Hoods in Mushroom Cultivation

Why Mushroom Cultivators Rely on HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are used by mushroom cultivators to create laminar flow hoods. Their fine filtration ability is utilised to create sterile environments to prevent contamination of cultures. Contaminants include dust, dirt, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that can travel in the air. Mushrooms are highly vulnerable to infection when they are first growing so cultivation requires a clean and sterile environment.

How HEPA Filters Trap Microscopic Contaminants

HEPA filters have multiple layers to provide a remarkably high level of filtration. An outer layer acts as a barrier against large particles, those that can be seen with the naked eye, including dust, hair and dirt. Inside the large filter is a collection of thin filters that act to prevent smaller particles from passing through. This thinner filter is made up of minute glass fibres that can catch the microscopic contaminants from the air. The combination of the larger and finer filter layers enable the HEPA to filter against both large and small particle sizes, thus creating a sterile environment.

Setting Up a Laminar Flow Hood

HEPA filters are placed at the front of the hood to filter the incoming air to greatly reduce the chance of incoming airborne contaminants and therefore to create a sterile environment. A fan is placed within another wall of the hood to draw air in and across the HEPA filter. A pre-filter, with less air resistance than the HEPA (e.g. our pleated panels, or Promedia Air Filter), is attached over the fan on the outside of the hood. A net/covering should be attached over the HEPA on the outside of the hood to protect the delicate filter, to lengthen efficiency.

Choosing the Right Filter: H13 vs. H14 Efficiency

The HEPA filters recommended for laminar flow hoods are of H13 and H14 efficiency.

• H13 HEPA Filters: Prevent >99.95% of contaminants from flowing through and have a pressure drop of 90 Pa.

• H14 HEPA Filters: Slightly more efficient, preventing >99.995% of contaminants and have a pressure drop of 100 Pa.
  

Custom HEPA Filters for Your Setup

We understand that not all setups are standard, which is why we offer HEPA filters in bespoke sizes tailored to perfectly fit your specific laminar flow hood requirements.

If you have any specific or technical inquiries, or would like to request a quote for custom dimensions, please don't hesitate to contact us!

• Related Articles

• HEPA Filters - Wooden Frame or Metal Frame?

  A question we are frequently asked is what is the difference between the HEPA filter panels that have a wooden frame and those with a metal frame? If you want to know a little more about the differences then, hopefully, this short article will help ...

• How Best to Handle a HEPA Filter

  You should be aware that HEPA filters are very delicate and so they must be handled with great care. The fine glass pleats, that do all of the hard work in removing the tiny, unwanted particulates, are fragile so great extream must be taken when ...

• Which way around are the spray booth concertina filters installed?

  The Procart spray booth concertina paper cardboard filters hold paint whilst allowing a continuation of air flow. This is thanks to the design and placement of holes.When extended, you will notice that there is a hole at the front. The paint is held ...

• Office Air Quality & Productivity: How Clean Air Boosts ROI

  In today’s fast-paced world, it is ever more important for businesses to enhance productivity and ensure that employees can perform at their best. Strategies like optimising workflows and enhancing workplace culture are often the first improvements ...

• Can Proflo+ be used on its own?

  Using Proflo+ without a product from our Proco range depends on the process that creates the wastewater. When You Need Both (Proco + Proflo+) If your wastewater contains liquids and water- or -solvent-based coatings such as paint, stain, lacquer, or ...