Understanding Downflow Benches
A laboratory Downflow Bench is a specialised ventilation workstation designed to protect users and the surrounding environment by controlling exposure to hazardous substances like powders, fumes, and chemicals. It works by pulling air downwards through a perforated work surface and filtering it through HEPA or carbon filters before recirculating it back into the laboratory or venting it outside. This ensures contaminants do not escape into the lab atmosphere, offering a clean and safe workspace. Downflow benches are commonly used in pharmaceutical, chemical, and research labs where contamination control and personal safety are critical.