There has been a considerable increase in the design and construction of biomedical and microbiological laboratories. These types of laboratories may be found in clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities and often include containment or biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) spaces. This specialized containment space or laboratory is used when indigenous or exotic agents are present and may cause serious or potentially lethal disease as a result of inhalation exposure.

 

The features that distinguish a BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratory from lower level (BSL-1 and BSL-2) microbiological labs are:

• Provision for access control
• A specialized ventilation system ensuring directional airflow
• Use of biosafety cabinets or fume hoods for all laboratory activities

 

In high-level containment facilities, precise airflow control is required due to the ratio of large air change rates and small offset values based on the architectural tightness of the construction. From biosafety cabinets to entire suites with switchable holding rooms, a controls system maintains proper directional airflow and space pressurization.

 

We find that an airflow automation, venturi valves, and controls system using either volumetric offset or Progressive Offset Control (POC) is the logical choice in these high-risk, high-performance applications. 

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For more information, contact us.