Can I Convert Turbulent Flow into Laminar Flow for a Cheaper Flow Hood?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of converting turbulent airflow into laminar airflow for a cost-effective flow hood intended for biological projects. Participants explore the implications of airflow dynamics and the challenges associated with achieving laminar flow without incurring high costs associated with specialized equipment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the cost of laminar flow HEPA filters and questions whether increasing the velocity of air could mitigate the formation of eddies that might contaminate samples.
  • Another participant suggests that laminar flow typically occurs when air accelerates towards a lower pressure area, but notes that this does not guarantee the absence of eddies due to their momentum.
  • A different response humorously suggests changing the Reynolds number as a potential approach, though the practicality of this suggestion is unclear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether turbulent flow can be effectively converted into laminar flow, and multiple competing views regarding airflow dynamics and practical solutions are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about airflow behavior and the relationship between velocity and eddy formation, which remain unresolved. The implications of changing the Reynolds number are not fully explored.

GiTS
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I want to build a flow hood for biology projects but a laminar flow HEPA costs more than I have in my bank account. There are cheaper HEPA filters out there but they don't produce laminar flow. The flow only needs to be laminar so eddies don't bring contaminates off dirty objects under the flow hood (my hands, equipment that can't be sterilized, etc) and onto biological samples, petri dishes, etc.

If I increase the velocity of the air blowing through the flow hood, will the eddies form farther away or be blown away before they can transfer contaminates?

Is there any way to turn turbulent flow into laminar flow?
 
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bump.
 
GiTS said:
Is there any way to turn turbulent flow into laminar flow?
Generally flow is only laminar when air is accelerating towards a lower pressure area, and it's not a guarantee of laminar flow, because eddies have momentum.
 
GiTS said:
I want to build a flow hood for biology projects but a laminar flow HEPA costs more than I have in my bank account.
Is there any way to turn turbulent flow into laminar flow?
Hello gits My bank account cannot change a thing. Try to change the Reynolds number of your flow hood. Try to become Robin or try a turbulent flow of HEPA costs!
greetings Janm