THORLABS LFE1220-US User manual

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow Enclosures
LFE1220-US,
LFE1220-EU, and
LFE1220-UK
Laminar Flow
Enclosures
Installation Manual
Original Instructions

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow Enclosures
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction........................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Safety..................................................................................................................................2
2.1. General Warnings and Cautions..........................................................................2
Chapter 3 Installation..........................................................................................................................3
3.1. Installation Requirements....................................................................................3
3.2. Environmental Conditions ...................................................................................3
3.3. Parts List..............................................................................................................4
3.4. Installing the Roof Frame Assembly....................................................................8
3.4.1. Required Parts:...........................................................................................................8
3.4.2. Inner Frame Assembly................................................................................................8
3.4.3. Roof Frame Assembly ..............................................................................................14
3.5. Upright Frame Assembly ...................................................................................17
3.5.1. Required Parts:.........................................................................................................17
3.5.2. 1st Long Side Assembly.............................................................................................17
3.5.3. 1st Short Side Assembly............................................................................................20
3.5.4. 2nd Long Side Assembly............................................................................................21
3.5.5. 2nd Short Side Assembly...........................................................................................22
3.6. Roof Fitting.........................................................................................................24
3.6.1. Required Parts:.........................................................................................................24
3.6.2. Roof Panel fitting......................................................................................................24
3.6.3. Roof Fitting...............................................................................................................28
3.7. Fitting the HEPA Fan Filter Unit (FFU)...............................................................31
3.7.1. Required Parts:.........................................................................................................31
3.7.2. Fitting the HEPA FFU ...............................................................................................31
3.8. Lighting ..............................................................................................................34
3.8.1. Required Parts:.........................................................................................................34
3.8.2. LED Light Strip Attachment.......................................................................................36
3.9. Fitting Curtains...................................................................................................39
3.9.1. Required Parts:.........................................................................................................39
3.9.2. Long Side Curtain Assembly.....................................................................................39
3.9.3. Short Side Curtain Assembly....................................................................................44
3.10. Attach Curtain Bar..............................................................................................45
3.10.1.Required Parts:.........................................................................................................45
3.10.2.Attaching the Curtain Bar..........................................................................................45
Chapter 4 Air Quality Monitor.........................................................................................................48
4.1. Box Contents......................................................................................................48
4.2. Installation..........................................................................................................48
4.3. Function Description..........................................................................................51
Chapter 5 Servicing Instructions....................................................................................................52
5.1. HEPA FFU Servicing ..........................................................................................52
5.1.1. Removing the HEPA FFU from the Roof...................................................................52
5.2. Removing Push Rivets.......................................................................................52
Chapter 6 Specifications..................................................................................................................53
Chapter 7 Regulatory........................................................................................................................54

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow Enclosures
7.1. Declarations of Compliance...............................................................................54
7.1.1. For Customers in Europe..........................................................................................54
7.1.2. For Customers In The USA.......................................................................................55
Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts......................................................................................56

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow EnclosuresChapter 1: Introduction
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Chapter 1 Introduction
The LFE1220-US (-EC) Laminar FlowEnclosure enables thecreation of a clean environmentaround a Nexus Optical Table.
The system incorporates an enclosure frame with soft wall transparent curtain sides, enclosed ceiling, and top mounted
HEPA Fan Filter Unit (FFU). It also includes an Air Quality Monitor (AQM) which monitors continuously the quality of the air
inside the enclosure.
The LFE1220-US (-EC) is intended to be used as a wrap around enclosure for 1.2 m x 2.0 m (4’ x 6’) Nexus optical tables,
enclosing only the table surface to reduce the space required for installation, minimize contamination, and decrease the
enclosed air volume to aid in the reduction of airflow turbulence. The HEPA filter units shipped with the –US and –EC
enclosures require a voltage of 115 V and 230 V respectively.
Caution
The LFE system has been designed to fit a 1.2 m x 2.0 m (4’ x 6’) Nexus optical table. Other table makes and
sizes may not be compatible.
Note. Intended use of the Air Quality Monitor
The Air Quality Monitor included in the LFE1220 system is intended for measuring the air inside the enclosure
to provide a good quantitive indication of air cleanliness. This allows a comparison of air cleanliness inside and
outside the enclosure, thereby reassuring the user that the HEPA unit is working properly.
It is not intended for taking accurate, absolute or calibrated measurements of particle numbers, particularly in
low concentrations. Neither should it be used for measuring particle numbers in the entire volume of air outside
the enclosure. It is not intended for use in ISO certification of clean rooms.

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Chapter 2 Safety
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should
take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to the user.
Warning: Risk of Finger Trap
Given when there is a risk of trapping fingers between parts.
Caution
Given when there is a possibility of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
2.1. General Warnings and Cautions
Warning: Risk of Electric Shock
The Filter Unit is powered by mains voltages. This is hazardous and can cause serious injury. Appropriate care
should be taken when using this device.
Cables for wiring the Filter Unit are not
supplied. These must be provided by the person responsible for
installation and must conform to any applicable local standards.
The unit must be installed only by suitably trained and qualified personnel who understand the hazards
associated with using high voltages and the steps necessary to minimize the risk of electrical shock.
Warning:
If this equipment is used in amannernotspecified by the manufacturer,theprotection provided by the equipment
may be impaired. In particular, excessive moisture may impair operation.
The equipment is for indoor use only. The equipment is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.
Where a Warning symbol appears on the product (e.g. finger trap warning), users must consult this manual to
ascertain the nature of the potential hazard and the means of avoiding them.
Warning:
Frame Loading: the construction-rail design of the LFE is intended to allow customers to easily attach and build
onto the basic frame.In this case, the total load inadditionto thepartssuppliedin the kit mustnot exceed 400kg,
with no more than 100 kg applied to any single construction rail.
To prevent the frametoppling, any attached loadwhich acts outside the perimeter of the frame should not create
a moment load >800Nm about an axis between any 2 of the feet.

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Chapter 3 Installation
3.1. Installation Requirements
The Laminar Flow Enclosure is designed to be installed around an optical table.
Warning
Due to the weight and dimensions of the components, the following procedure must be performed by at least
two persons. Other persons may be necessary at certain points in the installation dependent upon the space
available. These points are identified by the following symbol next to the relevant text.
Caution
Before beginning the installation process, ensure that there is sufficient space in the area to install and
accommodate the enclosure. When assembled, the Laminar Flow Enclosure, measures 2.20 x 1.33 x 2.36
metres.
A clearance of at least 12" (~ 300 mm) should be maintained between the Fan Filter Unit and the ceiling. This is
essential to ensure optimal Fan Filter Unit performance.
Caution
Ensure that proper airflow is maintained to the Fan Filter Unit. Insufficient air flow will cause overheating and
premature failure.
3.2. Environmental Conditions
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect operator safety.
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 15°C to 40°C
Maximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°C
Line Voltage Fluctuations Less than ±10% of the line voltage
To ensure reliable operation the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or excessive moisture, heat or dust.
If the unit has been stored at a low temperature or in an environment of high humidity, it must be allowed to reach ambient
conditions before being powered up.
The unit is not designed to be used in explosive environments.
Caution
Under certain conditions, the inside of the enclosure can become very hot and uncomfortable. To avoid this,
ensure that you do not:
Position the enclosure in direct sunlight
Work within the enclosure with the fan switched OFF.

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3.3. Parts List
Note
The various supports and uprights look very similar to each other and some differ only in the placement of
attachment holes. The different parts can be identified by colored stickers on the packaging as indicated in the
table below. To help identification during assembly, do not unpack the various parts until they are required.
Enclosure Frame
Code
Description
Qty
Image
A Longitudinal Filter Support
(Cross section 50 x 50 mm, Length 1215 mm) 2
B Lateral Filter Support
(Cross section 50 x 75 mm, Length 1230 mm) 2
C

Long Top Cross Member
(Cross section 50 x 75 mm, Length 2100 mm) 2
D Short Top Cross Member
(Cross section 50 x 75 mm, Length 1230 mm) 2
E Frame Uprights
(Cross section 50 x 50 mm, Length 2000 mm) 4
F Long Lower Cross Member
(Cross section 50 x 75 mm, Length 2100 mm) 2
G Short Lower Cross Member
(Cross section 50 x 75 mm, Length 1230 mm) 2
H Curtain Strip 44
I Roof Panel – Inner 2

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow EnclosuresChapter 3: Installation
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Enclosure Frame Continued…
Code Description Qty Image
J Roof Panel – Outer 2
K HEPA FFU (Fan Filter Unit) 1
L Foam Tape (inside HEPA FFU Box) 1
M Curtain Clamp – Short 2
N Curtain Clamp – Long 2
O Curtain Bar 1
P XE25S2 Slot Cover Profile 3
Q Lifting handle – LH 2
R Lifting handle – RH 2
S AQM001 Air Quality Monitor 1

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Accessories Box
Code Description Qty Image
AA M6 x 1.0 Low Profile Channel Screw, 10mm Long 4
AB ¼"-20 x ¾" Cap Screw 4
AC M6 x 1.0 Hammerhead Screw, 12.7mm Long
(XE25HM6) 50*
AD M6 Square Nut 4
AE M6 Domed Nut 50*
AF M6 Washer 66*
AG Barrel Plug 22*
AH Push Rivet 42*
AI Adjustable Foot 4
AJ Curtain bar bracket 2
AK M8 x 1.25 Cap Screw, 14mm Long 2
AL 4mm T-handle hex driver 2
AM 6mm hex key 1
AN 3/16" hex key 1
AO Assembly tool 2
AP Cable Gland 1
*2 extra components included

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow EnclosuresChapter 3: Installation
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Lighting Components Tube
Code Description Qty Image
BA XE25T1/M Drop-in Nut 3
BB M6 x 1.0 Button Screw, 6mm Long 3
BC LED mounting clip 3
BD LED light strip 1
BE LED switch extension 1
BF 12V Power Supply 1

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3.4. Installing the Roof Frame Assembly
3.4.1. Required Parts:
Code
Description
Qty
A Longitudinal Filter Support 2
B Lateral Filter Support 2
C Long Top Cross Member 2
L Foam Tape 1
Tools Required
AL 4 mm T-handle hex driver
AO Assembly tool
3.4.2. Inner Frame Assembly
1. Take 2x Longitudinal Filter Supports (A) and 2x Lateral Filter Supports (B).
Figure 1Identification of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow EnclosuresChapter 3: Installation
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2. The construction rails are assembled by sliding the head of low profile screws into the T-slots of the construction
rail. To enable the assembly, the spacing between the end of the construction rail and the underside of the screw
head must be set to a specific distance. For convenience, all assembly screws have been pre-fitted, but the exact
spacing must be set before assembly. An assembly tool (AO) has been provided for this purpose.
To set the spacing: loosen the screws from their pre-installed position using the 4mm T-handle hex driver (AL),
insert the assembly tool (AO) under the screw heads, tighten the screws against the assembly tool, then back off
1/4 turn to release the assembly tool.
For this step: set the spacing of the low profile screws in both ends of the Longitudinal Supports:
Figure 2Using the Assembly Tool
3. Using the 4mm T-handle hex driver (AL) supplied, loosen the 3 screws holding the flange to the Lateral Filter
Support – just enough for the flange to slide along the slot (<1 turn). Slide the flange to one side.
Figure 3Sliding the Flange

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4. Fit the end of 1x Longitudinal Filter Support into the T-slot recesses of the Lateral Filter Support and slide across
approx. 12.5mm [0.5"] to align the screws with the through holes
Figure 4Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 4
5. Slide the loose flange across to meet the flange fixed to the Longitudinal Filter Support.
Figure 5Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 5

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow EnclosuresChapter 3: Installation
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6. Fit the second Longitudinal Filter Support:
Figure 6Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 6
7. To assemble construction rails together, the low profile screw heads are tightened inside the T-slots, clamping
the parts together. To access the screw heads for tightening, through holes have been drilled in the construction
rails, and the provided 4mm T-handle hex driver (AL) is passed through the holes. To give the correct tightness,
the screws should be turned between ¾ - 1 rotation
For this step: Using the 4mm T-handle hex driver (AL) tighten the 8 screws. Ensure the top faces of the
construction rails are flush to each other.
Figure 7Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 7

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8. Repeat step 3 to loosen the flange on the other Lateral Filter Support. Move the flange to the left by approx.
12.5 mm [0.5"]. This will allow the screws in the ends of both longitudinal filter supports to be inserted via the T-
slot recesses. Slide across and tighten the screws as per step 7.
Figure 8Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 8
9. Re-tighten the filter flanges on the lateral supports, making sure the flange faces are all flush and parallel to each
other.
Figure 9Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 9
10. Cut the foam tape (L) into two 600 mm [23.6"] lengths and two 1180 mm [46.5"] lengths.

LFE1220-US, -EU, and -UK Laminar Flow EnclosuresChapter 3: Installation
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11. Stick the lengths of sealing tape to the top of the flanges by removing the adhesive backing strip. Stick the 600 mm
lengths first, then the 1180 mm lengths. Set the assembly to one side.
Figure 10 Assembly of Longitudinal and Lateral Filter Supports – Step 11

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3.4.3. Roof Frame Assembly
12. Set the spacing of the low profile screws in both ends of each Lateral Filter Support (as per step 2).
Figure 11 Roof Frame Assembly – Step 12
13. Set the spacing of the low profile screws in both ends of each Long Top Cross Member (C ).
Figure 12 Roof Frame Assembly – Step 13

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14. It is recommended that 2 people perform this step. Insert and slide the inner frame (from step 11) into the
Long Top Cross Member. Tighten the screws using the T-handle hex driver (as per step 7), ensuring the upper
faces of the construction rails are flush.
Figure 13 Roof Frame Assembly – Step 14

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15. It is recommended that 2 people perform this step.Repeat step 14 to attach the remaining Long Top Cross
Member.
Figure 14 Roof Frame Assembly – Step 15
16. Put finished Roof Frame Assembly to one side.

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3.5. Upright Frame Assembly
3.5.1. Required Parts:
Code Description Qty
D Short Top Cross Member 2
E Frame Upright 4
F Long Lower Cross Member 2
G Short Lower Cross Member 2
AI Adjustable Foot 4
Tools Required
AL 4 mm T-handle hex driver
AO Assembly tool
3.5.2. 1st Long Side Assembly
17. Fit the adjustable foot (AI) into the plate at the bottom of each Frame Upright (E). The adjustable foot can be
adjusted using standard 19mm [0.74"] and 14 mm [0.55"] spanners (not provided).
IMPORTANT
It would be beneficial to set the desired adjustable foot height during this step. Adjusting the foot height will be more
difficult once the frame assembly is complete.
Figure 15 Fitting the Adjustable Feet
18. Set the spacing of the low profile screws (as per step 2) in the end faces of all the construction rails needed for
the Upright Frame Assembly: 2x Short Top Cross Members (D), 2x Long Lower Cross Members (F) and 2x
Short Lower Cross Members (G).