The Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 is a 6-foot horizontal laminar flow clean bench designed to provide a highly controlled work environment for nonhazardous samples, products, and materials that require protection from airborne particulate contamination. Combining HEPA-filtered horizontal airflow with a spacious 71.6-inch-wide work area, quiet operation, and energy-efficient DC motor technology, the Heraguard ECO 1.8 is well suited for research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, electronics, and other contamination-sensitive applications.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the Thermo Heraguard ECO 1.8 provides laboratories with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new laminar flow clean bench. Each unit is inspected and tested before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from AIE.
Key Features
6-foot horizontal laminar flow clean bench
Provides an ISO Class 5 work environment
HEPA-filtered horizontal laminar airflow
71.6-inch-wide interior work area
Standard airflow velocity of approximately 89 ft/min
Reduced airflow mode of approximately 45 ft/min
Energy-efficient DC motor technology
Quiet operation at less than 55 dBA
Tempered safety glass side panels
Two internal electrical receptacles
Two utility ports
66 lb work surface load capacity
120 V, 60 Hz electrical configuration
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 creates a clean work environment by supplying HEPA-filtered air horizontally across the work surface. This unidirectional airflow helps continually sweep airborne particles away from samples and materials, reducing the potential for particulate contamination during sensitive laboratory and manufacturing procedures.
The ECO 1.8 is the 6-foot configuration in Thermo Scientific's Heraguard ECO family. Its interior work area measures approximately 71.6 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 25.4 inches high, providing ample space for multiple samples, instruments, trays, components, and other materials that need to remain within the clean zone.
A notable feature of the Heraguard ECO design is its use of energy-efficient DC motor technology. In addition to reducing energy consumption compared with traditional AC motor designs, lower motor energy use can reduce the amount of heat released into the laboratory. This can be especially beneficial in facilities operating multiple airflow devices continuously.
The Heraguard ECO also operates at less than 55 dBA, helping reduce background noise in laboratories where clean benches may operate for extended periods.
Common Applications
The Thermo Heraguard ECO 1.8 is designed for nonhazardous applications in which protecting samples or products from airborne particulate contamination is the primary objective. Typical applications include sterile media preparation, plant tissue culture, nonhazardous sample preparation, pharmaceutical compounding processes where appropriate, medical device assembly, electronics assembly and inspection, optical component handling, and other contamination-sensitive procedures.
Its six-foot workspace provides additional room for applications involving multiple containers or pieces of equipment and for workflows that require a larger clean work zone than a conventional 3-foot or 4-foot clean bench can provide.
Because horizontal airflow ultimately travels toward the operator, the Heraguard ECO 1.8 should only be used with materials that do not require personnel or environmental containment.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 is well suited for biotechnology laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, medical device manufacturers, electronics facilities, cleanroom environments, university research laboratories, hospital laboratories, quality-control departments, and industrial production environments.
The combination of a six-foot work area, quiet operation, and energy-efficient DC motor technology can be particularly advantageous in laboratories that operate clean benches for long periods or maintain several airflow devices within the same room.
Key Specifications
Specification
Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8
Equipment Type
Horizontal laminar flow clean bench
Nominal Width
6 ft
Airflow
Horizontal laminar flow
Cleanliness Classification
ISO Class 5
Filtration
HEPA
Standard Airflow Velocity
Approx. 89 ft/min
Reduced Airflow Velocity
Approx. 45 ft/min
Exterior Dimensions
74.8"W × 31.9"D × 46.1"H
Interior Dimensions
71.6"W × 23.0"D × 25.4"H
Noise Level
<55 dBA
Lighting
Approx. 93 fc (>1,000 lux)
Work Surface Capacity
66 lb
Internal Receptacles
2
Utility Ports
2
Electrical Requirements
120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption
1,120 W
Net Weight
Approx. 355 lb
Manufacturer
Thermo Scientific
Model
Heraguard ECO 1.8
Refurbishment & Testing
Used laminar flow clean benches should be thoroughly evaluated before being returned to laboratory service. American Instrument Exchange inspects and tests refurbished Thermo Scientific clean benches before shipment, including evaluation of blower operation, controls, lighting, work area condition, and overall cabinet functionality.
HEPA filter condition is also an important consideration when purchasing a used clean bench. Filter condition and the specific configuration of individual units can vary, so customers should contact AIE regarding the filter status, work surface, stand, accessories, and other equipment included with the particular Heraguard ECO 1.8 being offered.
Each refurbished Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 from American Instrument Exchange includes a 90-day warranty.
Certification Readiness & Service
Proper airflow velocity and HEPA filter integrity are essential to maintaining the controlled environment expected from a laminar flow clean bench. Following transportation and installation, clean benches should be evaluated according to applicable laboratory procedures before being placed into critical service.
American Instrument Exchange works with AIE Laboratory Services to provide field support for laboratory airflow equipment throughout Greater Boston and New England. Services can include airflow testing, HEPA filter evaluation and replacement, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and related laboratory equipment service.
Final testing after relocation is especially valuable because transportation, installation conditions, room airflow, and filter condition can influence clean bench performance.
Shipping & Installation
The Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 measures approximately 74.8 inches wide by 31.9 inches deep by 46.1 inches high and weighs approximately 355 pounds before adding any optional supporting stand or accessories.
Laboratories should confirm doorway dimensions, corridors, elevators, loading areas, and the final installation location before delivery. Adequate clearance around the clean bench should also be maintained according to manufacturer installation requirements to avoid interfering with airflow or equipment operation.
American Instrument Exchange can assist customers with freight coordination and provide additional dimensional or configuration information for planning delivery and installation.
Related Equipment
Laboratories considering the Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 can explore additional clean benches and laminar flow hoods available from American Instrument Exchange, including different widths and configurations for laboratories with larger or smaller workspace requirements.
For applications involving biological hazards or other materials requiring personnel and environmental containment, AIE also carries refurbished biosafety cabinets from Thermo Scientific, Baker, Labconco, Nuaire, and other major manufacturers.
The Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 is a horizontal laminar flow clean bench, not a biosafety cabinet. Its primary purpose is product protection. HEPA-filtered air flows horizontally through the clean work area and ultimately toward the operator.
A Class II biosafety cabinet uses a different airflow design to help protect personnel, products, and the surrounding environment when appropriate biological materials are handled.
For this reason, the Heraguard ECO 1.8 should not be used for infectious agents, biohazardous samples, toxins, radionuclides, hazardous chemicals, or other materials requiring personnel or environmental containment.
Laboratories working with biological hazards should instead consider an appropriate Class II biosafety cabinet. For nonhazardous procedures where sample cleanliness and particulate control are the primary objectives, a clean bench or laminar flow hood may be the appropriate choice.
The Heraguard ECO 1.8 is a nominal 6-foot clean bench. Its interior work area is approximately 71.6 inches wide, while the cabinet itself measures approximately 74.8 inches wide.
What level of cleanliness does the Heraguard ECO 1.8 provide?
The Heraguard ECO 1.8 is designed to provide an ISO Class 5 clean work environment using HEPA-filtered horizontal laminar airflow.
What is the airflow velocity of the Thermo Heraguard ECO 1.8?
Thermo Scientific specifies a standard airflow velocity of approximately 89 ft/min and a reduced airflow setting of approximately 45 ft/min.
Is the Heraguard ECO 1.8 energy efficient?
The Heraguard ECO series uses DC motor technology designed to reduce operating energy requirements and associated heat output compared with traditional AC motor clean benches. This can be particularly useful in laboratories where clean benches operate for extended periods.
How loud is the Thermo Heraguard ECO 1.8?
Thermo specifies an operating noise level of less than 55 dBA, making quiet operation one of the advantages of the Heraguard ECO design.
Is the Heraguard ECO 1.8 a biosafety cabinet?
No. The Heraguard ECO 1.8 is a horizontal laminar flow clean bench designed for product protection. It does not provide the personnel and environmental containment associated with a Class II biosafety cabinet.
Can the Heraguard ECO 1.8 be used for biohazardous materials?
No. Because filtered air flows horizontally across the work surface toward the operator, the Heraguard ECO should not be used for biohazardous or otherwise hazardous materials requiring containment.
Does American Instrument Exchange test refurbished Heraguard ECO clean benches?
Yes. American Instrument Exchange inspects and tests refurbished clean benches before shipment. Customers can contact AIE for details regarding the HEPA filter, work surface, stand, accessories, and exact configuration of the unit currently available.
Does the Thermo Heraguard ECO 1.8 include a warranty?
Yes. Refurbished Thermo Scientific Heraguard ECO 1.8 clean benches from American Instrument Exchange include a 90-day warranty.
Click here to see a video of this clean bench on our YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Biosafety Cabinets
Ensure Containment, Airflow Integrity, and Operator Safety
Used and refurbished biosafety cabinets (BSCs) from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure they meet NSF/ANSI 49 performance standards for containment, airflow uniformity, and HEPA filtration. Each Class I, II, or III unit is evaluated through a series of specialized inspections and certifications, ensuring the cabinet performs reliably in research, clinical, and pharmaceutical lab environments.
Why Testing Used Biosafety Cabinets Is Essential
Before any biosafety cabinet is deployed in a working lab, it must be tested for:
• HEPA filter integrity and leak-free performance
• Inflow and downflow air velocity balance
• Containment efficiency and personnel protection
• Electrical system function and safety compliance
• Cleanliness and readiness for sterile applications
Proper testing of refurbished biosafety cabinets helps prevent cross-contamination, exposure to hazardous materials, and airflow disruption—critical for maintaining laboratory protocols. Our structured multi-point BSC testing protocol ensures dependable protection for operators, products, and the lab environment.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Biosafety Cabinets
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect exterior panels, window sashes, hinges, and seals for signs of wear or damage
• Confirm visibility and integrity of the viewing window
• Check power cords, display screens, and control interfaces for usability
2. Cabinet Decontamination and Cleaning
• Interior and exterior cleaned with non-corrosive disinfectants
• Decontamination protocols followed to remove biological contaminants
• Work surface, sidewalls, and return air grills are fully sanitized
• Conduct aerosol challenge test using PAO or DOP to verify HEPA filter seal integrity
• Identify and resolve any filter leaks in accordance with NSF/ANSI 49 standards
• Ensure HEPA filters are correctly seated and uncompromised
4. Inflow and Downflow Velocity Testing
• Measure air velocities using calibrated thermo-anemometers
• Confirm inflow velocity meets requirements
• Verify downflow uniformity within the work zone to prevent turbulence and contamination
5. Airflow Smoke Pattern Testing
• Conduct visual smoke tests to demonstrate laminar airflow and containment
• Confirm that airflow barriers prevent cross-contamination and exposure
6. Electrical Safety and Alarm System Checks
• Inspect grounding, insulation resistance, and GFCI protection
• Test alarm functionality for sash position, airflow disruption, and power failure
• Verify interior lighting, outlets, and blower controls operate reliably
7. Final Certification and Quality Assurance
• Run full performance test cycle and confirm compliance with NSF/ANSI 49 and manufacturer specs
• Document data and generate a detailed service report
Guaranteed Performance from American Instrument Exchange
All refurbished biosafety cabinets from American Instrument Exchange are tested and verified to ensure maximum containment, user protection, and airflow performance. Whether used for microbiology, tissue culture, pharmaceutical compounding, or other work necessitating containment, our BSCs meet industry standards—so your team can work safely and confidently from day one.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Biosafety Cabinets
Certified Protection and Performance from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used biosafety cabinet (BSC) we offer is thoroughly repaired and refurbished to meet the highest standards for safety, airflow performance, and compliance. Whether it’s a Class I, Class II Type A2/B2, or Class III unit, we follow a meticulous refurbishment process to ensure your BSC provides reliable containment, sterile workspace conditions, and long-term durability.
Why Choose a Refurbished Biosafety Cabinet from American Instrument Exchange?
Fully tested and certified for airflow integrity and containment
Backed by warranty and performance guarantee
Cost-effective alternative to new biosafety cabinets
Environmentally responsible through expert reuse and restoration
Serviced by experienced technicians trained in NSF/ANSI 49 protocols
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every biosafety cabinet at American Instrument Exchange undergoes the following comprehensive multi-stage process to ensure it is lab-ready:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection of cabinet exterior, control panel, and sash mechanism
• Evaluation of hinges, seals, gaskets, and electrical components
• Missing parts or functional issues are documented for repair
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, disinfectant-safe products
• Decontamination protocols followed to remove biohazardous or chemical residue
• Removable surfaces, work trays, and grilles are cleaned and sanitized
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn components, including sash latches, lighting, and controls
• Electrical systems including switches, alarms, and outlets are tested and serviced
• Wiring is inspected and repaired to meet safety and performance standards
4. HEPA Filter Evaluation and Replacement
• Filters are tested for integrity using DOP/PAO aerosol challenge testing
• HEPA filters are replaced with OEM or equivalent filters
• Filter seals are verified for leak-free performance
5. Airflow and Performance Testing
• Inflow and downflow velocities are measured using calibrated instruments
• Smoke pattern testing confirms laminar airflow and containment effectiveness
• Blower motor function and airflow uniformity are verified across the cabinet
6. Safety System Verification
• Alarms for airflow disruption, sash height, and power loss are tested
• GFCI protection, lighting, and emergency shutoff systems are confirmed functional
7. Final Quality Control and Certification
• Performance testing is conducted to confirm NSF/ANSI 49 compliance (where applicable)
• Final visual inspection and cleaning performed prior to shipping
• Detailed service report and airflow test results provided with each unit
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years of experience in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted name in refurbished biosafety cabinets. Our repair and refurbishment protocol ensures each cabinet provides dependable protection for personnel, products, and the environment—delivering maximum safety at a fraction of the cost of new.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
