firefly automated liquid handler with integrated HEPA filtration
At Contained Air Solutions (CAS), we specialise in designing bespoke clean air and containment solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing laboratory equipment and workflows.
Our recent collaboration with SPT Labtech focused on their firefly® liquid handling platform, an advanced automated system that combines precision pipetting, reagent dispensing, shaking, and incubation in one compact unit.
Traditionally, when an automated process demands a clean, contaminant-free environment, robotic systems like this require installation inside a Robotic Biological Safety Cabinet or Enclosure.
the challenge
Develop an integrated clean air solution that would maintain sample integrity directly within the Firefly platform itself, removing the need for a separate containment system.
Our Solution
Working closely with SPT Labtech, our design team engineered a compact vertical laminar flow module for the firefly, complete with integrated HEPA filtration and airflow control.
The custom-built HEPA module fits perfectly on top of the firefly unit, drawing air from the surrounding environment, filtering it through H14 HEPA filtration, and directing it as vertical laminar airflow into the work area, creating a sterile, positive-pressure environment for sensitive sample processing.
Design and Functionality of the firefly HEPA Module
The firefly HEPA module is a vertical laminar flow system that sits on top of the firefly base unit. It works via:
- H14 HEPA filtration: Removing 99.995% of airborne particles at 0.3 μm (MPPS).
- Pre-filtration: Prolonging the life of the HEPA filter by capturing larger particles.
- Downflow fan: Maintaining steady, sterile laminar airflow across the workspace.
- Real-time airflow monitor: A live animated display gives operators continuous assurance of system performance.
- Positive-pressure protection: Preventing unfiltered air from entering the sample area, reducing contamination risks in PCR, NGS, and other sensitive workflows.
The outcome
The firefly HEPA module delivers clean air containment directly at the point of application — eliminating the need for an external biological safety cabinet or enclosure.
This solution enables:
- Space saving – Enabling installation on standard lab benches with a footprint of only 67 cm x 57 cm, freeing up valuable space.
- Streamlined workflows – no need to coordinate multiple equipment processes or validate additional containment systems.
- Cost-effective contamination control – offering the same protection as standalone cabinets and enclosures, without the extra infrastructure.
Supporting a Range of Applications
The firefly HEPA module is designed to complement the firefly platform across a wide range of laboratory environments, from biotech and pharma to clinical diagnostics.
While the firefly is already well established in these sectors, the addition of the HEPA module enhances contamination control and environmental protection, making it especially valuable for workflows such as:
- Genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS)
- Pharmaceutical drug discovery
- Clinical and diagnostic laboratories
In Summary
For automated liquid handling workflows that require sample integrity, the firefly HEPA provides enhanced contamination control without compromising lab space or flexibility
This collaboration highlights CAS’s ability to design tailored clean air solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing processes and equipment. From benchtop instruments like the firefly to full-scale robotic biosafety enclosures, we bring our experience and engineering expertise to every project, helping laboratories optimise space, improve workflows, and protect critical processes.
For more information on the firefly HEPA, visit SPT Labtech’s website here: https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/firefly
