Product Description
The Benchmark Scientific B5200 SureAir™ is a compact PCR workstation that delivers ISO 5 clean room conditions at the benchtop — combining a HEPA filtration system that removes 99.97% of particles 0.3µm and larger with an 8W germicidal UVC light that eliminates stray DNA contamination, all in a 22 × 16 inch footprint that requires no ductwork installation. The Benchmark SureAir™ PCR workstation is a compact, convenient way to reduce contamination concerns and provide a clean room environment at a fraction of the space and cost. Ideal for PCR setup, sequencing reaction preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and any molecular biology workflow where sample contamination from environmental DNA, aerosols, or particulates is a critical concern. Includes HEPA filter, pre-filter, integrated pipette holder and shelf, cable access port, and LED lighting. 115V. Also available as B5200-E (230V).
HEPA Filtration — ISO 5 Clean Room Conditions at the Benchtop The included HEPA filter purifies air within the chamber, meeting ISO 5 cleanliness standards, and filters 99.97% of particles 0.3µm and larger. ISO 5 (Class 100) cleanliness is the standard required for the most sensitive molecular biology workflows — equivalent to the air quality inside a Class 100 clean room, without the infrastructure cost or space requirements. The high-powered yet quiet internal fan produces laminar flow conditions without any installation into ductwork. The laminar airflow continuously sweeps the work surface with HEPA-filtered air, displacing contaminated ambient air and maintaining a consistently clean working environment throughout the entire PCR setup session.
Germicidal 8W UVC Light — Eliminates Stray DNA Contamination An included germicidal UVC light eliminates any stray DNA that may contaminate samples, and is programmed to automatically shut off after 15 minutes. The 8W UVC lamp destroys surface and airborne DNA contamination — addressing the most common and costly source of false positives in PCR workflows. The automatic 15-minute shutoff timer ensures adequate decontamination time without operator intervention, and the UVC light operates only when the cover is fully closed — protecting users from UV exposure while ensuring complete interior decontamination before each session. The UVC light will shut off upon opening the cover.
Double-Hinged Front Panel — Full Access for Equipment and Instruments The double-hinged front panel provides ample workspace for convenient hand access, and can be opened fully to allow placement of equipment inside. The dual-hinge design gives the panel two opening configurations — partially open for standard hand access during PCR setup, or fully open to allow centrifuges, vortexers, tube racks, thermal cycler blocks, and other instruments to be placed directly inside the chamber. This flexibility makes the SureAir™ a true multi-function clean workstation rather than a simple enclosure.
Cable Access Port — Use Instruments Inside the Chamber An integrated cable access port on the right side of the chamber allows power cables from centrifuges, vortexers, heating blocks, and other instruments to be routed outside the chamber while the instrument operates inside — maintaining the laminar flow environment and ISO 5 conditions even when powered instruments are in use. This capability is critical for workflows that require centrifugation or vortexing steps to be performed under clean conditions.
Integrated Pipette Holder and Storage Shelf An included pipette holder and shelf accommodates up to 3 standard pipettes and provides organized storage for pipette tips and small instruments within the workstation — keeping essential tools within the clean work zone, readily accessible, and protected from ambient contamination. The integrated storage solution keeps the main work surface clear and organized during complex multi-step PCR setup protocols.
Energy-Efficient LED Lighting — Bright, Shadow-Free Illumination Ample interior illumination is provided by an energy-efficient LED light source — ensuring clear visibility of sample labels, tube markings, and small volumes during PCR setup without the heat generation of traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting that could affect sensitive reagents.
Compact 22 × 16 Inch Footprint — No Ductwork Required At just 22 × 16 inches (outer dimensions), the B5200 delivers ISO 5 clean room conditions in a footprint smaller than most laboratory equipment stands — fitting on standard lab benches, in dedicated PCR rooms, and alongside existing instrumentation without dedicated space allocation. No ductwork, no HVAC modification, and no facility infrastructure changes are required — simply plug in and operate.
UV-Resistant Polycarbonate Construction The B5200 is constructed from UV-resistant polycarbonate — resistant to the degrading effects of long-term UVC exposure, chemical spills, and routine laboratory cleaning agents. The clear polycarbonate walls provide full visibility into the work chamber from all sides during operation.
Optional Accessories:
- B5200-FIL — SureAir™ replacement HEPA filter
- B5200-PRE — SureAir™ replacement pre-filter
- B1450-IC — UVC indicator cards, 25 count (for verifying UVC lamp output)
- B1450-ISS — UVC indicator stickers, 40 count
Available Configurations:
| SKU | Voltage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| B5200 | 115V | SureAir™ PCR Workstation (this product) |
| B5200-E | 230V | SureAir™ PCR Workstation (international) |
Key Features
- HEPA filtration — 99.97% of particles 0.3µm and larger removed
- ISO 5 (Class 100) clean room conditions at the benchtop
- Laminar airflow — no ductwork installation required
- 8W germicidal UVC light — eliminates stray DNA contamination
- UVC auto-shutoff after 15 minutes
- UVC safety interlock — operates only when cover is closed, shuts off upon opening
- Double-hinged front panel — partial or full access
- Cable access port — right side, for operating instruments inside the chamber
- Integrated pipette holder — accommodates up to 3 standard pipettes
- Storage shelf for pipette tips and small instruments
- Energy-efficient LED interior lighting
- UV-resistant polycarbonate construction
- Air velocity: 0.2 m/s
- Compact footprint: 22 × 16 in. outer (21.7 × 15.7 × 23.3 in. W × D × H)
- Inner chamber: 19.7 × 15.4 × 15.7 in.
- Hand access opening: 19.7 × 6.3 in.
- Power: 70W, 115V, 50–60 Hz
- HEPA filter and pre-filter included
- Made in the USA
Supported Applications PCR master mix preparation, qPCR setup, Sanger cycle sequencing reaction preparation, nucleic acid extraction, cDNA synthesis setup, cloning and ligation reactions, restriction digest setup, any molecular biology workflow requiring ISO 5 clean room conditions at the benchtop, and any application where environmental DNA contamination, aerosols, or false positives from sample cross-contamination are a concern.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU / Catalog # | B5200 |
| Manufacturer | Benchmark Scientific |
| Model Name | SureAir™ |
| HEPA Filter | 0.3µm, 99.97% filtration efficiency |
| Cleanliness Standard | ISO 5 (Class 100) |
| Airflow Type | Laminar flow |
| Air Velocity | 0.2 m/s |
| UV Light | 8W UVC germicidal |
| UV Auto-Shutoff | 15 minutes |
| UV Safety Interlock | Yes — shuts off when cover opens |
| Lighting | LED |
| Material | UV-resistant polycarbonate |
| Outer Dimensions (W×D×H) | 21.7 × 15.7 × 23.3 in. |
| Inner Dimensions (W×D×H) | 19.7 × 15.4 × 15.7 in. |
| Hand Access (W×H) | 19.7 × 6.3 in. |
| Cable Access Port | Yes — right side |
| Pipette Holder | Yes — up to 3 standard pipettes |
| Storage Shelf | Yes |
| Filters Included | HEPA filter (B5200-FIL) + pre-filter (B5200-PRE) |
| Power Consumption | 70W |
| Electrical | 115V, 50–60 Hz |
| Origin | Made in the USA |