Labconco has finished the redesign of the Protector® Glove Boxes. The new Protector HEPA-Filtered and ULPA-Filtered Glove Boxes offer enhanced particulate containment and now provide the operators with real-time performance data on internal static pressure, air volume flow rates in cubic feet per minute and total air volume changes per minute.
These Glove Boxes feature a built-in blower with bag-in/bag-out HEPA or ULPA filters. The glove boxes can create an internal clean room environment and/or contain and remove hazardous particulates released within the main chamber environment.
Protector Filtered Glove Boxes provide the highest level of particulate control and containment when working with hazardous particulate chemicals. Common applications include the manipulation of nano-particulates and the weighing of hazardous powders with an analytical balance.
Particulate Control and Containment Test Procedure
The purpose of the Airborne Particulate Tests is to define the particulate dilution rates and the achievable cleanliness levels within the glove box. The tests were conducted over the range of possible airflow volume settings provided by the glove box blower speed control, approximately 15 to 85-CFM.
Starting with a normal ambient laboratory air particulate condition, a CLiMET particulate counter was used to measure airborne particulate levels of 0.3 and 0.5 microns during a 15-20 minute time period within the glove box main chamber and provide quantitative particulate cleanliness levels. The procedure was performed twice for both possible positive and negative pressure operation functions.
Test Equipment Used
Particulate Testing Results
Airborne particulate levels, measured under both negative and positive pressure conditions, within the main chamber of the Protector HEPA and ULPA Filtered Glove Box were reduced to below ISO Class 5 conditions (= Class 100) and achieved ISO Class 3 conditions (= Class 1) in less than 5 minutes at all operational airflow volumes. Results for the maximum airflow volumes are provided in the appendix.
Airborne Particulate Test— HEPA-Filtered Glove Box (Positive & Negative) Pressure
Airborne particulate levels measured under negative and positive pressure conditions within the main chamber of the Precise® HEPA Filtered Glove Box were reduced to below ISO Class 5 conditions (= Class 100) and achieved ISO Class 3 conditions (= Class 1) in less than 5 minutes at all operational airflow volumes. Results for the maximum airflow volumes are provided in the appendix.
Airborne Particulate Test - ULPA-Filtered Glove Box under Negative Pressure
Airborne particulate cleanliness (measured under negative pressure) within the main chamber of the glove box exceeded ISO Class 5 conditions (equivalent to Class 100) and exceeded ISO Class 3 conditions (equivalent to Class 1) at minimum blower speed, 50% and maximum operational airflow volumes. The maximum air flow test results are provided in the appendix.
Performance Validation
Airborne particulates measured under both positive and negative pressure operation conditions within the glove box main chamber exceeded ISO Class 5 conditions and achieved ISO Class 3 conditions. The testing validates the effectiveness of the inlet HEPA & ULPA Filter and the blower’s dilution rates. It also verifies levels of cleanliness obtainable within glove box chamber. ISO #3, particulate levels were achieved even at the lowest blower speed setting.
The Inlet and Exhaust HEPA & ULPA filters are identical in design and housing construction. The performance and cleanliness of the Exhaust HEPA & ULPA-filtered air volume will be identical to the inlet HEPA & ULPA filter.
Conclusion
The performance goal was met: the Protector HEPA and ULPA Filtered Glove Boxes remove airborne particulates (measured under positive and negative pressure) within the main chamber of the glove box. Particulates are reduced to below ISO Class 5 conditions (equivalent to Class100) and achieved ISO Class 3 conditions (equivalent to Class 1).
The Protector HEPA and ULPA Filtered Glove Boxes offer all the advantages of a low volume, HEPA filtered ventilation enclosure system, but provide a totally isolated working environment. Operators can utilize the blower control to achieve high rates of contaminant dilution within the totally enclosed main chamber which provides an absolute level of containment for chemical hazards that open sash fume hoods and balance enclosures cannot.
Protector HEPA & ULPA Filtered Glove Box Operational Guidelines
The test results indicated the Protector HEPA-Filtered Glove Box provided acceptable containment and performance under normal operating conditions. The following operational guidelines are provided to help ensure satisfactory performance of the Protector HEPA-Filtered Glove Box.
This report provides a description of test methods, a summary of test results, and recommendations to help ensure proper performance. Please note that data provided herein are indicative of the performance of the Protector HEPA-Filtered Glove Box under the prevailing operating conditions at the time and date of the tests.
Any questions concerning information or conclusions contained within this report should be referred to Labconco Corporation.
APPENDIX
Airborne Particulate Test (Positive Pressure)
Airborne Particulate Test (Negative Pressure)
Airborne Particulate Test with ULPA Filter (Negative Pressure) (230V)
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