How Are Isolation Glove Boxes Different from Basic Glove Boxes?

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Glove Boxes are engineered to restrict sensitive chemicals or materials from the outer environment. It protects the operator from hazardous chemicals which are present both outside and inside the container. A glove box is meant for the protection of the worker and is commonly seen in cleanrooms and laboratories where testing and manufacture of chemicals are done. It is a primary tool for the pharmaceutical, biological, microelectronics industries.

Now, these Glove boxes are segregated based on content, controlled atmosphere, application and specification of the reactive chemicals. And, Isolation glove boxes are one of the forms.

It is also called the Inert Gases Glove Box system because it provides clean, low moisture and low oxygen environment. This is particularly designed to work with moisture-sensitive materials and chemicals which are highly reactive. You probably also know them as isolators.

What are Isolation Glove Boxes?

Isolation glove boxes are a special category of glove boxes that are built along with gloves so that the user can insert their hands into the glove and perform any task inside the box. These are usually made of sturdy material to ensure that while using the containment does not break.

What is the importance of an isolation glove box?

You can get a simple glove box made of plastic, whereas isolation glove boxes are always built with stainless steel to provide a durable and robust outlook. The entire structure is welded using TIG, i.e., the Tungsten Inert Gas method. The transparent clear acrylic parts are switched with tempered glass or similar material to make the entire application easily operable.

The entire design shows a greater degree of safety while conducting operations. There are comfortable access points, master control, separate control panel, precise oxygen and nitrogen mixture monitoring, and isolated environmental filtration.

Researchers often used his isolation glove box to fit with other components that are required to accomplish the work successfully. You can easily mount these glove boxes with cold storage freezer, O2 and H2O monitoring, PCL control unit, vacuum pumps, reaction cold wells etc.

What is an isolation glove box also referred to as?

An isolation glove box is also known as an isolator glove box, glove box isolator, clean room or containment chamber. Thus, there is nothing to get confused about, and while buying, always look for high-quality material. Get an isolation glove box that has stainless steel certified type 3.1. Always go for a mirror brittle finishing level so that while using the box, you can see through the operation.

How does it work?

Isolation glove boxes operate at FS209E Class 100/10 and use double HEPA filtration along with ULPA filtration at increased air volume displacement. The seals are made of Gel Seal to restrict any air leakage. The flow of the air within these enclosures can be customized based on requirements.

These glove boxes can be used as potent compound containment, sterility testing, aseptic filling, and fine powder containment. Further, it can also be used as radiological containment. Moreover, you can configure it to either positive or negative pressure or both.

What are the types of isolation glove boxes?

With an isolation glove box, you can easily manipulate the chemicals or application. You get to monitor the work in progress through a see-through compartment. There are different types of glove boxes, based on the requirements:

Shield Glove Box Isolators

If you are working with hazardous toxic applications, then these isolators would be the best bet. With an Isolation glove box, working with radioactive materials have become easier. Shield glove box isolators are popularly used in the nuclear industry, medical departments, hospitals and laboratories.

Sterile Gloves Box Isolators

These are particularly seen in the pharmaceutical industry, where a user needs to deal with infectious disease-causing agents. Also, laboratories and hospitals rely on sterile gloves boxes for hygienic functioning purposes.

Inert Atmosphere Glove Box

There are specific substances that require a high purity atmosphere. So, if you are working with gases such as oxygen or nitrogen, then this type of isolator would definitely help you in the manipulation of the substances.

Nowadays, in research work, you need to use high-quality laboratory tools specifically meant to deal with sensitive particulars. Thus, when compared with the regular glove box, isolation glove boxes maintain an inert atmosphere.

Conclusion

While buying an isolation glove box, it is very much essential to check whether it is factory authorised and customised to meet the requirements. It must have standard components, which include an automatic humidity controller, speciality glove, pass-through ovens and more.

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