Gloveboxes · Glovebox Information

Glovebox FAQs

Glovebox Isolator, Barrier, and Enclosure Information

What is a glovebox?

A glovebox is a sealed container that both protects users from hazardous materials and isolates materials from outside contamination. Gloveboxes feature built-in gloves that allow users to reach in and safely handle the materials within. A window is fitted so users can see what they are doing.

Gloveboxes consist of three basic parts:

• The transfer chamber, into which material is initially placed
• The main chamber, where materials are handled and manipulated
• Gloves, allowing the user to safely reach in to the main chamber and work with the materials inside

Gloveboxes provide a physical barrier that can serve two purposes:

• Isolate sensitive material inside the box from environmental contamination
• Protect the user from carcinogens, toxins, and other hazardous materials being manipulated inside the box

Gloveboxes were first used in the defense industry, but their use has expanded to include such areas as pharmaceutical manufacturing, forensics, biochemistry, and other industries where materials must be protected from the environment or users must be protected from their materials. Examples of materials used within gloveboxes include solid or liquid hazardous substances, non-biohazardous microorganisms, low-level radiochemicals, chemical carcinogens, and asbestos.

Gloveboxes are normally used for handling highly hazardous materials or when an inert or special atmosphere is required. There are two basic types of gloveboxes:

• Gloveboxes providing a positive pressure environment
• Gloveboxes providing a negative pressure environment

Positive pressure environment

Positive pressure gloveboxes prevent intrusion of moisture or external contamination. These gloveboxes are sometimes also called "dry boxes" or "controlled-atmosphere gloveboxes."

This kind of glovebox provides a leak-free environment and controlled conditions. For example, you can create an environment with

• Low levels of oxygen and moisture for processes that require protection from oxygen and moisture
• An inert gas such as helium, argon, or nitrogen for processes that require an inert atmosphere

These gloveboxes are widely used for air-sensitive inorganic, organic, organometallic, and biochemical materials.

Negative pressure environment (Isolators)

Gloveboxes that provide negative pressure environments prevent contamination of substances inside the glovebox. This type of glovebox may also be called an isolator. Inlet and exhaust HEPA filters trap particulate contaminants before they enter or leave the glovebox. Inlet air is HEPA filtered to provide a Class 100 environment, while air exiting the box is HEPA filtered to remove particulates.

The System One Glovebox provides the clean, controlled environment you need, offering

• A 0-60 cfm stainless steel blower to control circulation
• An easily-accessible gas purification system that has automatic valves and maintains an atmosphere less than 1 ppm O2 and 1 ppm H2O
• A large antechamber, a rapid transfer chamber, and a vacuum pump
• 0.3 micron inlet and outlet filters
• Standard or customized box shelving
• Operates between ± mbr i.e. +ve or -ve.

The System One Glovebox is delivered ready for use with nitrogen, helium, or argon. In addition, it offers several unique features:

• Designed to be easy to use, with all key information available on one screen. A touch screen that can be controlled by your PLC is also available
• Includes a dual microprocessor control specifically designed for gloveboxes
• Includes an option for auto control so the glovebox can complete its cycles while operators attend to other tasks

Gloveboxes can also be customized to meet your specific needs.

Gloveboxes from Innovative Technology provide an ideal solution to creating the atmosphere and environment you need to safely and efficiently perform your work. To learn more about how our glovebox systems can work for you, call us at (978-462-4415) or request more information online.

Sales and Service Contact your Innovative Technology sales representative at 978-462-4415 or online to discuss how our glovebox systems and accessories can help you meet your application needs.