GloveFAST Cyto Pharma
Cytostatic isolator (negative pressure)
Information on
Isolators
Isolators are used for both personal and product protection: an isolator, also known as a glove box, is used when handling toxic substances, in the production of chemical mixtures and to protect pure substances. The isolator is hermetically sealed and gas-tight from the surrounding work area. Work inside the container is carried out with rubber or plastic gloves that reach into the box. A defined atmosphere can be created inside the container for handling sensitive or hazardous substances.
How it works
The isolator system is completely enclosed to safely separate users and hazardous substances. Material transfer takes place via airlocks and media connections. In addition, it is possible to minimise the consequences of leaks with overpressure or negative pressure:
When working with radioactive, carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances, there is a low negative pressure of around -80 Pa to -100 Pa in the isolator. This prevents hazardous substances from escaping in the event of a leak. Unused gloves bulge outwards.
A slight positive pressure of around +80 Pa to +120 Pa is generated inside the glovebox for the sterile production of substances. In the event of a leak, no room air can flow in.
Areas of application and atmosphere
The areas of application for isolators range from research and development in medicine, biology and nuclear technology to industrial production. Isolators are used, for example, for the production and processing of cytostatics, virustatics and sterile tests, but also for halogen and xenon lamp production, lithium battery production and semiconductor manufacture. Other areas include special welding techniques and use in nuclear facilities where radioactive materials have to be processed.
Depending on the area of application, the atmosphere inside the isolator consists of air or inert gas: for biological, medical applications or nuclear technology areas, the isolator contains specially filtered air. For the processing of oxygen- or moisture-sensitive substances, for the manufacture of batteries, halogen lamps and for special metal powder processing, the atmosphere inside the isolator consists of inert gas, for example argon, nitrogen or helium. These isolators are known as inert gas systems and usually work in conjunction with gas purification systems.
