Glove boxes and dry rooms are both specialised enclosures used to control the environment around sensitive materials or equipment from contaminants and hazardous substances. They share similarities but also have distinct applications.
Glove Boxes
Glove boxes are airtight enclosures with built-in gloves allowing the manipulation of materials inside the box without exposure to contaminants or hazardous substances. They maintain a controlled atmosphere, such as an inert gas environment, to prevent oxidation or other unwanted reactions.
Applications include:
- Handling hazardous materials: Protect both user and the environment from exposure from, for example, radioactive materials and toxic chemicals
- Air-sensitive materials: Provide an inert atmosphere for handling materials that are air or moisture sensitive
- Electronics assembly: Prevent contamination of electronic components and ensuring their integrity
- Pharmaceutical and biological research: Protect samples from contamination
Dry Rooms
Dry rooms are controlled environments with extremely low humidity levels, typically below 5% relative humidity. Designed to protect materials that are sensitive to moisture or humidity, such as electronics, semiconductors, and optical components.
Applications include:
- Moisture-sensitive materials: For storing and handling moisture-sensitive materials like hygroscopic substances, or materials that degrade or corrode in humid environments
- Electronics storage and testing: To store and test electronic components, preventing moisture-induced corrosion, leakage, or insulation breakdown
- Optical component manufacturing: Ensure the integrity of delicate optical surfaces and preventing moisture-induced fogging or clouding
PI-KEM, with the support of MTI, supply a range of glove boxes and drying rooms for use in research and development laboratories and industrial settings.
Click here for the full MTI range
Glove Boxes
Available as:
- Standard glove boxes
- Vacuum glove boxes
- Purge glove boxes
- Glove boxes with antechambers
Specifications:
- Benchtop and floor standing
- One to five chambers
- Chamber only, with airlock, with antechamber
- Automatic pressure controller
- Catalytic purifying cylinder
- Hinged or closed window
Accessories and consumables:
- Gloves: Latex or butyl
- Vacuum pump
- Humidity monitor
- Humidity and oxygen purifying system
- Pressure controller
Dry Rooms
Available as:
- Standard drying rooms
- Vacuum drying rooms
- Freeze drying rooms
- Drying rooms with humidity control
Can be used as part of Li-ion battery pilot line
Specifications:
- Walk in
- 9 square metres
- Modular design
- Water cooled
- Catalytic purifying cylinder
- Hinged or closed window
Accessories and consumables:
- Shower
- Dry room and glovebox combination system
- Water coolers
- Air purifier and sulphide filter
