The Importance of Using Stainless Steel Glove Box in a Laboratory

Any laboratory where there are such materials as air-sensitive, sterile substances or hazardous materials understands well enough that the effectiveness of containment enclosure directly depends on the quality of the atmosphere inside it. The Stainless Steel Glove Box has become very popular in pharmaceutical, nuclear and research laboratories because of the

materials from which it is made up, which determine the level of protection and durability of the enclosure.

Why Stainless Steel Better than other materials

The glove box, manufactured of either mild steel or acrylic degrades faster because of corrosion and interaction with aggressive chemicals, frequent sterilization procedures or high humidity atmosphere. In contrast to this, stainless steel does not oxide and is resistant to most of the laboratory chemicals. Also, the surface of stainless steel is perfectly smooth and can be easily decontaminated after each time of usage. This is the reason why stainless steel chamber of an inert atmosphere glove box is considered to be the best choice for work with different biological samples, radioactive materials or sensitive compounds for which surface contamination is unacceptable.

Applications in Various Industries

Pharmaceutical production plants use an airtight atmosphere glove box to protect moisture-sensitive active ingredients or sterile products for which even the slightest exposure to the air leads to reduction of stability. Research facilities working with radioactive elements use stainless steel enclosures for safe manipulation of isotopes through sealed glove ports. Laboratories engaged in lithium batteries and materials science research use the enclosure of a nitrogen glove box made of stainless steel in order to ensure better maintenance of the inert atmosphere. Food and cosmetic testing facilities use glove boxes for sample preparation under strictly contamination free environment.

Features of the good glove box

One should note that the efficiency of the stainless steel glove box involves not only good materials of the chamber but some other features that help to maintain an inert atmosphere. Airtightness of the glove ports, antechamber for sample transferring without disturbing the atmosphere and gas purification system which allows lowering the level of oxygen and moisture to trace amounts are necessary for the good glove box. Digital monitors of oxygen and humidity levels give the possibility to control the internal atmosphere of the enclosure and sealed viewing window helps to monitor the process without disrupting the atmosphere.

Things to Consider Before Investing

Before selecting a supplier of such boxes, you may need to establish what grade of stainless steel was used, how good is the welding at the joint of the chamber, compatibility of the glove ports material with the chemicals that you use, and availability of a purification system for gases suitable for your needs. You might think that the box has very high quality due to its sturdy construction, but if it has poor welding sealing, it will start leaking the atmosphere and thus all the efforts would have gone to waste. Proper testing for the good leak rate test certification before purchasing will help avoid future problems associated with the performance of the box.

Conclusion

Purchase of the stainless steel glove box should be considered as an investment in order to ensure that the lab is not contaminated by any contaminants and chemicals. Selection of the correct grade of stainless steel, proper sealing and good manufacturer are the factors that will determine the success of its performance.

To know more about stainless steel glove boxes and other controlled atmospheres equipment, visit Bionics Scientific.