In pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other sensitive industries, maintaining a contamination-free environment is paramount. Cleanrooms are meticulously designed to achieve this, and every component within them plays a crucial role in preventing the ingress and spread of particulates and microorganisms. Among these critical components, the Dynamic Pass Box (DPB), also known as a Transfer Hatch, stands out as an essential piece of equipment for safeguarding cleanroom integrity during material transfer.

What is a Dynamic Pass Box?

A Dynamic Pass Box is a specialized interlocked chamber designed to facilitate the transfer of materials between areas of different cleanliness classifications (e.g., from an unclassified area to a cleanroom, or between two cleanroom areas of different grades) without compromising the differential pressure and particulate count of the cleaner environment. Unlike static pass boxes, dynamic pass boxes actively purge the transfer chamber with HEPA-filtered air.

How Does it Work?

The operation of a Dynamic Pass Box is based on a well-controlled sequence:

1. Material Loading: The material to be transferred is placed inside the pass box from the less clean side.
2. Door Interlock: The doors of the pass box are interlocked, meaning that only one door can be opened at a time. This prevents direct airflow between the two environments, maintaining pressure differentials.
3. Purging Cycle: Once the outer door is closed, a powerful fan/filter unit (FFU) within the pass box activates. This FFU draws air from the cleaner side, passes it through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and then delivers a unidirectional flow of clean air into the chamber. This clean air effectively flushes out any airborne contaminants that may have entered during the loading process.
4. Sterilization (Optional): Some dynamic pass boxes incorporate UV germicidal lamps to provide an additional layer of disinfection during the purging cycle, particularly for sensitive materials.
5. Material Unloading: After a pre-set purging time, the inner door (to the cleaner side) can be opened, and the material can be safely retrieved.

Key Features and Benefits of Dynamic Pass Boxes:

• Effective Contamination Control: The HEPA-filtered airflow and purging cycle significantly reduce the risk of particulate and microbial contamination entering the cleanroom.
• Maintains Pressure Differentials: The interlocked doors prevent a sudden drop or increase in pressure, crucial for maintaining cleanroom classification.
• Unidirectional Airflow: Ensures that any airborne particles are swept away from the cleanroom side.
• Reduced Cross-Contamination: Minimizes the transfer of contaminants between different cleanroom zones.
• Interlocked Doors: Enhances operational safety and prevents accidental breaches of cleanroom integrity.
• Durable Construction: Typically made from stainless steel, ensuring resistance to corrosion and easy cleaning.
• Customizable: Available in various sizes and configurations to meet specific application requirements.
• Optional Features: UV lamps, magnetic interlocks, indicators, and alarms for enhanced functionality and safety.

Applications of Dynamic Pass Boxes:

Dynamic Pass Boxes are indispensable in a wide range of industries requiring stringent contamination control, including:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: For transferring raw materials, intermediates, and finished products between different cleanroom grades (e.g., from warehouse to dispensing booth, or between manufacturing suites).
• Biotechnology: For handling cell cultures, biological samples, and sterile media.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Particularly in sterile compounding pharmacies, operating theaters, and isolation rooms.
• Microelectronic Industry: For transferring sensitive components.
• Food and Beverage Industry: In specific aseptic processing areas.
• Research Laboratories: For controlled transfer of samples and equipment.

Investing in Cleanroom Integrity

The Dynamic Pass Box is more than just a transfer chamber; it's a critical investment in maintaining the purity and integrity of your cleanroom environment. By effectively controlling contamination during material transfer, it helps ensure product quality, patient safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. When selecting a dynamic pass box, consider factors such as your specific cleanroom classification, material handling requirements, and any optional features that may enhance your operations.