What is a Pass Box?
Pass boxes, also known as pass-throughs, pass hatches, or pass windows, are indispensable tools in cleanrooms and other controlled environments to safely transfer small items between areas with different cleanliness levels or even within the same cleanroom. Its primary function is to minimize the times cleanroom doors open, reducing the risk of contamination. The pass box serves as a barrier that helps maintain the integrity of the cleanroom by controlling airflow and preventing external pollutants from entering the clean area.
Types of Pass Boxes
There are different types of pass boxes, each suited for various operational needs:
- Static Pass Box:
- This type of pass box is used in situations where no airflow is required.
- It allows simple transfer of materials between cleanrooms or between clean and non-clean areas.
- Ideal for environments with lower cleanliness requirements.
- Dynamic Pass Box:
- Equipped with HEPA or ULPA filters and an airflow system.
- Ensures that air inside the pass box is clean, reducing the risk of cross-contamination during the transfer.
- Some dynamic pass boxes also include air nozzles to blow off dust or particles from items during transfer.
- Laminar Flow Pass Box:
- Maintains laminar airflow within the box, ensuring uniform air distribution and preventing any contaminants from settling.
- Suitable for high-level cleanroom environments requiring controlled air patterns.
Key Features of Pass Boxes
| Feature | Static Pass Box | Dynamic Pass Box | Laminar Flow Pass Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow Control | None | HEPA/ULPA filtration | Laminar airflow |
| Interlocking System | Mechanical or electronic | Mechanical or electronic | Mechanical or electronic |
| HEPA/ULPA Filters | No | Yes | Yes |
| UV Sterilization | Optional | Optional | No |
| Material | SUS201/304 or power coated plate | SUS201/304 or power coated plate | SUS201/304 |
| Installation Options | Wall-mounted or floor-mounted or with stands | Wall-mounted, with stands, or floor-mounted | Wall-mounted or floor-mounted |
| Air Nozzles | No | Yes | No |
| Motor | No | Yes | Yes |
- Optional Accessories:
- UV Sterilization Lamp: Available for disinfecting items during the transfer.
- Buzzer: Alerts staff when the doors are open or closed, enhancing operational safety.
- Intercom System: Facilitates easy communication between staff on both sides of the pass box.
Applications of Pass Boxes
Pass boxes are widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, hospitals, and laboratories, where maintaining a high level of cleanliness and sterility is essential for both product quality and personnel safety.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Ensures that drugs and medical devices are transferred without contamination during production and packaging.
- Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: Prevents dust and particles from contaminating sensitive components.
- Hospitals and Laboratories: Provides a sterile way to transfer medical instruments, samples, and medications between cleanrooms and labs.
- Biotechnology: Helps transfer biological samples and research materials while maintaining controlled environmental conditions.
Conclusion
Pass boxes are crucial to maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of cleanroom operations. Whether you require a basic static pass box for simple material transfers or a more advanced dynamic pass box with airflow control and additional features such as UV sterilization, we offer a wide range of solutions that can be tailored to your specific requirements.
With optional customizations like interlocking systems, roller conveyors, and UV sterilization lamps, we can provide a solution that fits your cleanroom needs. Our pass boxes are designed to maintain the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe and efficient material transfers in your facility.
Contact us to learn more about our pass boxes and how we can help enhance your cleanroom operations with reliable and efficient transfer solutions!
