Why do we need to certify and test isolators?
Jacomex designs and manufactures containment systems for various sectors and fields. Our solutions comply with current standards and undergo all the necessary checks to guarantee total safety and reliability. The performance of an isolator is already measured by its tightness including its safety transfer systems, gloves and external transfer systems. To do this, we carry out a leakage test on all the devices we design and manufacture. This test is performed using two types of instrumentation: an oxyfuel and a helium mass spectrometer. The former is used to validate the enclosure or fully completed installation; the latter is used for scrubbers, vacuum components, transfer airlocks and hermetic feedthroughs, with a leakage rate of less than 5-10 mbar l/sec.
Tests are also carried out on sealed glove rings. Indeed, the rise of the oxygen level inside a glove box, in operational mode, is largely dependent on the permeation of the gloves.
Certifications/validations must meet the following standards:
- ISO 9001 Standard for TÜV ISO 9001:2015 Certification;
- ISO 10648-2: Methods and classification of containments, glove boxes and isolators according to their leakage rate;
- EN 60439-1: CE self-certification.
Compliance with the ISO 10648-2 standard for leakage testing of glove boxes and isolators
For the majority of our glove boxes, the oxygen rise method guarantees a class 1, with a less than 0.05 Vol%/h maximum permissible leak rate. The usual leakage rate of our containments is in the order of 0.0005 Vol%/h < Tf < 0.0025 Vol%/h.
We have developed a wide range of high performance gas purification units with enhanced oxygen removal capabilities to suit various glovebox designs.
We also recommend that you check the condition of your gloves on a regular basis, throughout the life of the device. For on-demand checks and approvals, especially for pharmaceutical, industrial and nuclear applications, we can provide specific documentation:
Material certificate, according to EN 10204 3.1 ;
- Manufacturer’s files;
- Seismic calculations, force calculations, etc. ;
- Welding procedure, QMOS, Welder qualification according to EN 1418;
- AFPIC N2 Chemistry qualification;
- CEFRI nuclear clearance.
From the start of your project, we invite you to consult us for the certification and quality control of your insulators. We will answer all your questions.
