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A collection of the newest contamination-control products on the market.

High-density Floor-Trak system
This track-and-skate system from Eagle MHC enables material managers to consolidate and optimize the storage of supplies, parts and other items where there is a need to store a high volume of goods in the most space-efficient way. The system is easy to install, and is designed to accommodate the most popular makes and brands of wire shelving products. The low-profile, noncorrosive roller track is constructed of ultradurable stainless steel and high performance anodized aluminum components. Industrial-grade bearings allow loaded shelving units to glide effortlessly over the tracks. The Floor-Trak system is designed to allow for the installation of add-on tracks and shelving units as storage requirements grow. The open-wire shelving allows air to circulate, reducing moisture and dust build-up.
Eagle MHC
Clayton, Del.
www.eaglegrp.com

Air purification system

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This air purification system minimizes cross-contamination of germs and bacteria and reduces the risk of airborne infection. The Airshower works on the principle of nonturbulent displacement and controlled thermal stratification with low remixing of the surrounding air. Cleanroom-quality air is delivered to the patient’s breathing zone less than three minutes after the unit begins operating, allowing for faster relief and treatment. In less than one hour, almost all the air in a standard-sized room is purified compared to a conventional air purifier. At least 99.95 percent of all airborne particles greater than 0.3 micron are removed.
Airsonett
Charlotte, N.C.
www.airsonett.com

Gas analyzer

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The CheckMate head space gas analyzer tests packages, including those with low headspace, to provide reliable, reproducible, fail-safe testing and documentation of vials, vacuum packages, shelf stable adhesives, transdermal patches and implantable devices to eliminate operator fault caused by misreadings typically resulting from humidity, ambient air pressure or temperature. This system is designed for flexibility and cost-efficiency and accommodates a variety of package formats by requiring test sample volume of only 1 to 2 ml. Self-diagnostics and an internal date-logger can also store up to 10 different set-up programs and ensure cGMP quality control traceability. Up to 2,400 test results can be logged, sorted, and printed to analyze oxygen content in packages produced on different machine lines, or on packages containing different types of products.
PBI Dansensor America, Inc.
Glen Rock, N.J.
www.pbi-dansensor.com

Glass-lined clean valve

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This clean valve from De Dietrich Systems is a bottom-flush valve designed for use on glass-lined reactors where batch to batch cleanability is important. This self-draining valve allows for a variety of functions without the need to interrupt the process and without dismantling the valve. The glass-lined steel design ensures no metal contamination of the process fluid and enables use across a wide temperature and pressure range. Temperature sensing is accomplished via the company’s UniTIP sensor. This all glass-lined design has no tantalum or other metal exposed to the process and no gaskets that can leak or fail. The internal temperature sensor can be replaced without removing the valve from service.
De Dietrich Process Systems
Union, N.J.
www.ddpsinc.com

Hygienic scissor lift

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The new version of the Zero-Low Scissor Lift Table for ground-level loading is suitable for pharmaceutical, food processing, and other sensitive applications. The advantage is that the deck lowers to ground level and then lifts up to 10,000 pounds to the desired height. Other special features include a stainless-steel deck for hygienic operation; an electronic safety fence that provides maximum safety for the operator by stopping all operation of the table when a safety beam is crossed; a wash-down powerpack is available when frequent cleaning will be required; special coatings are available to provide extra protection from corrosion and allow easier cleaning; and food-grade and fire-resistant hydraulic oils are available for special applications. Hydraulically operated lift cylinders have chrome-plated shafts for smooth operation and corrosion resistance.
Air Technical Industries
Mentor, Ohio
www.airtechnical.com

Filling and capping system

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The FMB210 monobloc vial filling and capping machine enables pharmaceutical and biotech filling operations to achieve a 50 percent increase in output capacity with maximum flexibility within minimum floor space requirements. The system is specially designed for filling vials, insertion of lyophilization or injection plugs, and overseal capping of aluminum caps. With an output of up to 85 units per minute, the machine is ideal for sterile filling of liquid volumes between 0.1 and 100 ml with an accuracy of +/-1 percent. Because the tubing is removed and changed after the production of each batch, there is 100 percent security against product cross-contamination. The Flexicon FMB210 liquid filling system meets GMP standards for aseptic filling.
Flexicon America, Inc.
Burlington, Vt.
www.flexiconamerica.com

Particle counting, identification

Particle counting, identification
The Single Particle Explorer from Rap.ID automatically and reliably counts particles isolated by the APSys Filtr.AID system. All microscopic images of the particles are documented and analyzed. Parameters such as number, length, width, and shape of the particles can be measured. The chemical composition of the particles determined contaminative can be identified with the Particle Explorer software. Automated analysis through Raman spectroscopy and the integrated database enables the identification of particles with a size of less than 1 micrometer. Each measurement is reported, and all data collected from microscopic image analysis, i.e., number, size and shape of particles and their chemical composition from Raman Spectroscopy, will be included in the report. Measurement parameters, once they are generated, can be modified, saved and administrated by the main user. The system is designed in compliance with cGMP and 21CFR Part 11 requirements.
Rap.ID
Berlin, Germany
www.rap-id.com

Contact plate rack

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The Scienceware Contact Plate Rack holds up to 60 contact plates with lids in a compact and stable configuration protected from knock-over and lid displacement. The small footprint preserves benchtop and incubator space and the racks interlock when stacked, maintaining stability while preserving additional space. The center handle does not interfere with the samples and provides space for labeling. To maintain sterility and ensure long-term performance, all parts are molded of white polypropylene and are steam autoclavable at 121°C (250°F). Racks are shipped flat and can be assembled in minutes.
Bel-Art Products, Inc.
Pequannock, N.J.
www.belart.com

Benchtop FT-IR spectrometers

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The Nicolet ECO/RS FT-IR spectrometer from Thermo Electron Corporation is a benchtop tool for wafer analysis integrated with the company’s newest FT-IR platform, the Nicolet 6700 FT-IR spectrometer. FT-IR spectroscopy is a good inspection technique in semiconductor manufacturing, where materials and processes are subject to exceedingly stringent control. Able to measure materials with purities often in excess of 99.999 percent, and where feature dimensions are known within nanometers, FT-IR spectroscopy makes for a fast, nondestructive metrology technique. It is used in manufacturing support labs, as well as in near-line and on-line applications to determine dopant uniformity in process silicon wafers. Because silicon is infrared transparent, common FT-IR applications include thickness measurements on epitaxial films, MEMS devices and SOI; measurement of interstitial oxygen and substitutional carbon levels in silicon; and dielectric film characterization.
Thermo Electron Corporation
Madison, Wis.
www.thermo.com

Water filter

The Aquasafe AQF1C water filter from Pall Corporation is specifically designed to prevent microbial contamination of heat-sensitive medical devices as well as machines that dispense ice and water. The disposable filter, which is installed in the water supply line, is a CE-marked medical device for the European market. It contains a 0.2-micron bacterial retention membrane validated to produce bacteria-free water for use in rinsing medical equipment, such as gastroscopes, colonoscopes, bronchoscopes and other heat-sensitive, flexible endoscopes, after disinfection to reduce the risk of nosocomial infection. The new filter’s universal quick connectors on both inlet and outlet ports make it easy to install, disconnect and replace. Each filter is individually tested, has a use life of up to 14 days, and does not require resterilization and validation. This results in less labor to install and maintain, less waste generation and greater cost efficiencies.
Pall Corporation
East Hills, N.Y.
www.pall.com

Particle sensor

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The RNet is an aerosol particle sensor with a proprietary single-plate design that reduces system complexity, reduces the number of heat-generating components and increases the use of heat-dissipating materials. This lowers the initial costs and extends the life of the laser diode. The RNet features two-channel particle counting at 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 microns for a sample flow of 0.1 CFM. Its smooth, durable exterior makes it easy to clean, and its dual LEDs provide highly visible status indicators. RNet is rugged enough for challenging environments and its compact size makes it useful for installing in tight quarters. The RNet interfaces with Facility Net software for comprehensive data management and process control of cleanroom environments.
Particle Measuring Systems
Boulder, Colo.
www.pmeasuring.com

Laboratory water purification system

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The RiOs-DI 3 UV system is optimal for low-volume, routine laboratory applications ranging from buffer, reagent and culture media preparation to general washing. The high quality product water (>10 MΩ·cm and less than 50 ppb TOC) is useful for feeding ultrapure water systems. Additionally, the RiOs-DI 3 UV system has a built-in 254-nm UV lamp, which ensures low bacterial levels in the water produced for sensitive applications. The easy-to-maintain RiOs-DI 3 UV system combines all major purification technologies into a single disposable pack. The cartridge design simplifies the maintenance process. Additionally, the clear graphic display indicates system parameters and water quality so that it is clear when the cartridge needs to be changed. With a built-in reservoir as part of its design, purified water is stored and available when needed. The RiOs-DI 3 UV system can be installed anywhere in the laboratory.
Millipore Corporation
Billerica, Mass.
www.millipore.com

Stainless-steel tables

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The Series 62 stainless-steel tables are suitable for Class 100,000 to Class 10 cleanrooms. The tables will not crack, chip, corrode or generate particulates, and are useful in applications where heavier loads or impact would cause standard Formica tables to crack or break. These easy-to-assemble tables provide superior durability and performance by way of heavy-gauge stainless-steel construction, including legs, gussets and underside bracing. The under-table cross-bracing gives the table a strong, flat work surface supported by square, tubular support legs. There is also a heavy-duty, leg-leveling glide. The Series 62RT recessed tabletop has a 3/4-inch liquid-tight recessed center area ideal for containing liquids and other materials. Options include an “X” bottom with drain or welded-in sink and water gooseneck. Additional options include adjustable legs, drawers, foot rest, goosenecks, keyboard pull-out trays, outlet strips, casters with leg braces, cut-outs, upper and lower shelves and a rounded front edge.
Clean Air Products
Minneapolis, Minn.
www.cleanairproducts.com

Absolute pressure transducers

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The 700 Series heated, absolute pressure transducers incorporate all welded, Inconel variable capacitance sensors, which are characterized by wide dynamic range, high accuracy and overpressure capability. The Inconel variable capacitance sensor also provides a direct total pressure measurement that is independent of gas composition. All 700 Series models are “pin for pin” compatible with, and provide a low-cost alternative to, competitive capacitance manometer brands. Their inherent stability, repeatability and corrosion resistance makes the 700 Series a good choice for low-pressure semiconductor processing including CVD and etch. The 700 Series are internally heated and precisely controlled at one of three temperatures, depending on model. The heated sensors provide immunity from ambient temperature changes and prevent process by-products from condensing inside, thus keeping particulates from depositing on the diaphragm and resulting in calibration errors or making their way back to the process chamber, lowering yields.
Setra Systems, Inc.
Boxborough, Mass.
www.setra.com

Ultrapure water system

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The DeltaFlow 2.0 system for producing ultrapure water without the use of hazardous ion exchange regeneration chemicals combines three membrane separation technologies, Reverse Osmosis (RO), GTM membrane degasification unit and Electrodeionization (EDI), in a space-efficient design for continuous production of ultrapure water. DeltaFlow 2.0 offers significant improvements over the original DeltaFlow system, which was introduced in 1997 and is currently operating in more than 40 water plants worldwide. DeltaFlow 2.0 features a new GTM module design with larger, more efficient contactors that can be configured to produce water containing less than 5 ppb dissolved oxygen. It also uses improved RO membranes and an enhanced EDI system design with 50 GPM membrane modules, which can produce less than 10 ppb silica and eliminate the need for mixed-bed polishing resins. The system is equipped for remote monitoring capability and transmission of key operational parameters. The updated design also includes redundant critical components, including back-up high pressure pumps for good reliability.
Ionics, Inc.
Watertown, Mass
www.ionics.com

Upgrade packages for wafer analyzers

PANalytical has introduced a series of upgrades for the its XRF wafer analyzers, including: a new version of the SuperQ software that enhances the user interface and improves integration with other metrology techniques; new boron detection channels to boost the system’s gauge capability; and improved embedded firmware for excellent results with very thin or flexible wafers. The new SuperQ software has enhanced the FP-Multi results presentation to provide users with a full data report or allow selection of particular parameters. It also offers an improved interface with complementary techniques, enabling, for example, smooth integration for those fabs that collect data on film thickness by an alternative technology. This data is then transferred to a wafer analyzer to obtain the film’s composition. These fabs do not make use of the wafer analyzer’s capability of simultaneous determination of film thickness and composition. Additional features, such as predefined measurements that start at the touch of a button, a number of user-specified options and improved sample list editing, are also included.
PANalytical
Almelo, Netherlands
www.panalytical.com

FDA-approved protective lotion

FDA-approved protective lotion
Skin Protectant Plus is an FDA-approved lotion that helps protect the skin from hazardous materials and most airborne and surface-borne substances. By forming an invisible membrane, the lotion prevents penetration of contaminants such as blood, urine, paint, solvents, chemicals and acids. This product offers long-term antibacterial protection against a variety of germs and bacteria that are encountered daily, thus creating a safe, clean work environment. Protection lasts for up to six hours and withstands repeated washings. Skin Protectant Plus is nonirritating, doesn’t clog pores or impede mobility and allows skin to breathe and perspire normally. It can be used alone or with gloves, but provides protection that gloves alone cannot, and even helps reduce allergic reactions caused by latex gloves.
Kimball Midwest
Columbus, Ohio
www.kimballmidwest.com

Manual benchtop TFF system

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Manual benchtop TFF system
The Cogent M Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) system, a manual benchtop system designed for the purification of biopharmaceutical products up to 10 liters, is ideally suited for process development optimization and scaling studies of vaccines, gene therapy, clotting factors and recombinant protein products. To emulate full-scale production systems, the Cogent M TFF system incorporates a diaphragm pump rather than the typical peristaltic pump. This feature enables biopharmaceutical customers to easily conduct scale-down studies. In addition, the system is completely drainable and designed for clean-in-place (CIP).
Millipore Corporation
Billerica, Mass.
www.millipore.com

Sterility testing

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The Steritest EZ testing device provides fast and consistent sterility testing of large volume parenterals and synthetic drugs without antimicrobial activity. The device’s ergonomically designed needle adapters fit the majority of test containers to maintain a closed-concept system, which reduces the risk of adventitious contamination. Pre-installed clamps simplify handling and save time by providing quality control analysts with an easy closing and re-opening mechanism. The longer 850-mm tubing length provides easier set-up and ample room to perform the manipulations involved in sterility testing. In addition, the canister inlet design minimizes foaming for improved reliability and faster filtration. Each canister is engraved with catalog and lot number, expiration date and serial numbers for improved traceability.
Millipore Corporation
Billerica, Mass.
www.millipore.com

PTFE switches

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PTFE switches
This full line of liquid level switches in PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is useful for high-purity applications such as medical/pharmaceutical products and food or beverage dispensers. PTFE switches are also suitable for electronic component manufacturing, sterilization systems and applications where strict biosafety standards must be met. PTFE is a chemically inert material that allows the switch to withstand aggressive solvents such as alcohols, esthers and ketones as well as other corrosive acids and bases, oils, steam and most chemicals. PTFE has a smooth surface area that hinders the formation of bacteria, rejects material build-up and does not absorb liquids. It is considered to be a better choice than FDA-approved polypropylene in certain chemical, medical, food and beverage applications. Switches manufactured of PTFE can be used effectively in sterilizers and other biomedical equipment because they can withstand higher operating temperatures (up to 260°C) and caustic agents in the environment better than polypropylene switches.
Madison Company
Branford, Conn.
www.madisonco.com

Portable cleanroom fogger

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Portable cleanroom fogger
The patented, portable, ultrasonic FOG-GUN was developed specifically for users who require totally portable visible vapor generation in applications such as laminar flow tests, airflow balancing, chemical process equipment ventilation tests, wet bench exhaust optimization, and pressure balancing between rooms and spaces. This battery-powered, handheld, on-demand fogger doesn’t use an extension cord, is portable and lightweight, has a belt clip for easy transportation, and uses a 6-foot hose for remote fogging. This product also features a transducer life of 10,000 hours, built-in tilt-and-level sensors, a two-speed fan, and a trigger by-pass switch for continuous fog use.
PWC Technologies, Inc.
Beaverton, Oreg.
www.pwctech.com

Air velocity/temperature meter

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The Mini Air HW Pro VT50 is a portable, compact, economical and accurate hot wire thermo-anemometer. The Mini Air HW Pro is designed for simplicity and one-handed operation. This air velocity and temperature meter is equipped with features such as high stability and fast response in order to measure with extreme accuracy.
E Instruments Group, LLC
Langhorne, Pa.
www.einstrumentsgroup.com

Reflow and wave soldering system

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Reflow and wave soldering system
The MAP Check 9000 PCF instrument offers the operator a single control point for maintaining maximum quality of the end product with less scrapping and rework while using minimum gas consumption. The system merges the company’s MAP Check and MAP Con products into one instrument. Oxygen feedback from the analyzer automatically regulates the gas flow controller to maintain the defined oxygen level. The system includes an on-line, user-friendly process gas analyzer for monitoring oxygen levels. All system parameters are monitored via an advanced self-diagnostics function that includes flow detection with user-defined gas concentration alarms.
PBI Dansensor America, Inc.
Glen Rock, N.J.
www.pbi-dansensor.com

Digital pressure gauge

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The MERIGAUGE digital pressure gauge from Meriam Process Technology is designed for local indication, signal transmission or control for positive pressure and vacuum measurements. Pressure ranges are available to 6,000 PSIG at standard accuracy of +/- 0.25 percent of full scale and optional accuracy of +/- 0.10 percent of full scale. A compound range of vacuum PSIG (-14.7 to 0 to +50) is also available. A number of options-including panel mounting, 24 VDC- or battery-powered units, 4 to 20 mA output, adjustable SPDT relay outputs, and various style diaphragm seals-make the MERIGAUGE extremely versatile and application-oriented. The pressure display is a 4.5-inch digit LCD with 0.6-inch-high numerals. Each gauge includes 12 field-selectable engineering units. The selectable units include PSIG, feet of water, inches of water, inches of mercury, bar, millimeters of mercury, kilopascals and user-configurable units. In addition to numeric pressure indication, analog indication of the pressure is represented by an adjustable, vertical bar graph on the left side of the display.
9-volt alkaline or lithium batteries. Externally powered 24-VDC units with voltage or current outputs and/or SPDT switches are available and can be configured for both 4-20 mA output and two SPDT relay outputs in the same unit. Other standard features include min/max query, zeroing, selectable damping, selectable program lock-out, adjustable display shut-off and field recalibration, and adjustable display shut-off (for battery-powered models). Process connection is via a 0.25-inch MNPT 316 stainless-steel stem. The housing is 304 stainless steel and NEMA 4-rated. Wetted components are 316 stainless steel for compatibility with many process fluids.
Meriam Process Technologies
Cleveland, Ohio
www.meriam.com

Real-time fault detection system

Straatum Processware Ltd. has introduced Imprint MX2, the first truly scalable fault detection and classification (FDC) system for semiconductor manufacturing. Imprint MX2 provides fabs and foundries with portable fault libraries, improved FDC sensitivity across fault types and data-mining capabilities. Its user-configurable features allow customers to implement the most appropriate FDC controls for individual tools and processes. These features allow users to implement FDC process control with a scalable, multi-user software platform. Imprint MX2 also enables maximum extraction of information from process-state sensors, such as broadband radio-frequency or broadband optical sensors, leading to optimum fault sensitivity. The system’s new data-mining features include a SQL Server® database, which enables customers to easily archive, retrieve and manage data, as well as correlate to metrology and other fab data-sets. FDC is an advanced process control (APC) technology that is designed to reduce fab equipment downtime and improve yields by detecting and classifying manufacturing problems. Unlike other FDC systems that compile data for later review, Straatum’s patented technology provides real-time, knowledge-based data and analysis that helps fabs intercept problems before they affect yields.
Straatum Processware Ltd.
Dublin, Ireland
www.straatum.com

Acrylic polymers reference guide

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This product information resource features detailed charts and graphs illustrating the lipid and isopropyl alcohol resistance, heat aging, and sterilization of the company’s advanced acrylic polymers. This reference tool details the company’s line of CYROLITE acrylic-based multipolymer compounds, XT polymer acrylic-based multipolymer compounds, CYREX 200-8005 acrylic-polycarbonate alloys and Vu-Stat static dissipative acrylic multipolymer compounds. CYROLITE and XT polymer compounds and CYREX alloys are ideal for spikes, lures, fittings, rigid medical­-packaging trays, valve assemblies, filter housings, IV adapters and flow controls. The guide highlights three newer products: CYROLITE Med 2 acrylic-based multipolymer compound, the most lipid- and alcohol-resistant acrylic compound for injection-molded disposable medical devices; Vu-Stat static dissipative acrylic multipolymer compound, a transparent polymer providing permanent ESD protection for applications sensitive to static discharge; and XT 375TE, an impact-modified acrylic-based multipolymer compound for packaging applications that is compatible with most sterilization techniques and exhibits evidence of seal and tampering integrity.
CYRO Industries
Rockaway, N.J.
www.cyro.com

HVAC educational pamphlets

Kimberly-Clark Filtration Products has developed a series of educational pamphlets designed to help HVAC and facilities management professionals better understand how to select and maintain their HVAC filtration systems. The brochures are available free of charge to industry professionals. First in the Filtering Out Confusion series is “A Guide to Understanding HVAC Filter Selection,” which describes the important differences between initial and sustained filter efficiency and provides details on relevant ASHRAE standards. It also explains the pros and cons of various filter media technology to help readers make informed choices. The second pamphlet in the series is “A Guide to Understanding HVAC Filter Maintenance,” which offers various tips for proper filter installation. It also explains how and why to monitor an HVAC filter during its service life and provides advice for protecting the HVAC system and the building’s occupants during filter change-outs. In addition to the two educational pieces described here, Kimberly-Clark will be developing other pamphlets in the series, focusing on such topics as how to reduce energy costs via proper filter selection and maintenance and how to reduce the threat of mold and microbial growth in the HVAC filtration system. To receive free copies of the educational pamphlets, send an email with your name, title, company/affiliation and mailing address to [email protected]. To download a copy of the pamphlets, visit www.kcfiltration.com
Kimberly-Clark Filtration Products
Roswell, Ga.
www.kcfiltration.com