Compiled by Angela Godwin
Aerosol cleaners
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3M™ recently introduced Novec™ Aerosol Cleaners, a new line of nonflammable aerosols that are a viable alternative to HCFC-141b-based cleaners for the removal of dust, grease, oil and other maintenance of sensitive electronics in the industrial, telecommunications, aerospace and military markets. The new line comprises three low-toxicity, fast-drying cleaners that are ideal for challenging manufacturing applications and are effective on a wide variety of soils and contaminants. First, 3M Novec Contact Cleaner removes oils, light grease, silicones, dust and particulates from susceptible electronics, and is compatible with sensitive plastics such as ABS, PMMA and polycarbonate. Next, 3M Novec Electronic Degreaser removes grease, oils and handling soils from electric motors, electrical equipment, precision devices and other electromechanical or sensitive devices. Last, 3M Novec Flux Remover removes rosin flux residues, oils, grease, waxes and similar contaminants found in electronics manufacturing and other electromechanical applications. According to the company, these cleaners are non-ozone-depleting and do not contain any hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or n-propyl bromide (nPB).
3M
St. Paul, Minn.
www.3M.com
Inspection system
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Glenbrook Technologies has announced the availability of its MedaScope™ real-time X-ray inspection system, which is able to identify flaws in products made of soft materials-such as molded plastics, rubber and silicone-as well as in ceramic and metal devices. Its high-resolution, patented X-ray microscope technology uses variable image magnification up to 20X to produce highly detailed images, enabling detection of flaws and defects in hard-to-image materials during the production process. The system is used by medical device manufacturers to help meet the good manufacturing process requirements of FDA 21CFR Part 820. It is available in a console version with an X/Y positioner. Options include a wheeled base and conveyor system. A portable, desktop version of the system weighs only 45 pounds and can be hand-carried and set up rapidly in laboratory or production environments.
Glenbrook Technologies
Randolph, N.J.
www.glenbrooktech.com
Custom carts
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Troemner is now available to manufacture custom carts to meet customer needs. This new cart, for example, was recently designed for a customer that needed a cart to transport and protect its weights in a harsh environment. The stainless-steel lid is designed with two handles and is hinged to make it easy to open and close. The wrap-over design of the lid prevents water from entering, which is a very important feature in a wash-down, cleanroom, corrosive or harsh environment. When closed, the lid is secured by two stainless-steel latches. Inside this cart, each 20 kg or 25 kg weight has its own lined pocket to prevent movement and possible scratching of the weight. The cart also features 5-inch non-marking wheels, two of which swivel and lock for movement and safety.
Troemner
Thorofare, N.J.
www.troemner.com
Hygienic seals
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Busak+Shamban have developed Turcon®MF materials, specially developed for use in static, dynamic and semidynamic hygienic processing applications where CIP and SIP cleaning regimes can lead to the degreasing and degradation of seals, which could result in product contamination. TurconMF is a proprietary PTFE-based material specially developed for use in static and dynamic hygienic processing applications where CIP and SIP are in use. Three compounds are available within the TurconMF range, each formulated to suit different applications. They are available in a variety of standard and custom product types for static, linear and rotary application. The seal types that are available using TurconMF include: TurconVariseal, TurconVarilip, TurconGlydring®, guides, scrapers, excluders and custom-made products. TurconMF is compliant with FDA regulations and the EU Plastics Directive.
Busak+Shamban
Solihull, U.K.
www.busakshamban.com
Nitrile gloves
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Qosina has added several new disposable, nitrile gloves to its inventory of procedure tray components. The gloves are available in several sizes (medium, large and extra large) in light blue, green or black. These accelerator-free, latex-free and powder-free gloves offer enhanced dexterity and reduced hand fatigue. Their composition is least likely to cause allergic reaction while supplying comfortable barrier protection against a variety of chemicals. Both the luminous green and black gloves have textured fingertips for increased gripping potential. Additionally, the black gloves are ESD- and static-dissipative, making them an excellent choice for electronics and security environments. The luminous green gloves are ideal for high visibility or color-coded assignments.
Qosina
Edgewood, N.Y.
www.qosina.com
Nanofiltration elements
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Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. will showcase its SelRO® nanofiltration elements at INFORMEX® 2006 in February. These membrane products are ideally suited for the pharmaceutical laboratory and for production processes. SelRO acid/base-stable membranes provide outstanding chemical and thermal stability to satisfy the demanding requirements of pharmaceutical processes involving high and low pH, high temperature and organic solvents media. They can be operated within a pH range of 0 to 14, and are available in tubular and spiral configurations. They can be used at temperatures up to 158°F (70°C). SelRO solvent-stable nanofiltration membranes enable the concentration of pharmaceutical intermediates in aqueous solutions that may also contain methanol, ethanol, acetone, acetonitrile and other organic solvents. They are available in a spiral configuration and ship in a wide variety of pilot and large-scale commercial sizes.
Koch Membrane Systems
Wilmington, Mass.
www.kochmembrane.com
Wafer analyzer system
PANalytical has launched Semyos, its new EDXRF microspot wafer analyzer system. It has been designed for on-product thin-film metrology within in-line process-control applications for both the semiconductor and data storage industries. With its <23 μm FWHM microspot, it is able to measure the scribelines on production wafers. It addresses industry demands for simultaneous determination of film thickness and composition, coupled with the ability to characterize single films and multilayer stacks. The X-ray optical design has a Peltier-cooled Si Drift detector achieving a resolution of 143 eV. The system features a versatile EFEM (equipment front-end module) that can be configured to individual fab and lab requirements. Available in either a single- or double-load port configuration, it comes with one or two 300 mm FOUP openers, one or two 200 mm SMIF POD openers or 100 to 300 mm open-cassette load modules combined with FOUP or SMIF.
PANalytical
Almelo, The Netherlands
www.panalytical.com
PES membrane filter
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Meissner Filtration Products, Inc. introduces its new EverLUX™ polyethersulfone (PES) membrane filter. The filter is designed for very high contaminant capacity, extended service life, and high flow rates when filtering a wide range of biological fluids. The asymmetric structure of the membrane extends its capacity and service life by withstanding higher particle loads and protein concentrations. The filter is offered with absolute retention ratings of 0.2 μm, 0.4 μm and 0.6 μm. The permanently hydrophilic filter is optimized for sterile filtration, prefiltration and clarification applications, and is ideal for use in a range of low- to high-contaminant liquids, including: blood products, buffers, complex biologicals, serum, cell and tissue culture media, process intermediates, supernatants, vaccines and ophthalmics.
Meissner Filtration Products, Inc.
Camarillo, Calif.
www.meissner.com
Garment racks
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Garment racks from Eagle MHC offer convenient storage of lab coats, uniforms and other cleanroom garments. These racks, which include both stationary and mobile models, are designed for efficiency, durability and long life. Their “clean” construction makes them ideal for use in electronic assembly areas, cleanroom environments, labs and other commercial/industrial work areas. All garment racks feature Eagle’s patented QuadTruss® structural wire design with chrome finish, which is 25 percent stronger than other wire designs and allows for maximum vertical air flow. All racks feature a top wire shelf for storage of hats or flat items. A bottom wire shelf holds shoes or boots, and the optional solid shelf can be positioned underneath to catch water or moisture. Garment racks are offered in standard lengths of 48, 60 and 72 inches. Models with hanger slots, hooks, or a hanger tube are available. Wall-mounted racks are an alternative when floor space is unavailable.
Eagle MHC
Clayton, Del.
www.eaglegrp.com
Condensation particle counters
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TSI, Inc. has introduced two condensation particle counters (CPCs) to its new 3770 series. First, the Model 3775 CPC is a general-purpose counter that detects airborne particles down to 4 nm. It provides highly accurate measurements over a wide concentration range from 0 to 107 particles/cm3. As a result, this CPC is quite versatile and well suited for a broad range of applications. It features extended single-particle counting with continuous, live-time coincidence correction for concentrations up to 50,000 particles/cm3. A photometric mode takes over at higher concentrations. The CPC also features an improved transition between the two count modes, color VGA display, anti-spill design, water-removal capability, data logging and storage capabilities with a removable memory card, and USB and Ethernet ports. Next, the Model 3776 Ultrafine Condensation Particle Counter (UCPC) is a continuous-flow instrument that detects particles down to 2.5 nm. It uses a special sheath-air flow design that improves response to changes in particle concentration and increases counting efficiency for ultrafine particles. It features extended single-particle counting with a continuous, live-time coincidence correction up to 300k particles/cm3. The product has a butanol-friendly, anti-spill design with water-removal capability. It includes a color display, built-in data logging and storage capabilities with a removable memory card, and USB and Ethernet connectors.
TSI Incorporated
Shoreview, Minn.
www.tsi.com
Filling assemblies
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AdvantaPure has announced the availability of its Disposable Sterile Batch Filling Assemblies. Designed for processing applications in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, the assemblies are custom made to meet individual requirements and are available in a wide variety of styles. Platinum-cured, Class VI silicone tubing is combined with molded fittings, stoppers, and other components in a process that permanently bonds the parts into a single, leak-free unit, eliminating entrapment concerns. Other features include: a secure, closed system for a pure product; different fitting styles (Ys, Ts, cross Ts, reducers, mini and standard Tri-Clamps®) available in various sizes; a smooth interior, without seams or crevices, for uninterrupted flow; silicone’s wide range of temperature resistance (-100°F to +400°F); sterilizable by autoclave and gamma processes; and documented lot traceability.
AdvantaPure, a division of NewAge Industries
Southampton, Pa.
www.advantapure.com
Terminally sterilized media
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PML Microbiologicals has introduced WrapSure™, a new product line that offers terminally sterilized bottles inside two layers of protective, sealed sleeves, eliminating the need for messy wipe-downs and spraying. They are available in the most commonly used broths and fluids and the most commonly used sizes: the 100mL bottle with 100 fill volume and the 500mL bottle with a 300mL or a 500mL volume. WrapSure is easy to use and ideal for a cleanroom or isolator environment.
PML Microbiologicals
Portland, Oreg.
www.pmlmicro.com
Cleanroom paper
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RC PAPICLEAN is 100 percent recyclable, dust-free, clean paper for cleanroom environments. This product is available in a number of basic weights, such as standard 72 g/m2, and also 54 and 100 g/m2. It is available a variety of formats, including industry-standard cut sizes (American letter size, A3, A4, B4, B5), perforated forms, notebooks, pocket pads, tack memos, sticker labels and master rolls in seven different colors (white, light blue, dark blue, yellow, green, pink, orange). RC PAPICLEAN is ecofriendly and can meet the most stringent environmental regulations.
PAPITECH Corporation
Seoul, Korea
Tel: (82) 2 3473 1600
Cleanroom oven
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The No. 949 from Grieve is an electrically-heated, 500°F (260°C), Class 100 [ISO Class 5] cleanroom cabinet oven, currently used for heating glass vials at the customer’s facility. Workspace dimensions of this unit measure 36” W x 36” D x 51” H. A 1500 CFM, 2HP, recirculating blower provides horizontal air flow to the work load. This cleanroom oven features a Type 304, 2B stainless-steel interior with continuously back-welded seams, stainless-steel exterior with #4 brushed finish, and 4-inch insulated walls throughout the unit. Also included are a 12” x 12” x 6”-thick HEPA fresh-air filter with 2-inch prefilter, a 12” x 12” x 6”-thick stainless-steel, high-temperature HEPA filter on the exhaust outlet, and two 24” x 30” x 6”-thick stainless-steel, high-temperature HEPA recirculating air filters. No. 949 has a minihelic pressure gauge and DOP validation port across the recirculating blower air filter bank, plus a recording and programming temperature recorder is also onboard the unit.
The Grieve Corporation
Round Lake, Ill.
www.grievecorp.com
Protective gloves
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New ChemTek® gloves from Ansell Healthcare provide protection for handling hazardous chemicals in manufacturing and chemical processing environments. Two different glove styles are offered in the new line: ChemTek butyl, which delivers the ketone resistance of natural rubber combined with better hydrocarbon resistance; and ChemTek Viton®, a dual-polymer glove for applications where a high level of protection is needed for aggressive chemical exposure. ChemTek butyl gloves offer excellent dexterity and the highest permeation resistance to gases and chemical vapors. They are appropriate for aggressive environments in which workers require protection against esters, ketones, strong oxidizing agents and a wide range of chemicals considered particularly harsh. For heavier duty applications, flexible ChemTek Viton gloves feature Viton/butyl construction to ensure the highest chemical resistance against aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene or xylene. The gloves provide superior barrier protection from most chlorinated solvents and aliphatic hydrocarbons, and ensure an added level of protection when facing exposure to hazardous chemicals and unknown contaminants. ChemTek butyl gloves are available in 14, 20 and 28 mil versions with either a rough or smooth finish, while ChemTek Viton gloves are offered in thicknesses of 12 mil, 20 mil or 28 mil, and feature a smooth finish. Both the ChemTek butyl and Viton gloves may be ordered in 12- and 14-inch lengths for easy donning and added wrist protection.
Ansell Healthcare
Red Bank, N.J.
www.ansellpro.com
Ionizing blower
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The 220ss Cleanroom Ionizing Blower from Meech International has been developed specifically to meet the stringent environmental criteria of high-specification cleanrooms. It’s manufactured from 316 stainless steel, with a unique tear-drop profile to minimize disturbances to cleanroom laminar air flows. Key attributes of the blower include the use of cross-flow fans instead of commonly used axial fans, resulting in quiet operation (typically less than 50 dBA at medium fan speed), as well as increased laminar air volumes and velocities. These, in turn, provide excellent decay rates and offset voltages over the standard EOS ionizer test pattern. The absence of conventional axial fans also avoids concerns regarding particulation caused by worn fan bearings because the air duct system of the blower ensures that no wear parts, with the exception of emitters, are in the air flow. The sensor grille can be easily hinged out of the way to allow quick access to the removable and replaceable titanium pins. Other standard features include ion balance and “power on” indicators, and switchable auto-shutdown and alarm systems.
Meech Static Eliminators USA
Norton, Ohio
www.meech.com
Nanofiltration elements
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SPIRAPRO™ pharmaceutical spiral nanofiltration elements from Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. significantly lower operating costs for a wide variety of pharmaceutical selective-rejection applications, including desalting and organics concentration. The SPIRAPRO pharmaceutical elements utilize a proprietary polyamide thin-film composite membrane. The molecular weight cut-off is such that the membrane will pass monovalent salts like sodium chloride, yet retain divalent salts, proteins and sugars. Retention of sugars, such as lactose, typically exceeds 99 percent. Typical operating pressure ranges from 200 to 500 psi, with a pressure drop per element of up to 10 psi, or a total of up to 50 psi for a vessel with five elements arranged in series. These elements are specifically designed to conform to FDA food-contact regulations (CFR Title 21). For cleaning-in-place, the allowable pH range is 1.8 to 11.0. For continuous operation, the pH can range from 4.0 to 10.0. The elements are available in 4-inch and 8-inch diameters at the standard 38- and 39-inch lengths. Feed channel spacers are available in the N1 (31 mil) standard or the N2 (46 mil) custom sizes.
Koch Membrane Systems
Wilmington, Mass.
www.kochmembrane.com
Contamination assessment kit
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HardyValTM Kits from Hardy Diagnostics include all the necessary products to easily assess the risk of microbial contamination of CSPs (compounded sterile preparations) according to USP Chapter 797 requirements for media-fill challenge testing. The kits are available in three configurations: low-risk level, medium-risk level and high-risk level. Each ready-to-use kit contains what is needed to test the proficiency of one technician or pharmacist. Easy-to-understand instructions and diagrams, as well as a results log sheet, are included in each kit.
Hardy Diagnostics
Santa Maria, Calif.
www.hardydiagnostics.com
New Literature
Air filtration catalog
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Camfil Farr has published an expanded general-products catalog that provides an overview of the company’s air filter systems, equipment and capabilities. The 32-page, full-color catalog covers three primary application areas: comfort air (HVAC) applications, clean processes (cleanroom environments), and safety and protection (containment products). Clean process products include both HEPA and ULPA filters and frames, terminal filters, ceiling modules and replacement filters. The company also offers a variety of technical support services, such as filter testing and analysis programs, which are also described in the catalog.
Camfil Farr
Riverdale, N.J.
www.camfilfarr.info