CleanRooms articles from February 2003

CleanRooms archives from February 2003

The business of cleanroom supply finds the spotlight at CleanRooms East 2003. (CleanZone).(Panel Discussion)
February 1, 2003... BOSTON, Mass -- The business of manufacturing, selling and distributing cleanroom products has changed over the past five years and will continue to be transformed as news of consolidation, globalization and increased purchasing over the...

Xerox, Infineon pave way for silicon alternative: printed plastic electronics could cut future cleanroom stringency.
February 1, 2003... MISSIAUGHA, Ontario -- Researchers at Xerox Corp. and Infineon Technologies say their potential alternative to silicon transistors, printed plastic electronics, could slash costs, pave the way for a new generation of products and eliminate the...

IEST publishes new residue recommendation: new RP categorizes cleanrooms according to average deposition rates.(Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology)(recommended practice)
February 1, 2003... ROLLING MEADOWS, III. -- No matter how stringent a contamination defense you've established, into every cleanroom a little contamination must fall. A key concern for cleanroom personnel is the rate at which that unwanted, but inevitable,...

Cause of outbreak eludes FDA, hospital to release its findings.(Food and Drug Administration)
February 1, 2003... PITTSBURGH -- Officials at Allegheny General Hospital say they have yet to receive a report validating the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) claim that a "user problem" with sterilizers used to clean bronchoscopes caused the outbreak of...

I have one word for you: plastics. (Viewpoint).(Editorial)
February 1, 2003... One of the most exciting advances we keep coming across is disposable manufacturing for biopharmaceutical markets. The world's biggest filtration and separation players have thrown themselves in with single-use products and a "plastic factory...

Exhuming the dead. (On the Beat).(outdated cleanliness standards)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... For those of you still stuck on Federal Standard 209E, get over it. It's going on two years since 209E was buried, and the contamination control community still refers to the cleanliness of a cleanroom in the deceased delineation. What's...

SEMI to re-launch southwest show, cancels 2003 event in midst of market. (On the Beat).(Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International tradeshow)
February 1, 2003... SAN JOSE, Calif.--If you've penciled in Semicon Southwest this year, make other plans, but keep the early part of 2004 open. That's the gist of a strategy outlined by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), which...

Clarification.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2003... The Lymtech photograph featuring Lymsat wipers ran in the incorrect column. The photograph should have appeared with the Lymtech Scientific entry entitled "Presaturated wiper" instead of the Value-Tek entry. For a corrected version of the...

IBM, AMD to develop power microprocessor. (Particles).(Advanced Micro Devices)(45- and 65-nanometer technology)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... EAST FISHKILL, N.Y.--IBM Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (Sunnyvale, Calif.) say the high-performance microprocessors they are developing jointly will be commercially available within two years. The companies are collaborating on...

Flat-panel display production to rise. (Particles).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... TAIPEI--Global output of flat-panel displays for products ranging from notebook computers to televisions is projected to grow 21 percent annually over the next four years, according to are port from Display Search (Austin, Texas). "We...

ETC lands second contract. (Particles).(sterilizer division of Environmental Tectonics Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... SOUTHAMPTON, Penn. -- Environmental Tectonics Corp.'s (ETC) Sterilizer Division has been awarded a second contract from a leading pharmaceutical company." Under the contract, ETC will supply two Sanitary 3A, steam auto: claves/sterilizers...

Microbial malevolent metal. (Particles).(bacteria-resistant metals)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... LONDON -- Steelmaker Corus Group and Microban International Ltd., a New York City-based manufacturer of antimicrobial products, are developing a bacteria-resistant metal to make cleanrooms and food production units, while consumers will see it...

Consider the consequences of not doing a threat and vulnerability analysis before establishing security standards. (Setting the Standard).
February 1, 2003... It's February already and precious few of our New Year's resolutions lived to see Groundhog Day. In fact, we could have saved a lot of time and effort by simply recycling our resolutions from 2002--including the one about taking our cleanroom...

Is the ballroom cleanroom going the way of the typewriter? (Electronics).(trend towards minienvironments)
February 1, 2003... Cleanrooms that are now used for full-scale production of precision products come in at least two varieties, minienvironments and ballrooms. A minienvironment, as many of you have become more familiar, is a protective enclosure customized for...

The new year presents a fresh set of challenges for healthcare. (Life Sciences).
February 1, 2003... The many facets of healthcare are going to be challenged this year, from basic drug discovery research work to delivery at the point of care. Hospitals and physicians will continue to ask: "Who's going to pay for the cost of providing the...

Hey Jude: take a cleanroom and let's make it better: cGMP facility gives hospital "orphan drug"-making arm, keeps Danny Thomas' dream of helping ailing children stay alive.
February 1, 2003... More than 50 years ago, a struggling actor with just $7 in his pocket knelt down in a Detroit church before a statue of St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, and asked, "Show me my way in life." Someone was definitely listening that...

Welcome back to The Jungle? (Special Report).
February 1, 2003... The trusting walked to the killing beds only to be knocked out with sledgehammer blows, hoisted in the air by one shackled foot, and then stabbed in the jugular. The pigs and cows wailed, but the so human-like protests fell on deaf ears as...

Air cleaner. (Inventor's Corner).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The invention is an air cleaner having a minus ion generator (A), a positive electrode (B), guide fins (C), a fan (D) and a filter (E). The minus ion generator (A) carries a high minus voltage, and the positive electrode (B) carries a high...

Garment locker. (Inventor's Corner).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The combination garment hanger/storage apparatus is constructed of two up-standing lockers (A, B) that are connected by two frames (C, D). The upper frame (C) is equipped with hooks (E) for hanging worn garments, while several shelves (F)...

Air-cleaning apparatus. (Inventor's Corner).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The apparatus removes impurities from the air and includes a first filter (A) for removing solid substances in a flow passage within a housing (B); a first cooler (C) for cooling the air to no higher than its dew-point temperature; a wet-type...

There's more than meets the eye in sonic-based surface preparation. (Surface Preparation: Training Session).(ultrasonic, megasonic cleaning)
February 1, 2003... Stay on top of process variables and the evolving understanding of sonics when setting up and maintaining ultrasonic and megasonic cleaning systems. Cleaning by the interaction of sound with liquid--ultrasonics and megasonics--is an...

Particle counter line. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Standard features of the line of remote airborne, portable and handheld particle counters include: a touch screen display, stainless-steel enclosure, removable/rechargeable Li-ion batteries and a two-year warranty. These may be integrated into...

Boot and shoe covers. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Gripper anti-slip boot and shoe covers features a PVC material that will not slip on slick surfaces, according to company claims. The sole is reinforced with a coarsely textured interior to keep feet from slipping inside as well as outside....

ESD flooring. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The electrostatic discharge (ESD) Control Vinyl Flooring System resists permanent indentation from heavy equipment and performs under rolling load conditions up to 2,000 psi, according to company claims. It meets ESD control standards when...

Multiple bucket system. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The stainless-steel multiple bucket system is fully autoclavable buckets and cart with casters. Multiple buckets allow for differentiation between solvent/disinfectant and rinse water. The wringer is available for the company's 7-, 12- and...

Isopropyl alcohol solution. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Septihol Sterile is a ready-to-use 70 percent USP grade solution that has been filtered to 0.22 micron and gammairradiated for sterility. The gallon bottle package is double-bagged for introduction into the cleanroom and provides a sterile...

Laminar flow workstation. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Used when toxic odors and fumes are present, intake air passes through a HEPA filter in the PVE Series, providing an ISO Class 5 airflow into the work chamber, downward through the perforated work surface and exhausted for discharge at the top...

Woven fabric. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Integrity 1800 fabric offers a 3-micron pore size for improved particle filtration efficiencies. The fabric is 0.004 inches thick and weighs 2.67 oz/yd for comfort. An Aegis Microbe Shield Technology helps to protect against a spectrum of...

Bacterial control flooring.
February 1, 2003... Pharma-Zone high-tack washable flooring is placed in critically clean areas to remove viable and non-viable particles from feet and cart wheels. The totally sealed, low-profile flooring system is designed for gowning rooms, air locks, hallways,...

Industrial vacuum cleaner. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Designed for continuous operation in fixed installations, the CFM 3156 features a multi-stage HEPA filtration system. Using a series of graduated filters, including an oversized polyester main filter, the system collects and retains dust,...

Analog photometer. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Designed to replace the TDA-2E and 2EN photometers, the ATI-2GA is lightweight and self-contained. It has no microprocessor so that the customer is able to control every user setting at any time. Air Techniques International Owings...

Flexible ducting. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Chemduit is a non-flammable flexible ducting product designed for corrosive exposure in a cleanroom or other challenging environment. Two plies of an all-polytetralfluoroethylene-Teflon (PTFE) material with improved mechanical capability...

HEPA filter system. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Series 1000 system is designed to enable 60 percent lower pressure drop than conventional 12-inch-deep HEPA filters, according to company claims. The filters are compact and are available for standard air handling units and in separate...

Humidity/temperature meter. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The HM70 handheld humidity and temperature meter is used for spot checking humidity measurements and supports field checking and calibration of the company's fixed humidity instruments. Depending on the choice of probe, the product measures...

Fluid handling system. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The modular 150-pound system uses stainless steel for strength and a proprietary fluoropolymer coating is permanently bonded to the interior surfaces for corrosion resistance. It features Gore-Tex Teflon (PTFE) gaskets, reducers, tees,...

Particle counting system. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The LASAIR II-110 monitor uses a thermally-chilled, solid-state diode laser to count 0.1-micron particles and has a three-year laser warranty. The LASAIR II stores 3,000 samples for data collection and recipe features for cleanroom...

HEPA-filtered workstation. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The AireCell ISO Class 7 HEPA-filtered assembly work station designed for the medical device industry helps reduce the number of HEPA filters in the ceiling. Cost per worker is reduced because the unit is double-sided. Optional features...

Airborne particle counter. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Portable Airborne Particle Counter is used in the detection of particle contamination in controlled environments or anywhere particle contamination is a concern. Features include 0.3-micron particle sensitivity and one-cubic-foot-per-minute...

Partition walls. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Padana Cleanroom melamine high-pressure laminate (HPL) partition walls can withstand impact, scratches and chemical cleansers for sanitation. Its design enables removal and reassembly of wall sections, if required. The company's windows and...

Sterile alcohol wipers. (CleanRooms East Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... CiDehol ST Wipes are sterile wipers that are pre-saturated with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for use in cleanrooms and sterile areas. Each pack is a re-sealable dispensing pouch containing 30 durable wipers. The pack is double-bagged and...

Explosion-proof recovery unit. (CleanRooms East Products Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The 55 EX with reverse pulse filter cleaning is designed for use with an explosion-proof regenerative blower or vacuum producer up to 600 cfm. The reverse pulse system is made of stainless steel and is equipped with an anti-static filter...

Lighting fixture. (CleanRooms East Products Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Designed for critical areas and/or inspection stations, the Enviroguard Taskliter II is constructed of an extruded high-impact acrylic tube with internal blondel flutes and a highly specular reflector for controlled light distribution. Its...

Fab construction wiper. (CleanRooms East Products Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Designed for ISO Class 6 cleanrooms, the TechniSat Construction Wipe eliminates the need to maintain squirt bottles of isopropyl alcohol/deionized water (IPA/DIW) mixtures and handle large volumes of flammable PA on site. The 9x9-inch wiper is...

Cleanroom garment. (CleanRooms East Products Showcase).
February 1, 2003... A flash spinning process creates a barrier in the recyclable Tyvek IsoClean to guard against dry particles, non-hazardous liquids and microorganisms. It is available in serged or bound seam with tunneled elastic options, bulk-packaged...

Handheld particle counter. (CleanRooms East Products Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Met One Model 227 Portable Airborne Particle Counter weighs two pounds, features a sensitivity of 0.3 micron or 0.5 micron, is fully self-contained and uses laser diode technology. It connects to a remote printer or computer, and can be...

Isn't it about time for some cleanroom lighting standards? (Unfiltered).
February 1, 2003... Next time you enter a cleanroom, look at the ceiling and estimate how much ceiling space is dedicated to lighting fixtures. Each of those lighting fixtures is actually an enclosure that ultimately affects the cleanliness of your clean space....

Heritage sues Safety-Kleen for $400 million. (Particles).(Heritage-Crystal Clean L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... ELGIN, Ill. -- Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC, a regional parts cleaner services company, has tiled a $400 million antitrust lawsuit against industry giant Safety-Kleen Corp. The suit, tiled in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of...

Compare Terra's advanced designs and fabrication experience.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2003... Static-Dissipative PVC -- Long-Lasting Protection Terra uses only Static-Dissipative PVC plate with dissipative layers molecularly bonded during plate manufacturing. Compare! Unlike materials with spray-on "Static-Dissipative...

Which control system is best for my application?
February 1, 2003... Consider these variables when selecting a humidity control system: * Humidity Requirements; Your humidity requirement is the single most important consideration. Extremely low humidity applications (under 10% RH) generally call for one of...

SmartDesiccator benchtop storage system.
February 1, 2003... * Automates dry benchtop storage to eliminate moisture-related degradation and optimize yields * First-of-its-kind gas control system conserves nitrogen! * Fully integrated turnkey system takes 30 seconds to install Terra...

NitroPlex[TM] humidity control system.
February 1, 2003... * Increases desiccator efficiency up to 400% to minimize nitrogen waste and moisture exposure * Senses and displays relative humidity in each desiccator chamber independently for more efficient, cost-effective moisture control * Cuts...

SmartPlex[TM] hand-held monitor/display computer & software.
February 1, 2003... Includes software package customized for the specified NitroPlex[TM] desiccator configuration. Provides easy-view monitoring of humidity level, humidity set point, and alarm status in each desiccator chamber. Simplifies programming of separate...

DesiCart low humidity transport carts.
February 1, 2003... These mobile storage carts transport components from one location to another while maintaining critical low-humidity and low-particle conditions. Each houses a hermetically sealed desiccator storage chamber, which maintains clean, dry...

Low-humidity mini-environment desiccator storage system.
February 1, 2003... Two Chambers Per Tier Standing Adjust-A-Shelf[TM] Desiccators with Interchangeable Shelving Shelving (including shields and trays) of models listed on these pages can be used interchangeably in any desiccator chamber with the same...

Series 100-300 stainless steel desiccators.
February 1, 2003... Terra manufactures several lines of stainless steel desiccators, for applications ranging from bench-top storage to multiplexed humidity control. All feature the one-piece gaskets and locking Lift-Latches for superior service life and sealing...

Series 400 stainless Steel Desiccators.
February 1, 2003... The Series 400 Stainless Steel Desiccator provides the optimal clean, low-humidity environment for sensitive parts. Available in many chamber configurations, it includes front and rear static-dissipative PVC viewing windows for full...

Kiticcator[TM] kitting tray desiccator.
February 1, 2003... This desiccator provides organized, space-efficient storage of kitting trays (tote boxes) in a clean, dry, static-safe environment. Electropolished stainless steel wire racks are designed specifically for secure storage of any of three...

Tape-and-Reel[TM] Desiccator.
February 1, 2003... Terra's Tape-and-Reel[TM] Desiccator gives you the optimal storage environment for semiconductor component reels. Mix and match reels of several sizes in one easy-access cabinet that conserves spaces. Adjustable stainless steel racks safely...

Wafer box desiccator.
February 1, 2003... These desiccators are designed specifically to maximize storage efficiency of standard lot boxes used for 200mm and 300mm wafers. They feature the same advanced technology features of standard Terra desiccators, including the most efficient...

ESD-safe enclosed electronics cart.
February 1, 2003... This enclosed electronics tray cart stores your PCBs and other sensitive electronics in a clean, static-safe environment. The internal tray cart, made of lightweight stainless steel wires, accommodates PCBs of many different sizes. Each...

Faraccator[TM] static-safe desiccators.
February 1, 2003... These desiccators employ a Faraday-cage design that completely shields stored parts against electrostatic charges. Static-dissipative PVC construction controls surface charges and the particles they attract (acrylic models also available). ...

Portable desiccators.
February 1, 2003... * A convenient, contamination-free, economical carrying container for moisture-sensitive devices * Stackable design permits space-saving storage * Optional quick-connect and Automatic RB [R] (Relief/Bleed) Valve allow nitrogen purge...

Adjust-A-Shelf pass-through desiccators.
February 1, 2003... * Front and rear access doors allow pass-through operations into a cleanroom or stockroom * Advanced construction techniques optimize seals to maintain a positive pressure and extend shelf-life of stored materials * Shelves adjust on...

General purpose storage cabinets.
February 1, 2003... * Economical storage cabinets are ideal for many laboratory, cleanroom and stockroom applications * HEPA-filter/blower option provides a continuous downstream of particle-free air for contamination control * Select acrylic for full...

Environmental control systems.
February 1, 2003... Turn to page 4 for an application overview! A. NitroPlex[TM] Multiplexed Humidity Controller B. Desiccator Dual Purge[TM] System Provides variable-flow gas purge to block out moisture and contaminants. Switches to high-flow purge...

Automated stockers: storage retrivel systems.
February 1, 2003... Your competitive edge! Terra Universal builds Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems around the unique requirements of the critical environment industries. Whether your application calls for stringent particle control (down to Class 1),...

Wafer fab cabinets.
February 1, 2003... Wafer Fab Cabinets. A/B/C. Wafer Box Storage Cabinets Electropolished stainless steel cabinet features adjustable shelves to accommodate many box sizes. Wafer Storage Cabinets Overall Dimensions Cat. # $/Each ...

Cleanroom and Wafer Fab Carts.
February 1, 2003... Cleanroom and Wafer Fab Carts. A. Computer Cart This easy-to-clean, all-electropolished stainless steel cart features a retractable keyboard tray, CPU support, and locking safety casters. Cal. # $/Each 9600-19 1,572.00 ...

Garment and supplies cabinets.
February 1, 2003... Now in Stainless Steel and Cleanroom Laminate Designs * Clean, organized storage of cleanroom garments, tools, wipes, and other materials * HEPA filter/blower option removes 99.99% of all contaminants 0.3 microns and larger for...

Work-in-process WIP racks.
February 1, 2003... * Clean, secure enclosure protects WIP materials from breakage or contamination during processing * Ergonomic design increases productivity * 17[degrees] shelf slope ensures safe product positioning against rear retaining bar *...

Change room Garment Racks.
February 1, 2003... Changing Room Products A/B. UltraClean[TM] Cylinder Tube Garment Racks Made of high-grade electropolished stainless steel, these racks feature sloping 11/2"-diameter cylindrical tube frames that are easy to wipe down. Select models...

From InterMetro racks and shelving.
February 1, 2003... A. Super Adjustable [TM] Wire Shelves With this unique adjustable system you'll never have to make do with anything less than the optimal storage solution! Just lilt the release on each corner, adjust your shelf at precise...

Garb and parts dispensers.
February 1, 2003... Space-Saving Convenience! These handy dispensers save space and organize gloves, safety glasses, wipers, hats, and other garb. They're perfect benchtop storage bins for small parts used in cleanroom processing. Select clear acrylic or...

Plastic factory: disposable biopharmaceutical manufacturing takes a giant leap forward; disposable technologies are quickly beginning to change the face of pharmaceutical cleanroom facility design and economics. (Alternative Manufacturing).(part one of two in series)(related article: Identified Causes of Aseptic Processing Failures)
February 1, 2003... Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part article on evolving disposable manufacturing practices and technologies. Part II will run in the May CleanRooms Biotech supplement. Observers of trends in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing...

Single-use filtration systems find permanence in biopharmaceutical applications: a look at the speed, safety and economic benefits of integrated, single-use filtration systems. (Filtration).
February 1, 2003... Single-use products have become prevalent in almost every facet of life today, from cameras to contact lenses. They're cost-effective, convenient and easy-to-use. However, when you apply the benefits of disposability to the biopharmaceutical...

Validation: it's a process, not a project: validation is not designed to be a labor-intensive attempt to test everything, but to prove that what you are validating accurately describes the process. (Basics).(quality control testing)(related article: Execution of Validation Plan)
February 1, 2003... Validation in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing world is the establishment of documented evidence. The data derived from rigorous testing, which results in a high degree of assurance that a specific process or system will consistently meet a...