CleanRooms articles from January 2008

CleanRooms archives from January 2008

Changes.(from the editor)
January 1, 2008... During this election season, we've all heard a lot of talk about "change." It's the favorite buzzword of just about every candidate's campaign and seems to impart some magical meaning of its own. The problem is that no one is at all clear as to...

Experts cite missed opportunity in NIH risk assessment of BSL-4 lab.(news)
January 1, 2008... A National Research Council (NRC) committee of experts provided a boost to neighbors opposing construction of a biocontainment research lab at the Boston University Medical Center by declaring in late November that a draft environmental impact...

Gerbig Engineering introduces new cleanroom construction feature.(PARTICLES)
January 1, 2008... Minnesota-based Gerbig Engineering, a specialist in the design, build, installation, and certification of cleanrooms, now offers a raceway that is integrated into the framing system of its cleanroom constructions. The raceway allows wiring,...

New England Peptide opens instrumentation lab.(PARTICLES)
January 1, 2008... New England Peptide, LLC (NEP), a company that designs and produces custom peptides and polyclonal antibodies for drug and vaccine discovery organizations, has opened a new production instrumentation laboratory at its Massachusetts facility....

David Savage lands at Ultra Clean.(PARTICLES)
January 1, 2008... Ultra Clean Technology, a developer and supplier of critical subsystems for the semiconductor capital equipment industry, announced the appointment of David Savage as president and CEO, effective Jan. 8. Leonard Mezhvinsky retired from the...

Survey says: PPE compliance remains 'a top workplace concern'.(news)
January 1, 2008... For the second year in a row, a survey of safety professionals has found that non-compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols continues to be an issue in the workplace. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they had...

FDA advisors declare 'FDA science and mission at risk'.(news)(Report)
January 1, 2008... According to a subcommittee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Science Board, the nation's food supply is at risk, as are the regulatory systems that oversee the nation's drug and device supplies. In a report presented in December, the...

USP <797> revisions now available.(PARTICLES)
January 1, 2008... The U.S. Pharmacopeia has posted the Revision Bulletin containing changes to General Chapter Pharmaceutical Compounding--Sterile Preparations on its web site at http://www.usp.org/USPNF/pf/generalChapter797.html. The revisions will become...

BASF completes European Electronic Materials Center.(PARTICLES)
January 1, 2008... The Electronic Materials Center Europe at BASF's Ludwigshafen, Germany site is complete after approximately 15 months under construction. The production plant will provide process chemicals for the semiconductor industry throughout Europe. The...

Microtest expands facilities and services.(PARTICLES)
January 1, 2008... Microtest, a provider of testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, has doubled the size of its medical device/pharmaceutical stability storage capabilities, as well as...

IEST marches on to nanotech beat: IEST sets goals for new nanotechnology Recommended Practice Working Group activities.(setting the standard)
January 1, 2008... The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) is taking a leading role in addressing the needs of the important nanotechnology discipline through the formation of relevant Recommended Practices. The IEST Nanotechnologies...

Plan ahead for combo device success: the best combination medical device makers select product materials, process steps, and monitoring strategies in the early stages of product development to ensure biocompatibility and product stability throughout the manufacturing process.(special report)
January 1, 2008... The drug-eluting cardiovascular stent has changed the landscape of medical device manufacturing. These small implantable devices, which incorporate a device that can prop open an artery with a pharmacologic agent that interferes with reblocking...

Using RABS and isolators in pharmaceutical applications: barrier technology offers clean spaces for pharmaceutical filling and packaging, as well as protection for operators.(barrier systems)
January 1, 2008... Barrier technology is designed to replace the use of conventional ISO 5 cleanrooms in pharmaceutical filling and packaging (i.e., ampoules, vials, cartridges, and pre-filled syringes). The goal of barrier systems, isolators and restricted...

New detection methods reinforce protocols for planetary protection: NASA planetary protection programs charged with keeping biocontamination out of space.(planetary protection)
January 1, 2008... National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) missions to solar system bodies with the potential to sustain life, or that could potentially contain life in a fundamental evolutionary state, have stringent requirements on the maximum...

Planning and installing an environmental monitoring system: the latest regulations call for a shift in particle monitoring strategies.(environmental monitoring)
January 1, 2008... For aseptic manufacture of pharmaceutical products there has been a shift, primarily due to legislative regulations. (1) Traditionally, monitoring has involved the classic portable monitoring of a cleanroom. New regulations have led to a...

Cleanroom garments.(product spotlight)
January 1, 2008... Since human-generated contamination plays a large role in critical environments, special care must be taken to provide appropriate garments to minimize the human impact on the cleanroom. Other important factors include specialty fabrics to...

High-purity foams for insulation and construction applications.(new products)(Arkema, Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Kynar[R] PVDF-based closed cell foam is the first polymeric foam to meet the requirements for Factory Mutual (FM) 4910 test protocols for cleanroom materials flammability. The flame propagation and smoke generation values obtained for the foams...

Dusting system and microfiber wipers.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced a new line of KIMTECH SCIENCE* brand products for laboratory maintenance: the KIMTECH SCIENCE* dusting system, lens-cleaning microfiber wipers, and large microfiber wipers. The products are designed to...

Nitrile, powder-free exam glove.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Sempermed, a leading manufacturer of hand protection, now offers the SemperCare Tender Touch[TM] nitrile powder-free exam glove, as an alternative to natural rubber latex. The product delivers fit, feel, tactile sensitivity, strength, and value...

Custom-colored hose allows quick identification of process lines.(new products)(AdvantaPure has introduced reinforced silicone hose )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... AdvantaPure's APSM reinforced silicone hose is now offered in custom colors for easy line recognition. APSM is used for applications involving elevated pressure levels in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, biomedical, food, beverage, chemical,...

Wet-vacuum sample collection system.(new products)(Microbial-Vac Systems[R], Inc. has introduced Wet-vacuum sample collection system )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Microbial-Vac Systems[R], Inc., an innovator in pathogen surface sampling, has released a new tool for pathogen collection. The Microbial-Vac (M-Vac[TM]) wet-vacuum collection system utilizes LAMDAC[TM] principles (Liquid and Air-assisted...

ESD-safe binocular microscopes.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Luxo's ESD-safe, 23mm System 273 binocular microscopes are designed for inspection and assembly applications in static-sensitive environments. The ESD-safe lenses and body guard against uncontrolled static dissipation. The achromatic lenses and...

Shipper for 300-mm wafers.(new products)(Entegris Inc. has introduced Shipper )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Entegris 300-mm multiple film frame shipper (MFFS) provides manufacturers increased safety and security while shipping fully processed wafers or singulated die mounted to film frame rings. The shipper is an economical alternative to...

Food-grade, FDA-approved cleanroom hose.(new products)
January 1, 2008... A flexible, white thermoplastic rubber hose for service in cleanrooms and other applications requiring an FDA-acceptable hose is being introduced by Flexaust. The Flexadux[R] T-7 White is a flexible, medium-weight, white thermoplastic hose that...

Chemical concentration monitor for semiconductor processes.(new products)(Swagelok Semiconductor Services Co.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Swagelok[R] CR-288 concentration monitor addresses a critical requirement in the semiconductor industry for improved monitoring and control of liquid chemicals employed in device manufacturing. Installed in the process stream or at...

Class 10/ISO 3 modular cleanrooms.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Terra Universal's BioSafe[TM] modular cleanrooms meet cleanliness requirements to Class 10/ISO 3 at a lower cost than conventional rooms. The rooms feature ultra-smooth stainless or powder-coated steel surfaces that eliminate cracks, which...

Polymers for SPE-based analysis.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Varian, Inc. has released Bond Elut Plexa[TM] PCX, a new addition to the Plexa family. Bond Elut Plexa and Plexa PCX comprise an advanced generation of polymers for solid phase extraction (SPE), designed for ease of use and improved analytical...

Glass filter products.(new products)(Andrews Glass Company Inc. has distributed Robu[R] VitraPOR[TM] borosilicate glass filter products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Robu[R] VitraPOR[TM] borosilicate glass filter products, distributed by Andrews Glass Co., offer extremely high chemical resistance, minimal thermal expansion, and high thermal shock resistance. Made from borosilicate glass according to...

Mobile, ductless fume hoods.(new products)(Air Science USA has introduced Model EDU, a new mobile, ductless fume hood )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Air Science USA has introduced the Model EDU, a new mobile, ductless fume hood. The Model EDU is suited for classroom demonstrations and industrial training with its self-contained design and all-around visibility. It can be easily moved to...

Imprinted liquid-dispensing bottles.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Menda HDPE Pure-Touch liquid dispensing bottles are now available printed with the most commonly used chemical names: Item 35395 "Acetone," Item 35396 "Isopropanol," and Item 35397 "DI water." The imprints are non-smearing and non-running and...

Thermoform machine incorporates CIP system.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Multivac's latest R 535 form-fill-seal system simplifies and accelerates the cleaning process for food processors, and provides enhanced performance, ergonomics, and efficiency. The machine is equipped with an integrated clean-in-place (CIP)...

Residual gas analyzer family.(new products)
January 1, 2008... The Hiden Analytical family of residual gas analyzers features three system types to accommodate applications from basic HV vacuum diagnostics through precision gas analysis and fast-event UHV/XHV studies. The HALO system, a multi-purpose...

Autoclavable mechanical pipettors.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... In the new Proline Plus pipettor, Biohit has combined the basic functionalities of the traditional Proline mechanical model with new pipettor design and technology that emphasizes safety, ergonomics, and efficiency. New features include a more...

ISO 14611-1 certified cables.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Igus[R] Inc., the developer of Energy Chain Systems[R], Chainflex[R] continuous-flex cables, and iglide[R] plastic bearings, recently achieved certifications in cleanroom environments for both its Chainflex cables and Energy Chain[R] cable...

Spill detector.(new products)
January 1, 2008... KD Scientific has released the new OS-250, a system that detects spills and leaks before they cause a problem around HPLCs. As little as three drops of liquid will cause the unit to react. The system consists of a moisture-sensing mat and...

Atomic force microscopy accessory.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Asylum Research, a manufacturer of advanced atomic force microscopes (AFMs), introduces the iDrive cantilever holder. The microscope accessory simplifies AFM fluid imaging and allows auto-tuning of cantilevers in fluid. It is exclusively...

Portable air sampler.(new products)(International PBI S.p.a)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The DUO SAS 360 portable microbiological air sampler from International PBI features a single body with two aspirating heads. Two separate plates may be used for simultaneous sampling to differentiate microorganisms (onto two different media or...

Disinfectant for manual and automated processing.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Metrex Research Corp. has added MetriCide OPA Plus[TM] solution, a high-level disinfectant, to its line of infection prevention products. Effective for use in both manual and automated reprocessing, the new ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) product is...

Integral water purification system.(new products)
January 1, 2008... Millipore Corp. has announced the availability of the new Milli-Q Integral water purification system, which uses tap water to supply constant-quality Type II (pure) and Type I (ultra-pure) water from a single water production unit. The system...

Aseptic vial-filling equipment.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... To accommodate special handling for liquids and lyophilized injectables, Flexicon America Inc. introduces the FMB210 filler. It offers an aseptic filling process that combines sterile containment and gentle peristaltic dispensing action to...

Environmental monitoring systems.(new products)
January 1, 2008... RLE Technologies has released the Falcon F-Series F1000 and F3400, stand-alone systems that enable remote environmental monitoring of critical operating parameters via embedded firmware that handles all data collection, alarm reporting, and...

Proof of sterilization labels.(new products)
January 1, 2008... LGInternational, a manufacturer of advanced labeling products, has launched a line of sterilization indicating labels for steam autoclaves, gamma radiation sterilization, and ethylene oxide (ETO) gas sterilization. These durable labels use...

Barrier-coated non-woven fabrics.(new products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Jen-Coat polymer coated non-woven fabrics provide barrier reinforcement for medical products such as surgical and isolation gowns, drapes, blankets, cold packs, and disposables. Impermeable to blood, fluids, and most chemicals, they can be made...

Lab safety products.(new literature)
January 1, 2008... VWR International has published its 2007-2009 Safety Catalog, a comprehensive and diverse collection of safety products for the research laboratory industry, including customers in industrial, production, and controlled environments. The...

Tubing and hose selection information.(new literature)
January 1, 2008... Two updated brochures are available from tubing and hose manufacturer NewAge Industries that are designed to ease the selection and buying processes. Titled "The Top 12 Tubing and Hose Buying Errors... and Their Solutions" (called the Top 12...

Updated gas and flow control site.(new literature)
January 1, 2008... CONCOA's enhanced web site, www.concoa.com, has been designed with a comprehensive presentation of features and benefits of specialty gas, industrial, medical, laser, semiconductor, and gas distribution products. A continually updated reference...

Calendar.(Calendar)
January 1, 2008... FEBRUARY 5-8 The Aseptic Filling Conference 2008. Danubius Hotel, Regents Park, London, U.K. For more information: www.iir-events.com FEBRUARY 14-15 INTERPHEX Puerto Rico 2008. Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan. For more...