CleanRooms articles from November 2007

CleanRooms archives from November 2007

No satisfaction.(from the editor)
November 1, 2007... The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that some 100 known terrorists were passed through security checkpoints at three different major airports in March of this year. To date 297 people have been killed and another 839...

Surgical/diagnostics and 'superbugs' spur infection prevention and control market growth.(news)
November 1, 2007... Infection control concerns have recently caught the nation's attention with media reports specifically related to the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) "superbug," which led to the death of a Virginia teen in October....

IEST publishes two new contamination control RPs.(news)
November 1, 2007... The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) has published two new Recommended Practices (RPs)--one provides guidance for maintaining a cleanroom at the level for which it was designed, and the other covers the design and...

Purdue breaks ground on structural biology facility.(news)
November 1, 2007... On October 19, Purdue University broke ground on the new Wayne T. and Mary T. Hockmeyer Hall of Structural Biology. The $30 million, 65,690-sq.-ft. building will provide an advanced workspace for Purdue's Center for Structural Biology research...

Semi industry exec John T.C. Lee joins MKS.(PARTICLES)
November 1, 2007... MKS Instruments, Inc., a provider of process control technologies for semiconductor and other advanced manufacturing processes, has announced that John T.C. Lee, PhD, has joined the company as group vice president, responsible for control and...

Christ takes controlling interest in Zeta Group.(PARTICLES)
November 1, 2007... Christ Water Technology Group has taken over 76 percent of the stock of the Zeta Group, located in Tobelbad, Austria, expanding the company's activities in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors. Zeta is a supplier of production systems...

Millipore unveils new brand identity, awards funding.(PARTICLES)
November 1, 2007... Millipore Corporation, a supplier of technologies, tools, and services for the bioscience research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry, has unveiled its new brand initiative and visual identity. The re-branding underscores Millipore's...

Plexus's Asian facility receives FDA approval.(PARTICLES)
November 1, 2007... Plexus Corp., a contract manufacturer of electronics products, has announced FDA approval of one of its Penang, Malaysia facilities, through the agency's pre-market approval (PMA) supplement evaluation process, to manufacture Class III finished...

Baxa extends reach in Latin America.(PARTICLES)
November 1, 2007... Baxa Corporation, which provides systems for safe fluid handling and delivery in hospital pharmacies, has added two new international product distributors. The agreements--with Magallan Pharma Trading Corporation in Colombia and Pentafarma &...

Hardide coating gets the OK for food processing.(PARTICLES)
November 1, 2007... Hardide-T, the new tungsten carbide-based component coating developed by Hardide Coatings, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) go-ahead for use on food processing equipment. Hardide-T offers a combination of ultra-hardness,...

M+W Zander lands four-year management contract.(PARTICLES)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... M+W Zander FE GmbH (Stuttgart, Germany) has been awarded a contract for facility management at the First Solar module factory in Frankfurt, Germany. The plant constructor will take over complete technical and infrastructure supply for the...

IEST revises RP on outgassed organic compounds: IEST-RP-CC031.1, method for characterizing outgassed organic compounds from cleanroom materials and components, will include revisions for new RP in 2007.(setting the standard)
November 1, 2007... The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) is responsible for the origination, publishing, and revision of 36 recommended practices (RPs) on topics of interest and of value to the contamination control industry. Currently,...

There's something in the water: with the health and wellbeing of end customers on the line, pharmaceutical manufacturers put ultra-pure water systems to the test.(special report)(Report)
November 1, 2007... Bacteria love water. In the water systems of pharmaceutical manufacturers, controlling bacteria requires vigilance and careful planning, from design through daily operation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Resisting resistance: the need for next-generation disinfectants: a new silver-based disinfectant could rise to challenges presented by resistant bacteria in health care environments.(antimicrobial strategies/disinfection)
November 1, 2007... Two million patients in the U.S. become infected each year while hospitalized, and more than 70% of the bacteria causing these infections are resistant to antibiotics, with approximately 90,000 patients a year dying as a result of their...

Choosing the most suitable non-viable sample point locations: identify the critical factors for sample points to establish the most suitable location for process monitoring.(particle monitoring)
November 1, 2007... Environmental system designers are often asked where to place sample points for non-viable particle monitoring performed in a pharmaceutical cleanroom or clean device such as a restricted access barrier system (RABS), isolator, etc. The...

Gloves.(product spotlight)
November 1, 2007... Critical environments differ from one application to the next, but one aspect they all share is the need for adequate hand protection. Glove products can vary widely in sterility, weight, length, resistance to contaminants, and the materials...

Food scale designed to prevent contamination.(new products)
November 1, 2007... The Combics Food Scale series from Sartorius has been designed to withstand rigorous and complete disinfection while maintaining precision and accuracy. Manufactured in accordance with European Hygienic Equipment Design Group (EHEDG)...

Multi-use pump for high vacuum systems.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Pfeiffer Vacuum offers the XtraDry[TM] dry vacuum pump for all medium vacuum applications down to [10.sup.-1] mbar where there is a need to pump dry, inert, and non-reactive gases. Operated as either a stand-alone or backing pump, XtraDry[TM]...

Filter module provides leak-free protection for pharma, biotech.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Camfil Farr has introduced a new "RFM22" ducted terminal filter module that delivers leak-free protection for ISO 5-8 applications in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The all-welded module incorporates a gel seal HEPA or ULPA filter...

Ionizer controls ESD in process tool applications.(new products)
November 1, 2007... MKS Instruments, Inc. has introduced the Ion Systems Critical Environment In-tool Ionizing Blower Model 5822i. Designed for extremely tight ion balance, the small size of the Model 5822i ionizer makes it ideal for ESD control in process tools...

Spiral-tip swabs for a range of cleaning tasks.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Qosina presents a new, black, dual-tip cotton swab (Part # 10219). Qosina's spiral/spiral swabs are suitable for cleaning many surfaces. The tightly wound black spiral tips grab more dust and debris and clearly show removed residue. The 3-inch...

Biological safety cabinet.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The "Blu Space" microbiology safety cabinet is a Class II biohazard safety cabinet with an automatic control system according to the European Standard EN 12469. It ensures the protection of the operator, product, and environment against risks...

Antimicrobial-coated adhesive contamination control mat.(new products)
November 1, 2007... The new IdealMat[TM] from ITW ALMA is an adhesive-coated contamination control mat that captures particulates from foot traffic and equipment wheels, providing the most effective dirt and dust removal method available. The new mat offers a...

Fusion-bonded latex and synthetic polymer gloves.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Sempermed is now offering the Polymed[R] exam glove, which features a unique "fusion" bonding of latex and synthetic polymers. This creates a multi-layer glove that combines the elasticity of latex and the strength of copolymers, which protects...

Instrument-quality shaft collars.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... A new line of instrument-quality shaft collars for designers of medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific instruments or precision equipment is being introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp. Stafford IQ Shaft Collars feature one-piece...

Hard-mount vibration cancellation system.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Technical Manufacturing Corporation (TMC) has introduced the FloorPlatform PZT[TM] active inertial vibration cancellation system designed for use with scanning electron microscopes (SEMs). The FloorPlatform PZT features sub-hertz vibration...

Closed-loop gas chiller.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Brooks Automation's Polycold[R] PGCL system has been tested and qualified on a PVD process for copper/tantalum barrier-seed deposition. By providing a lower chuck temperature (as low as -70[degrees]C), higher process thermal loads can be...

FT-IR metrology tool for minienvironments.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has revealed its latest FT-IR metrology system, the Thermo Scientific ECO 3500. Incorporating an ISO 1 rated Spartan[R] equipment front-end module (EFEM) from Asyst Technologies Inc., the ECO 3500 benefits from the...

Control unit for particle monitoring systems.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The Series DPM Particulate Monitor combines with the PMS Particulate Sensor to provide a basic baghouse and cartridge filter leak detector designed for general maintenance planning and process protection. It is easy to use and reliable. Leakage...

Vertical lift for storage and retrieval.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The MegaLift[TM] FSE Vertical Lift Module (VLM) from MegaStar Systems meets OSHA standards for quiet operation, allowing it to be installed in a variety of non-warehouse type automated storage and retrieval applications. The lift uses a...

Shatter-resistant UV germicidal lamps.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Shat-R-Shield's line of ultraviolet (UV)/germicidal lamps are safety-coated fluorescent lamps that emit specific high-output UV radiation that destroys bacteria, viruses, spores, and molds. By using a physical process--rather than chemical--to...

Single-use peristaltic pumps.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Single-use DAFPA[TM] peristaltic pumps from Flexicon America, Inc. have become an attractive alternative to replace piston pumps in production filling applications for production biologics and bio-based pharmaceuticals utilized in the treatment...

Horizontal laminar flow station.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Terra Universal's TerraFlo[TM] horizontal laminar flow station provides an economical work environment that exceeds the most stringent contamination requirements for the pharmaceutical, biotech, electronics, and semiconductor industries....

Versatile depth filter capsule for small-scale operations.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The SupraCap[TM] 100 depth filter capsule for Pall Corp. is the only intermediate-scale depth filter to be offered in a range of sizes, styles, and configurations, the company says. The filter capsule's versatility and performance simplify...

Drying chamber for LED manufacturers.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Interlab now offers a special version of its critically clean, HEPA-filtered drying console, adapted for LED manufacturing processes. The model MDS/250/LED is the result of the company's work with a major LED manufacturer in addressing the...

Chemically resistant macro volume pipettor.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Biohit, Inc., has expanded its mLINE family of pipettors with the addition of the new 1-10 ml volume range. The macro volume pipettor, along with the new 10-ml tip, provides a convenient way to handle large volumes of liquid accurately and...

Fume hood product line designed to meet various challenging requirements.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Duralab Corporation offers a broad line of fume hoods designed to meet all size and application requirements. Hoods are available with bypass, variable air volume, and add air designs. Special hoods designed to meet the unique needs of...

Web-based remote surveillance monitor.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The NEWPORT[R] iSE environmental monitor provides web-based remote surveillance of environmental conditions in critical HVAC applications such as computer server rooms, cleanrooms, and laboratories, as well as critical refrigeration and cold...

Cleanroom vacuum with HEPA filtered collection container.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Nilfisk-Advance America has developed the compact IVT 1000 CR cleanroom vacuum, available with optional Safe-Pak[TM] technology--the first disposable, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner collection container designed for potent compound and hazardous...

High-volume microglass HEPA filter.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Advanced Filtration Concepts introduces the new HV (High Volume) HEPA filter manufactured by Engineered Filtration Systems (EFS). The EFS HV HEPA filter is designed specifically for critical applications that require high-efficiency particulate...

Upgradeable syringe pumps.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Both the features and the syringe capacity of the PHD22/2000 syringe pumps can be upgraded without purchasing a new pump. The PHD 22/2000 Series is available in several models: infusion only, infusion/withdrawal, or programmable. These pumps...

Wireless medical and lab temperature monitoring.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Accsense's fast and easy wireless monitoring system allows medical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications a complete management option for keeping temperatures, [CO.sub.2] levels, humidity, and any other measurements in check with...

500[degrees] cleanroom cabinet oven.(new products)
November 1, 2007... No. 923 is an electrically heated, 500[degrees]F Class 100 cleanroom cabinet oven from Grieve, currently used for drying precision parts in baskets. Workspace dimensions measure 36x36x51 inches. The oven features an aluminized steel exterior...

Dust-free vertical storage.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Enclosed vertical storage cabinets from Eagle MHC are designed for critical manufacturing, assembly, and storage areas where products and components need to be securely stored in a dust- and dirt-free environment. Eagle's NSF-approved vertical...

Total organic carbon analyzers and validation support.(new products)
November 1, 2007... The Sievers 500 RL On-Line and the Sievers 900 Series TOC Analyzers from GE Analytical Instruments are the most sensitive TOC instruments on the market and ideal for cleaning validation applications. With the patented selective [CO.sub.2]...

Cleanroom Class 1 robots.(new products)
November 1, 2007... Adept Technology, Inc. has announced Adept Python cleanroom Class 1 ESD modular Cartesian robots. They are the latest addition to the cleanroom and ESD product line that includes SCARA, six-axis, and Cartesian robots. The new robots are...

Portable cartridge collector shows 99+ percent efficiency.(new products)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The SPC-1000 from AER Control Systems is a portable cartridge-based filtration unit that complies with OSHA for multiple operations and meets the hexavalent chromium standard. Smoke, gases, fumes, exhaust vapors, and dust from industrial...

Calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... DECEMBER 5-7 SEMICON Japan 2007. Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan. For more information: www.semi.org 2008 JANUARY 28-31 MD&M West Conference and Exposition. Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. For more information or to...