In the pharmaceutical sector, keeping a sterile atmosphere is critical. Contamination in the manufacturing process can have severe effects for the end product’s quality. A passbox is one method of preventing contamination.
A Passbox, also known as a transfer hatch or a cleanroom pass-through, is an enclosed chamber with two doors, one on each side. It is intended to facilitate the passage of materials between two regions while minimizing the danger of contamination. Typically, one side of the passbox is in a cleanroom or controlled environment, while the other is in an uncontrolled environment.
Passboxes can be utilised in a range of pharmaceutical industry applications, including the transportation of raw materials, packaging components, and completed goods. They can also be utilised to move garbage from the cleanroom to the outside environment, lowering the danger of contamination.
There are various advantages to using a passbox.
First and foremost, it decreases the danger of contamination by reducing the number of times doors between two locations are opened and closed.
This is especially true in cleanrooms, where even minor contamination can have a substantial influence on product quality.
Furthermore, pass boxes can increase productivity by allowing staff to move products without entering the cleanroom or controlled environment, lowering the risk of contamination from human interaction.
There are different types of passboxes available in the market, each designed to meet specific requirements in various industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, where maintaining a sterile environment is critical, passboxes play a crucial role in ensuring that products are not contaminated during transfer. Some of the most common types of passboxes used in pharmaceutical applications are:
Mechanical Passbox:
Mechanical interlocking doors are used in this sort of passbox to prevent both doors from opening at the same time. The cleanroom side door is locked until the other side door is closed and latched, preventing any outside air or particles from entering the cleanroom. Mechanical passboxes are appropriate for transfers of low to medium capacity.
Air Shower Passbox:
An air shower passbox has air nozzles that drive high-velocity HEPA-filtered air at the items being transferred, efficiently eliminating any particles on the surface. This passbox is ideal for high-volume transfers.
Static Passbox:
A static passbox is a simple, cost-effective solution that does not require any power or mechanical components. It is ideal for low-risk areas where there is minimal risk of contamination.
Dynamic Passbox:
A dynamic passbox is a type of passbox used in cleanrooms and other controlled environments where materials need to be transferred between two areas of differing cleanliness levels. It is also known as a through-wall passbox or a linear passbox.
UV Passbox:
While both static and dynamic passboxes are equipped with Ultra Violet lamps to disinfect . There can be dedicated UV passboxes which use UV-C germicidal lamps to sterilize the materials being transferred, effectively killing any microorganisms that may be present on the surface. This type of passbox is suitable for medium to high-risk areas.
Rapid Transfer Port (RTP) Passbox:
RTP passboxes are meant to transport goods between two sealed environments while maintaining confinement. They have a locking mechanism that locks the transfer chamber, preventing contaminants from entering or exiting. This sort of passbox is appropriate for high-risk regions involving the transfer of hazardous goods.
VHP Passbox:
A VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) passbox is a type of passbox used in cleanrooms and other controlled environments where materials need to be transferred between areas of differing cleanliness levels. It is designed to provide an additional level of decontamination to prevent the spread of pathogens or other contaminants.
When choosing a passbox, it is critical to examine the application’s unique requirements. Size, materials, and features such as airlocks and filters should all be considered. Passboxes should also be installed and maintained by competent staff to guarantee correct operation and effectiveness in decreasing the danger of contamination.
Summarizing the topic:
Passboxes are an essential component of a cleanroom environment, preventing the transfer of contaminants from one area to another. Selecting the appropriate type of passbox will depend on various factors, such as the type and volume of materials being transferred, the level of contamination risk, and the specific requirements of the application. A passbox that is properly selected, installed, and maintained can help ensure the highest level of product quality and safety in the pharmaceutical industry.
Also Read: Dynamic VS Static Passbox: A Breakdown of the Main Differences