The following key parameters need to be clarified when customizing the glove box:
I. Dimensional parameters
Dimensions of the internal operating space
Length: determined according to the type of operation to be carried out in the glove box and the size of the equipment used.
Width: Again, consider the ease of operation and placement of equipment. For general manual handling and placement of common laboratory tools, a width of about 30 cm to 50 cm may be sufficient; however, if multiple samples are handled at the same time or larger trays are used, a wider space may be required.
Height: This depends largely on the range of hand movement of the operator and the height of the objects to be placed.
Overall external dimensions
Length and width: In addition to the need for internal operating space, a certain amount of space is required to allow for the installation of glove box accessories, connecting pipes, etc.
Height: Consideration should be given to the operating height and comfort of the operator, as well as coordination with the surrounding work environment. Usually, the height of the glove box will be set within the range suitable for the operator to stand or sit down to operate, generally between 80 cm and 150 cm. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the space required for lighting, ventilation ducts or connections to other equipment above the glove box, which may require an additional height.
Environmental Control Parameters
Parameters of gas purification system
Oxygen content control range: According to the use of demand to determine the upper and lower limits of the permissible oxygen content in the glove box.
Moisture content control range: the same need to define the required moisture content control accuracy.
Purification efficiency: this is an important indicator of the performance of the gas purification system, usually expressed as the ratio of the volume of air that can be purified per hour to the total volume inside the glove box.
Gas inlet and outlet pressure and flow rate: According to the use of the glove box needs and connected external equipment to determine the appropriate gas inlet and outlet pressure and flow rate.
Temperature control parameters
Temperature control range: Define the required temperature regulation range inside the glove box. Different experiments and applications may require different temperature conditions.
Temperature Uniformity Requirements: Ensure that temperature differences between locations inside the glove box are within acceptable limits.
Rates of warming and cooling: Determine the rate of temperature change that may be required during the experiment.
Third, the structure and material parameters
Box material
Main material selection: common glove box box materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy and high-strength plastics. Stainless steel has good strength, corrosion resistance and sealing, suitable for most experimental environments, especially in the need to withstand a certain degree of pressure or higher cleanliness requirements.
Transparent observation window materials: generally use high-strength transparent plastic or tempered glass. Transparent plastics such as polycarbonate have the advantages of light weight and unbreakable, but may be slightly inferior to tempered glass in terms of abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance.
Glove material and specifications
Glove material: Common glove materials include butyl rubber, latex, neoprene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Glove size: Select the appropriate glove size according to the operator’s hand size and operational needs.
Sealing structure and performance
Sealing method: The sealing methods of glove box mainly include mechanical sealing and magnetic sealing. Mechanical sealing through the sealing of the extrusion deformation to achieve sealing, common seals are rubber seals, silicone seals and so on.
Sealing performance indicators: mainly including leakage rate and pressure resistance. Leakage rate is a measure of the key indicators of the sealing performance of the glove box, the general requirements of the leakage rate of a few milliliters per hour to tens of milliliters per hour or less, the specific value according to the needs of the use of the relevant standards to determine.
Fourth, the operation and safety parameters
Glove operating flexibility
The flexibility of the glove directly affects the operator’s operating experience and work efficiency in the glove box. Need to pay attention to whether the joint design of the glove is reasonable, whether it can meet a variety of complex operational actions.
The compatibility of gloves and operating tools is also an important aspect.
Safety Protection Functions
Pressure monitoring and alarm: the glove box should be equipped with a pressure monitoring device to monitor the internal pressure changes in real time. When the pressure exceeds the set safety range, it can automatically send an alarm signal to remind the operator to take timely measures.
Gas Leakage Monitoring and Alarm: Since all kinds of dangerous gases may be used in the glove box, it needs to be equipped with a gas leakage monitoring device, which can detect the gas leakage and issue an alarm in time.
Electrical and control system parameters
Power requirements: Specify the type of power (e.g. AC or DC), voltage and frequency range required for the glove box. Different models and specifications of glove boxes may require different power supply parameters, which need to be selected according to the actual situation.
