- The Powder Containment Unit (PCU) is a specialist air filtration product, designed for use in laboratories and commercial applications where there is a powder hazard that may be present.
- Made in Australia, PCU affords the operator safety by extracting the air through a Pre-Filter and H14 HEPA Filter before exhausting purified air in the laboratory or through a duct connection.
Description
Powder Containment is essential in the pharmaceutical and related chemical industries, operations such as sampling, manufacturing and filling, where processes generate airborne particles at varying concentration levels. When the process involves osteogenic or androgenic materials, antibiotics, toxic or other hazardous powders, operators and adjoining areas require protection from exposure to the aerosols of the process materials.
Clyde-Apac PCU Series Cabinets have been developed to provide the operator and local environment protection from harmful particulate contamination. PCU Series cabinets are room recirculating and provide a bench mounted solution for weighing and powder containment. The PCU cabinet series has been designed with a leak-free stainless steel work zone that ensures a work area that is easy to clean. Additional UV lamps can be installed to prevent crosscontamination and facilitate multi-use and the work zone is conveniently fitted with splash proof power points. The H14 HEPA filters filter 99.995% of 0.3μm size particles and are replaceable through the work zone so that the unit does not have to be frequently relocated.
The H14 HEPA filters can be certified for performance by way of the Contamination Control UpStream T-Piece© which provides protection to the service personnel and significantly reduces interruption to laboratory personnel. The PCU Cabinet is configurable and can also be fitted with an additional odour/gaseous exhaust filtration system.
The PCU comes in the Standard reverse access HEPA replacement model as well as the front exit HEPA replacement Model. The front removal system is fitted with a reverse test access port to confirm the integrity of the HEPA filter testing to AS 1807.6.
Applications
In the pharmaceutical and related chemical industries, operations such as sampling, manufacturing and filling generate airborne particles at varying concentration levels. Where the processes involve oestrogenic or androgenic materials, antibiotics, toxic or other hazardous powders, operators and adjoining areas require protection from exposure to aerosols of the process materials. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products – Part II specifies in part 4.2.1 “These systems should be designed and constructed to minimise risks of contamination and cross-contamination…” (see page 9 of the guide1 for more information).
Australian Standards
Filter unit and replacement HEPA and pre-filters shall be manufactured in Australia. HEPA filters will be individually tested to AS2252.6 by a NATA accredited laboratory.
- Hourmeter
- Service taps for air, gas and vacuum
- Extra quiet operation
- Floor stand (fixed height)
- Floor stand (electric height – adjustable)
- Germicidal UV lamp
- UV shield/work zone cover
- Power outlet
- Ducted Version
PCU Series cabinets are factory tested and certified by a NATA-Accredited laboratory. Additional testing and certification is recommended as follows:
- On site prior to use
- After maintenance
- After filter replacement
- After re-location
- At least annually
- In special circumstances, e.g. if faulty operation is suspected.
Cabinet
Durable welded galvanised-steel construction with a special powder coated finish that is anti-corrosive and developed for laboratory and industrial applications. Design of the cabinets and service-access panels minimises the number of joins in the work zone and facilitates safe maintenance.
Fans
Standard units have variable-speed, direct-drive fans. On standard units, they are located in the air stream. there is also an optional fan placement.
HEPA Filters
Email Air-Handling HEPA filters, manufactured to comply with AS4260 grade 2, are fitted for the harmful contaminants in the workzone. Each H14 HEPA filter is individually certified to achieve a efficiency of not less than 99.995% and to be leakfree in accordance with AS1807.6. All testing is conducted in a NATA-accredited factory laboratory and a NATA-endorsed test label, being an extract of the test report, is affixed to each filter.
Pre-Filters
An easily-accessed, replaceable pre-filter arrests not less than 90% of particles 5 micron and larger, thus prolonging HEPA filter life. A warning light in the control panel signals the need for pre-filter service.
Airflow/Pressure Gauge
A Magnehelic gauge monitors the static pressure of the filtration installation and alerts the operator when the filter requires replacement.
Controls
PCU series booths incorporate a low-voltage control panel, conveniently located on the front panel. The Clyde-Apac S2000 controller is an electronic system that controls fans, power outlets, lights, optional UV and provides a boost system that can be activated in the event of spillage.
Lighting
Glare-free fluorescent lamp housings are incorporated into the booth. Unless otherwise specified, lighting intensity at work levels is not less than 550 lux.
