Description

The specification of the RAB is dictated in the same way as any other containment equipment, by the level of protection required. The systems are designed to offer a controlled working environment, by air movement and ‘restricted' barrier. There are generally two categories of RABs, the active and the passive RAB, both operating with positive pressure. Typically the passive RABs will not have a dedicated air handling system, but will use the available clean-room supply air in a downward direction from the ceiling. The air will exit at low level through openings under the doors/barrier of the RABs system. The active RABs will feature a dedicated on board air handling unit and aseptic conditions will be maintained by passing the incoming air through high efficiency HEPA filters, resulting in an evenly distributed Grade ‘A' unidirectional airflow. The air is returned back into the room environment at low level under the doors/barrier. For applications requiring a higher level of protection a closed RAB where the air is first pre-filtered before being recycled by the room air handling unit (passive RAB) or pre-filtered and recirculated by its dedicated air handling unit (active RAB). The containment level can be further improved by providing good sealing and pressure control taking it closer to the performance of an Isolator. Each solution must be balanced against the design requirements of the project taking into consideration the product protection level, industrial safety, building support systems, operational flexibility and the level of financial investment.

Accessories & Options

We pride ourselves with the level of customisation we offer and the RABs systems are no exception. Within the RABs, transfer of equipment such as products, components, tools etc must be carried out in a sterile manner. Transfers can be carried out using a purpose designed transfer chamber or via our contained transfer system (CTS port). Glove ports are offered and designed into the system according to access necessity, with the addition of gloveport barriers or light curtain with safety relays for protection in areas where interaction with machinery could be a safety issue. Additionally Half suit stations could be integrated where "open door" interventions need eliminating. Secondary protection to the RAB can be offered as an accessory, (where required) in the form of Vertical Laminar Flow units. The (VLAF's) would be typically located on the side of the RAB enclosure and would provide Grade ‘B' airflow. In instances where the system is required to accommodate temperature critical products, a cooling system can also be integrated.

Applications

The main applications for these systems are within sterile process areas where a physical separation is required between the sterile area and the operator. Specific process operations such as sterile filling and packaging of drug/pharmaceutical products requires centre core protection superior to traditional systems in order to prevent biological contamination of a processing line and its associated drugs and guarantee safety to patients receiving the product. The RAB unit provides that product protection and reduces or eliminates interventions into the critical zone, whilst also allowing easier and faster validated sanitation of the area.

Special Desings