Isolation technology, sometimes called containment technology, is an essential part of the modern powder processing industry. Many material powders can be harmful to the human body if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. In order to ensure the safety and containment of hazardous materials, isolation and containment of the powders must occur. Sometimes, a particular material or powder is so hazardous that a more intense form of isolation must occur. High containment and isolation technology helps operators to achieve an even greater level of containment, should normal levels of containment not be sufficient. There are three main types of high containment solutions. They are:

Flexible Isolators/Glove Bags

Flexible isolators are large, room-sized isolators made out of plastic bags. These bags are used to make a make-shift room, which helps to isolate material when there is a large operation. There is also a compact version of the flexible isolator, which contains a small sealed work area, about the size of a desk, and has built in gloves that allow operators to work with the powder in the sealed area, without having to be exposed to the powder inside of the sealed area.

Half Suit Isolators

Half suit isolators are essentially small metal rooms with a suit built into it that the operator can put on. This suit functions as a hazmat suit, and enables the operator to safely work with the powder in the room.

Wall Isolators

Similar to the compact flexible isolators, wall isolators have a sealed area and gloves that allow the operator to work with the powder in the isolated area, while they are working outside of the isolated area, preventing exposure to the hazardous material. However, the wall isolator has more than one work area and set of gloves. Instead, there are several work areas, each with its corresponding set of gloves, and they are all arranged along the wall, akin to a bookshelf.

If you wish to learn more about high containment solutions, be sure to watch the entire webinar.