Nuclear Glovebox
Nuclear Glovebox
Hosokawa Micron’s Nuclear Gloveboxes are precision-engineered enclosures designed for the secure handling of radioactive or toxic materials under inert or contained atmospheres. Built with safety, shielding, and regulatory compliance in mind, these gloveboxes are essential for nuclear research, radioactive waste management, fuel cycle operations, and isotope processing. With customizable shielding, robust construction, and advanced filtration systems, our nuclear containment gloveboxes ensure optimal safety without compromising workflow efficiency.
Hosokawa’s Nuclear Gloveboxes are designed to meet the strictest nuclear industry standards for containment, radiation shielding, and operational safety. These gloveboxes are constructed using stainless steel or mild steel with internal lead shielding and are fitted with high-integrity viewing windows, glove ports, and air filtration units. Whether used for hot cell environments, radiochemical manipulations, or sealed transfers, they can be customized for negative pressure operation and equipped with automation features.
Available in standalone or line-connected configurations, these gloveboxes support a wide range of operations from R&D to decommissioning.
How it Works
The nuclear glovebox operates by enclosing radioactive materials within a sealed, shielded environment. Negative pressure is maintained to prevent contamination leaks, and air entering or exiting the glovebox passes through HEPA filters. Operators manipulate objects inside the enclosure via attached glove ports, while radiation exposure is blocked by leaded panels and glass. Optional transfer chambers, interlocks, and remote-control systems further enhance process efficiency and operator safety.
Applicable Industries
- Nuclear
Key Features
- Leak tightness: Up to ISO 10648-2 Class 1
- Radiation Shielding: Optional lead shielding for gamma protection as well as integration of neutron shielding systems
- Glove Ports & Windows: Ergonomically placed ports set into glass, lead-glass or polycarbonate viewing panels
- Internal Pressure Control System: Negative internal pressure for prevention of airborne contamination escape during operation or positive pressure for protection of materials including inert gas purging for additional explosion or combustion protection
- HEPA/ULPA Filtration: Dual-stage filtration ensures safe exhaust and air recirculation
- Custom Automation: Integrate manipulators, remote handling tools, or robotic systems
- Modular Designs: Compatible with pass-throughs, transfer hatches, and drum handling systems
- Standards Compliance: Meets ISO, IAEA, and national nuclear regulatory safety codes
Specifications
- Material Options: 304/316L stainless steel or mild steel with epoxy coating
- Shielding: Customizable gamma and neutron shielding.
- Pressure Management: Negative or positive pressure control systems with active monitoring
- Inert Gas Systems: Positive pressure and inert gas distribution for volatile materials
- Air Filtration: Integrated HEPA and optional ULPA systems
- Glove Ports: 6″ to 14″ circular or oval ports, optionally supplied with manual or automated glove leak tester systems
- Control Interface: PLC/HMI with data logging, interlocks, and safety alerts
- Available Sizes: Standard modules from 1000 mm to 3000 mm lengths or bespoke designs
Uses
- Safe handling of radioactive and hazardous materials
- Reprocessing and sampling of nuclear fuel
- Packaging of radioactive waste
- Research involving fissile and alpha-active substances
- Medical isotope production
- Remote manipulation of toxic or radiological compounds
- Containment of powder processing & packaging systems