Safety Cabinets, Gloveboxes and Atmosphere Control

Many research and production operations involving nanomaterials must be conducted under isolation or in a strictly-governed environment. While this is often done to protect the nanomaterials from contamination, it can also be for safety reasons, as toxic materials or inhalation hazards may be associated with the work being done.

Fume hoods and cabinets offer a low-cost means for containing fumes and/or particulate matter. Re-circulating filtered fume cabinets defend against fumes and there is a limited range of chemicals for which a ducted fume cupboard cannot be installed. Filters purify the air before circulating it back to the room.

Glove boxes allow materials to be manipulated without risk of exposure, possibly in a pressurized or vacuum environment.