Quantum Air Technology Isolator Control System

What is the Isolator Control System ?

An isolator is an enclosure provided with air handling and glove ports. The air handling normally consists of at least two fans and several HEPA filters to provide the work zone with clean air and to filter the exhaust. To allow the fans to be switched on/off and maintained at a certain duty, a control system is required. This normally comprises a control panel with switches and indicators on the front of the isolator, connected to a main circuit board.

Some systems also have additional fan speed controllers if the fans are mains powered. The control system also displays parameters such as air change rate and pressure, and incorporates an alarm system. Any other electrical devices such as interlock electromagnets or lights are also controlled by this system.

Applications

Isolator control systems are designed specifically for our customers' requirements and may be used to control any type of isolator.

Some control panels are integrated into the isolator whereas it is common with flexible film types to have a separate control box located at the front under the work surface. Fans may be 24 VDC, PWM or analogue (0-10 VDC) controlled, or 230 VAC.

How does it work?

The control system panel has various switches to allow the operator to select fans, lights, alarm test functions etc. It also has LEDS to show switch selections and two digital displays. Normally these are used to display air change rate (ACR) or down flow, and internal pressure.

The control panel is connected to the main circuit board which sends speed control signals to the fans and houses the sensors to drive the digital displays.

Advantages

The QAT isolator control systems have several unique features which give them an advantage over conventional systems.

Firstly, they are low voltage and inherently safe, but can control almost any type of fan including 24 VDC , PWM or analogue (0-10 VDC) controlled, or 230 VAC. Secondly they can control the isolator pressure and ACR fully automatically, so no setting up is required. Thirdly, the systems can carry out a fully automatic pressure holding test and be linked to VHP (vaporised hydrogen peroxide) decontamination generators (such as Bioquell Clarus and Steris).

All our circuit boards are also fitted with an RS232 socket which can be used for wireless data logging etc.

Low voltage - inherently safe All automatic - no setup required Fully automatic pressure holding test RS232 socket for datalogging etc.

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