Flexible or Rigid Containment?

There are many options today but HOW TO CHOOSE? Here’s a quick guide.

FOR CONTAINMENT OF POWDERS

Favor rigid containment when:

• Material is Highly Potent (1 µg/m3 or less, OEB5 & 6)
• Frequent usage
• High resistance needed to aggressive materials, pressure, solvents, etc
• Process equipment needs to be integrated
• Capital is available

Favor flexible containment when:

• Material is hot highly potent (OEB4, 1 µg/m3 maximum)
• Low usage
• Faster lead time is needed
• Staff has high technical skills to conduct delicate procedures
• Limited capital available and consumables budget is not an issue

FOR ASEPTIC APPLICATIONS

• The isolator must be resistant to temperature, pressure, VHP
• Flexible films have limitations
• VHP generator must be integrated
• The preferred choice is a rigid isolator (with integrated VHP generator)

FOR PRODUCT TRANSFER

• Flexible solutions are well established for transfers
• The variety of flexible transfer solutions has grown a lot the last 10 years
• Small to medium quantities are a good fit for flexible solutions
• Larger quantities and high usage applications are better fit for rigid solutions
• Rigid solutions like RTPs are preferred for tools & glassware transfer