News

Flexible or Rigid Containment?

July 15, 2021

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