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Analysis of The Causes for Increased Water And Oxygen Levels in The Glove Box After Evacuation-Purge Cycles of The Transfer Chamber
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-20 Origin: Site
In scientific research and industrial production, glove boxes provide a critical atmospheric environment for materials sensitive to water and oxygen. As a vital channel connecting the external environment to the interior of the glove box, the effectiveness of evacuation and inert gas purging in the transfer chamber directly impacts the stability of water and oxygen levels within the glove box during material transfer.
When moving items in or out, **three evacuation-purge cycles** are typically performed to prevent atmospheric contamination. However, even after these cycles, opening the inner door may still cause a rise in water and oxygen levels inside the glove box. The reasons are analyzed below:
1. Purity Issues of Inert Gas
Even with inert gas of 99.999% purity, impurities can be introduced if:
- The gas cylinder is exposed to direct sunlight, accelerating molecular movement and releasing impurities.
- Corroded pipelines allow rust or other contaminants to mix into the gas.
- Impure gas introduced into the transfer chamber directly elevates water and oxygen levels upon door opening.
2. Material Properties and Incorrect Settings
(1) Material Influence
Materials with inherently high water/oxygen content (e.g., liquids not sealed in containers, porous materials) require **extended evacuation-purge cycles**. Default three cycles may be insufficient, leading to residual contaminants.
(2) Configuration Errors
If the default three-cycle setting is manually altered and not restored, inadequate decontamination occurs during subsequent transfers.
3. Seal Degradation
Long-term use can cause wear on **O-ring seals** in the transfer chamber. Micro-gaps allow gradual air infiltration, compromising evacuation effectiveness even after standard cycles.
4. Operational Errors: Lack of Training
Untrained operators may:
- Open the inner door prematurely with insufficient cycles.
- Use incorrect gas flow rates or pressure during purging.
Such deviations prevent optimal decontamination, resulting in elevated water and oxygen levels.
Summary
Maintaining glove box integrity requires:
1. Ensuring inert gas purity and pipeline integrity;
2. Adapting evacuation-purge cycles for high-moisture/porous materials;
3. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn seals;
4. Standardizing operator training for protocol adherence.
