In modern laboratories and industrial production, glove boxes are key equipment for achieving a water free, oxygen free, and dust-free environment. Proper operation and maintenance of the glove box can not only improve experimental efficiency, but also ensure the accuracy and safety of experiments and extend the service life of the glove box.The following is a detailed guide for the operation and maintenance of the glove box:
1、 Glove box cycle:
The circulation system of the glove box is an important part of maintaining a stable atmosphere and environment inside the box. When the glove box is not used for a long time, it is recommended to keep the circulation system on without starting the vacuum pump. At this point, the air pressure inside the box should be set according to the recommended air pressure for the unused glove box in the instruction manual. When using the glove box, adjust it appropriately to the working pressure range as needed. At the same time, adjust the pressure reducing valve of the working gas cylinder to ensure stable gas supply.
2、 Glove box cleaning:
When the glove box is not used for a long time or air is mixed inside, it needs to be cleaned before reuse. The purpose of glove box cleaning is to replace the air or other non compliant gases inside the glove box with high-purity working gas (such as high-purity nitrogen), in order to reduce the moisture and oxygen content inside the box to a lower level.
3、 Glove box regeneration:
The regeneration of glove boxes is the key to maintaining their long-term stable operation. It is generally recommended to perform regeneration operations every three months to six months. When the water and oxygen levels in the glove box cannot be reduced through circulation, regeneration is required. The water and oxygen absorption capacity of a single column glove box is approximately 2kg and 60L, respectively. When the adsorption capacity reaches its limit, regeneration operation is required to restore the purification function of the glove box.
It should be noted that cleaning and regeneration are two independent processes and cannot be carried out simultaneously. Cleaning is mainly aimed at the glove box, while regeneration is aimed at the purification column.
By following the above operation and maintenance guidelines, the efficient operation of the glove box and the stability of the experimental environment can be ensured. This not only improves the success rate of the experiment, but also ensures the safety of the operators. The correct glove box circulation, cleaning, and regeneration process is an important part of managing and maintaining glove box equipment.
