Plas-labs 800-DT Desiccator Assembly for Glove Boxes
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 800-DT |
| Application | Research-Grade Glove Box Systems |
| Chamber Material | Stainless Steel |
| Desiccant Medium | Molecular Sieve (3A/4A) |
| Regeneration Temperature | 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours |
| Quick-Disconnect Fitting | Self-Sealing Vacuum-Compatible Interface |
| Included Components | Vacuum Pump, Triple-Cartridge Polycarbonate Drying Tower |
Overview
The Plas-labs 800-DT Desiccator Assembly is a precision-engineered gas purification subsystem designed exclusively for integration into inert-atmosphere glove box systems used in advanced materials research, battery development, organometallic synthesis, and air-sensitive pharmaceutical formulation. Unlike generic desiccation units, the 800-DT operates on a dual-stage principle: first, it actively removes moisture via high-capacity molecular sieve cartridges; second, it maintains continuous gas recirculation integrity through a vacuum-assisted, self-sealing quick-disconnect architecture. The system interfaces directly with the glove box’s internal circulation loop and is compatible with both nitrogen and argon purge environments. Its design adheres to fundamental principles of adsorption kinetics and vacuum integrity management—critical for achieving and sustaining <1 ppm H₂O and <1 ppm O₂ levels required in Class 1000 or ISO Class 6 controlled environments.
Key Features
- Vacuum-integrated triple-cartridge drying tower constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate, enabling visual monitoring of desiccant saturation (color transition from blue → pale gray/pink indicates exhaustion)
- Self-sealing quick-disconnect fittings compliant with ISO-KF 16 and NW16 standards—ensures zero atmosphere breach during cartridge replacement under active purge conditions
- Integrated vacuum pump rated for continuous duty at ≤5 × 10⁻³ mbar base pressure, optimized for low-flow recirculation loops typical of research-grade glove boxes
- Molecular sieve media (3A or 4A specification) with certified adsorption capacity ≥20 wt% water at 25°C and 50% RH, validated per ASTM D4672 and ISO 12919-2
- Thermal regeneration protocol fully aligned with manufacturer-recommended conditioning: 160°C for 120 minutes under inert gas flow or vacuum, restoring >98% initial adsorption efficiency
- Modular compatibility with Plas-labs’ 800-series auxiliary modules—including 800-HEATER (oxygen scavenging heater), 4964 Pd-doped catalyst additive, and 800-AS/SPI static neutralization system
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 800-DT is validated for use with lithium-metal anode R&D, Grignard reagent handling, thin-film perovskite deposition, and moisture-sensitive catalyst storage. It meets structural and operational requirements outlined in ASTM E509-22 (Standard Guide for Glove Box Use in Hazardous Environments) and supports GLP-compliant workflows when paired with audit-trail-capable control software. All wetted components—including seals, gaskets, and cartridge housings—are FDA-compliant (21 CFR 177.2600) and resistant to common solvents (e.g., THF, DME, acetonitrile). Leak integrity is verified per ISO 10648-2:1994 Class 2 specifications, with maximum allowable ingress rate of 0.05 vol%/hr at 1 atm differential pressure.
Software & Data Management
While the 800-DT operates as a hardware-only subsystem, it is fully interoperable with Plas-labs’ optional 800-SCU Smart Control Unit (sold separately), which provides real-time logging of vacuum pressure, cumulative runtime, and cartridge service intervals. Data export complies with ASTM E2500-13 for equipment qualification documentation and supports CSV/Excel output for inclusion in 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). Regeneration cycles can be scheduled and timestamped, generating immutable records traceable to operator ID and environmental chamber log files.
Applications
- Pre-conditioning of electrode materials prior to coin-cell assembly in solid-state battery labs
- Maintaining ultra-dry argon atmosphere (<0.1 ppm H₂O) for single-crystal growth of alkali metal halides
- Protecting hygroscopic MOF precursors during solvent-assisted linker exchange (SALE) protocols
- Enabling reproducible Schlenk-line-free handling of pyrophoric catalysts (e.g., Ni(COD)₂, Cp₂ZrHCl)
- Supporting USP environmental monitoring requirements for sterile API manufacturing pilot lines
FAQ
What molecular sieve type is pre-installed in the 800-DT cartridges?
The standard configuration uses 4A molecular sieve (pore size 4 Å), optimized for H₂O removal; 3A (3 Å) is available upon request for selective dehydration without co-adsorption of small organic molecules.
Can the 800-DT be retrofitted onto non-Plas-labs glove boxes?
Yes—provided the host system features ISO-KF 16 or CF16 vacuum flanges and supports external recirculation loop integration (minimum flow rate: 15–25 L/min). Custom adapter kits are available.
How often must the molecular sieve be regenerated?
Regeneration frequency depends on ambient humidity load and purge gas quality; typical service intervals range from 72 to 168 hours of continuous operation under ISO Class 6 conditions.
Is the vacuum pump oil-free?
Yes—the integrated pump is a diaphragm-type, lubricant-free design certified to ISO 8573-1 Class 0 for compressed air purity, eliminating hydrocarbon contamination risk.
Does the 800-DT include oxygen-scavenging capability?
No—oxygen removal requires integration with the 800-HEATER module and 4964 palladium catalyst additive; the 800-DT addresses only moisture control.
