Hefei Kejing VGB-2Y Pressure-Controlled Glove Box

Overview

The Hefei Kejing VGB-2Y Pressure-Controlled Glove Box is an engineered inert-atmosphere workstation designed for precise pressure regulation within a sealed, oxygen- and moisture-sensitive environment. Unlike conventional glove boxes relying solely on continuous purge or passive equilibrium, the VGB-2Y integrates active pressure control via dual solenoid valves and real-time digital monitoring—enabling stable overpressure maintenance between 95 kPa and 101 kPa (absolute) in the main chamber. This capability is critical for applications where atmospheric ingress must be actively resisted—not merely diluted—including nanomaterial synthesis, lithium-ion battery electrode fabrication, air-sensitive catalyst handling, and moisture-sensitive precursor processing. The system operates on a positive-pressure principle using high-purity inert gas (e.g., N₂ or Ar), with pressure differentials maintained relative to ambient laboratory conditions. Its polycarbonate construction ensures full 360° optical visibility without distortion, supporting real-time visual monitoring of reactions, manipulations, and equipment integration.

Key Features

• Active pressure regulation system with two programmable solenoid valves and one manual bypass valve in the main chamber, enabling dynamic response to pressure fluctuations during glove access or process events.
• Dual independent digital vacuum gauges: left-side gauge displays main chamber absolute pressure (kPa) with configurable setpoints; right-side gauge monitors airlock chamber pressure, supporting sequential transfer protocols.
• Dedicated airlock chamber (230 × 230 × 230 mm) with two manual isolation valves, facilitating safe sample or tool entry/exit while preserving main chamber integrity.
• Two standardized 1/4″ NPT threaded ports on the main chamber wall for optional integration of humidity sensors, oxygen analyzers, or gas chromatography inlet lines—supporting GLP-compliant environmental logging.
• Robust polycarbonate enclosure rated for continuous operation at ≤10 kPa differential pressure in the airlock and ≥90 kPa minimum absolute pressure in the main chamber—validated per ASTM D792 for impact resistance and thermal stability.
• Compact footprint (1150 × 500 × 500 mm) optimized for benchtop deployment in QC labs, R&D cleanrooms, and university teaching facilities requiring Class 5 or better background air quality.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VGB-2Y accommodates a broad range of solid, powder, and thin-film samples—including Li-metal anodes, sulfur cathodes, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and pyrophoric organometallics—without risk of oxidation or hydrolysis. Its pressure-stabilized architecture meets baseline requirements for ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom environments when operated with HEPA-filtered inert gas supply. While not intrinsically certified for hazardous area use (e.g., ATEX or IECEx), the unit complies with general electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports integration into GMP-aligned workflows through audit-ready pressure log export (via optional RS-232 or analog output modules). All internal surfaces are non-porous and chemically resistant to common battery electrolytes (e.g., LiPF₆ in EC/DMC) and standard cleaning agents (isopropanol, acetone).

Software & Data Management

The VGB-2Y operates as a standalone hardware platform with embedded microcontroller-based pressure logic—no proprietary software required for basic operation. However, its analog voltage outputs (0–5 V DC proportional to chamber pressure) and optional RS-232 interface enable seamless integration with third-party SCADA systems (e.g., LabVIEW, Ignition, or DeltaV) for centralized data acquisition, trend analysis, and electronic batch record generation. When deployed in regulated environments, users may configure external logging to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, time-stamped event records (valve actuation, pressure deviation alarms), and immutable audit trails. Pressure deviation alerts (>±1 kPa from setpoint for >30 s) trigger visual indicators and optional relay outputs for interlocking auxiliary equipment.

Applications

• Lithium battery R&D: Electrode slurry casting, coin-cell assembly, and post-cycling disassembly under controlled O₂/H₂O < 0.1 ppm conditions.
• Nanomaterial synthesis: Solvothermal reaction setup, colloidal quantum dot purification, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) precursor loading.
• Organometallic chemistry: Handling of Grignard reagents, alkyl-lithium compounds, and low-valent transition metal complexes.
• Pharmaceutical solid-form screening: Polymorph isolation and hydrate/anhydrate interconversion studies under defined partial pressures.
• Calibration & reference material handling: Storage and manipulation of hygroscopic NIST-traceable standards (e.g., KCl saturated solutions).

FAQ

What is the minimum allowable pressure in the main chamber?
The system is configured to maintain a minimum absolute pressure of 90 kPa in the main chamber. Operation below this threshold is prohibited to prevent structural deformation of the polycarbonate enclosure and potential seal failure.
Can the airlock chamber be evacuated?
No—the airlock is designed exclusively for positive-pressure inert gas purging and sequential transfer; it lacks vacuum pump compatibility and is rated only for up to 10 kPa differential pressure.
Is remote monitoring supported out of the box?
Basic local monitoring is provided via dual digital gauges. Remote data access requires optional analog output wiring or RS-232 connection to an external host system.
Are replacement gloves included with purchase?
Standard butyl rubber gloves (length 800 mm, thickness 0.4 mm) are supplied pre-installed; spare glove sets and flange gaskets are available as consumable SKUs.
Does the unit meet UL or CE safety certification?
The VGB-2Y conforms to IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment. CE marking applies to the power supply module; full CE declaration for the assembled system requires end-user verification per local regulatory interpretation.