Multifunctional and mobile decontamination locks

Nassdusche / Decontamination lock

Everyone knows: powders are dusty. Yet, in most cases it is considered no more than annoying; however, it is a real hazard source in the areas of pharmaceutics, chemistry or BSL zones. In order to prevent the spreading of dust, a controlled lock-in and lock-out system is necessary.

Ortner’s decontamination lock system is aimed at preventing the spreading of dust. Apart from protecting people, it particularly guarantees control and validation of lock-in and lock-out processes. Equipped with a range of options, decontamination locks can be adjusted according to customer’s needs.

Moving personnel and material
So far, decontamination locks have been designed for locking persons in and out. It is new that these systems can now also be used for locking material in and out. To do so, the interior of the lock has been adapted. A sophisticated transport and storage system on the inside of the lock enables the user to move material directly in and out of the interior chamber of the lock with just a few movements.. The user can now choose between processes for persons or material. Of course, the possibility of validating the system remains.

Flexibility in the production process
The newly designed decontamination locks are not only multifunctional, but also mobile, as, according to current studies, more than 35% of pharmaceutical processes change within one    year. The percentage is even higher in other life science productions. Ortner’s designers took this fact into account and have created a way of applying decontamination locks flexibly within an entire factory. To allow for this, the system has been designed as a high-performce, self-sufficient unit. All components necessary for its operation - such as control cabinet, fan, supply and exhaust air, or filter unit - have been integrated directly into the device, which is thus ready to be plugged in. By means of its four steerable and lockable heavy-duty wheels, the entire unit can be used wherever a special risk is to be prevented, a hazardous incident took place, or a production process requires it according to the requirements. In other words, the equipment follows the process, and not the other way round.

After the new location is chosen and the lock is positioned, the equipment is lowered for the respective operation via an integrated hydraulic unit. The seal of the decontamination lock is applied to the door frame of the respective room door and ensures that the pressure cascade is maintained.This extension makes decontamination locks even more flexible for fast changing production requirements.