For this project, Rheo designed and built a hard-wall containment isolator for use during a weigh and dispense process. The isolator was equipped with two airlock chambers (right and left) and a three-glove main chamber. All chambers were equipped with nitrogen connection ports to allow the client to inert the isolator. All doors and windows were sealed with EPDM inflatable seals. The main chamber was designed for use with a customer scale, placed inside the isolator, allowing operators to sub-divide powders from raw material containers into smaller containers to weight. The isolator was equipped with an Allen Bradley touch screen HMI and automated oxygen % setpoints. The oxygen level in the airlock chambers and main chambers was monitored by the PLC and used to manage the interlocking doors, which would prevent opening unless the limiting oxygen concentration (LOC) threshold was satisfied, thus ensuring that the oxygen sensitive material could not be handled in an oxygen-rich environment. The control panel and all electronics were rated for the Class I Division 2 solvent vapor environment.
