Nanoparticles are ultrafine particles sized between 1 and 100 nanometers. And as anyone who has experienced a houseful of drywall dust knows, the finer the material, the harder it is to contain.
ILC Dover, a maker of flexible materials and enclosures for the pharmaceutical industries, aerospace and personal protection, is cooperating with the Nanotechnology OEHS Campus and nanoTox Academy in Austin, Texas to improve the containment of nanoparticles and the safety and efficiency of nanomaterial transfer.
Nanoparticles, which fall between between bulk materials and atomic or molecular structures in size, are of great interest because they can be used to create nanomaterials that range from catalysts for refining crude oil to alloys that are stronger and more resilient than steel. As industry analyst Jim Pinto mentioned in his article on nanomanufacturing automation, “As more companies and institutions establish nanotech programs, they will require the tools for R&D and manufacturing. The growth markets will be for improved equipment specifically for nanomanufacturing processes.”
Nanoparticles present possible dangers, both medically and environmentally, and can very reactive. The nanomaterials created also need to be safety stored and transferred. Flexible containment systems are engineered to contain powder transfers, and range from single use transfers to multi-use flexible enclosures. “Nanomaterial-containing products can eliminate the need for expensive stainless steel isolators, reduce product loss via exhaust ventilation, and reduce downtime caused by cleaning that is needed in uncontrolled processes. In addition, product quality is maximized by eliminating cross contamination issues,” says Alan George, business development manager for the Commercial Containment Products group of ILC Dover, Frederica, Del.
ILC Dover pioneered flexible containment for the pharmaceutical industry 16 years ago, and is the designer and manufacturer of NASA space suits. They also manufacture a variety of engineered film and fabric products and flexible systems for things like rare earth material processing and food processing, including prevention of allergen cross contamination. Now they are addressing nanoparticle processing operations, including reactor charging, weighing, blending and particle sizing, as well as vessel charging and offloading.
In its partnership with the Nanotechnology OEHS Campus and nanoTox Academy, ILC Dover collaborates with manufacturers, researchers, educators and government agencies to develop the most effective approach for each specific application, says George. "We look to help create a safe working environment using our standard solutions, but we also specialize in custom exposure control designs so that the right tool is provided for the right process,” he adds.
The nanoTox Academy and Nanotechnology OEHS Campus were formed to provide Occupational, Environmental, Health and Safety (OEHS) training associated with developing, processing and manufacturing nanomaterials in the real world. The goal is to provide industry professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully manage OEHS activities within their day-to-day operations.
Don Ewert, vice president of field services at nanoTox, said, “We are extremely pleased that ILC Dover has agreed to become a component of our training efforts. Their willingness to share leading-edge expertise with attendees looking for the best possible engineering controls when processing nanoparticles is a great addition to these programs.
“Our focus is to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to better manage their responsibilities, avoid complications due to confusing regulatory interpretations, and to effectively improve the quality of occupational health programs within this industry. Our Boot Camp programs, together with the other training venues we’ve designed, are comprehensive, engaging and understandable for not only the advanced practitioner, but beginners as well.”
Cross-industry application of successful containment technology can only help both beginner and advanced nanomanufacturers be successful.
