A1 - Laminar Flow/Positive Pressure

Laminar flow air and positive pressure cleanroom design are ideal for non-hazardous, ultra-clean applications. Positive pressure mitigates dirt from entering the cleanroom when opening doors or pass-through chambers. Laminar airflow design ensures that air maintains a singular, uniform direction and velocity from intake to exhaust port. Terra's positive pressure cleanrooms include HEPA filtration systems capable of ISO Class 3 - ISO Class 8 air quality conditions. ULPA filtration units are available for the most sensitive ISO 3 - ISO 5 product applications including pharmaceutical compounding, semiconductor wafer processing, sterile packaging, and micro-nanofabrication.

A2 - Laminar Flow/Negative Pressure

A negative pressure laminar flow cleanroom is best suited for hazardous environments. Particularly, when the product is also sensitive or reactive to chemical, environmental, or particulate contamination. Negative pressure cleanrooms prevent the escape of toxic or hazardous air from the containment structure. Laminar airflow design ensures that air flows without interruption between intake and exhaust, which ensures that sterile or biologically sensitive samples remain pure and unadulterated. Terra's negative pressure cleanrooms provide capable and safe production environments for reducing operator hazards in high-risk applications such as USP 800 compounding, infectious disease research, and chemically intensive processes that require volatile chemical handling.

Terra manufactures and designs cleanrooms to BSL-1 and BSL-2 criteria. Some operations that fall under BSL-2 may require single-pass air that is filtered before being exhausted to the outside; others may allow recirculation of air and release of unfiltered exhaust air.

A3 - Ventilation/Negative Pressure

Negative pressure ventilation rooms are designed for handling chemicals that produce toxic, carcinogenic, or noxious vapors. Reverse-flow FFUs capture particles generated in localized cleanroom spaces to minimize contamination and ensure operator protection. Vapor removal FFUs eliminate trace amounts of VOCs from make-up air to prevent chemical fume contamination. Depending on the application, a containment room may require exit filtration: either HEPA/ULPA filters for particles and aerosols and/or carbon filters to remove chemical fumes.

A4 - Recirculation/Neutral Pressure

A neutral pressure cleanroom system is designed to ventilate environmental nuisances away from the operator; it is not intended to provide personnel or environmental protection against hazardous substances. In some cases, the environment does not require any specific ISO-rated classification, thus the primary purpose is to isolate particulates and aerosols that would otherwise congregate in adjacent areas or corridors. If it is safe to do so, a recirculating cleanroom allows filtration and reintroduction of room air and reduces heating and energy costs. Neutral pressure is the least energy-intensive when compared to positive and negative pressure designs. Recirculating negative pressure cleanrooms are commonly selected for purity testing, weighing, capsulizing, and packaging pharmaceutical powders.

A5 - Horizontal Flow/Positive Pressure

Horizontally configured cleanrooms are advantageous when vertical space and ceiling access is limited or extra tall ceiling requirements. Ceiling height is an important consideration for cleanroom design, especially for large objects found within aerospace, satellite, and telescope manufacturing environments. Horizontal flow cleanrooms introduce air from fan filter units mounted within sidewalls instead of traditional ceiling-mounted blowers. Air moves in parallel with the floor instead of perpendicularly. Air flows from a side-wall integrated with HEPA fan filter units and exits through a parallel wall with an integrated plenum for air return or exhaust. Wall-to-wall laminar airflow is advantageous when handling small parts and liquids which would otherwise be problematic for vertical floor cleanrooms with grated false-flooring.

C - Frame Material
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C1 - Stainless Steel (<20% or -5" Hg)

Unlike most competitors who offer only aluminum extruded frames, Terra Universal provides steel and stainless steel frame materials that maintain structural integrity far longer than aluminum under fire conditions. Terra Universal’s BioSafe stainless steel cleanrooms may be ideal for sterile applications since they are not affected by harsh wash-down chemicals.

Double-Wall Steel Panels
Double-wall panels, available in 304/316 stainless or powder-coated steel, create a freestanding structure for affixing a ceiling grid. Each panel consists of an inside and outside portion, which are joined by a compression ball-and-socket fastener. Once joined, the walls can be detached by means of magnetic-grip handles (not included). The hollow space created by these panels provides a convenient installation zone for electrical conduit, gas, and vacuum service line enhancing systems, cleanliness, and appearance. In controlled temperature applications, this void may be insulated to optimize thermal stability and reduce energy costs.

All Steel BioSafe Cleanrooms
Terra’s all-steel BioSafe® Modular Cleanroom creates a rigid, self-supporting structure without a separate frame or external bracing, a key advantage over other designs that require special permitting and contractor installation.

316L Stainless steel contains the same corrosion-resistant materials as 316 but includes the added benefit of lower carbon content—eliminating the opportunity for excessive metallic contamination and making cracking less likely. Both 316 and 316L can withstand chlorides and chlorinated solutions, such as Spor-Klenz® and Isopropyl Acetate.

C2 - Powder-Coated Steel

Terra's powder-coated steel cleanroom frames support free-standing softwall spans of up to 20 feet without internal posts or ceiling suspension cables. If necessary, reinforcements are provided for high-clearance, long-span rooms. Reinforcements ensure stability and additional seismic requirements for particle-sensitive samples and analytical instruments.

• Excellent for cleanroom applications
• Good weather resistance
• Good mechanical properties
• Good chemical resistance
• Excellent UV protection
• Good storage stability
• Underwriter Laboratories recognized component (UL approved)

D – Standard Components
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D1 - Filter Fan Units (FFUs)

Terra’s WhisperFlow® FFU’s feature UL-listed components and built-in baffles that quietly produce uniform laminar airflow across the face of the filter. UL-listed products meet the highest manufacturing standards and reduce the risk of damage, injuries, and electrical hazards.

Smart® Fan Filter Units with EC Motors provide annual energy savings of nearly $500 per fan filter unit. The control card features industry-standard MODBUS® networking, precision speed control (1-100%), and closed-loop control capability for air pressure, airflow, and particle count sensors.

Terra fan filter unit housings are configurable for room-side replaceable, explosion-proof, heated, and low-profile configurations. The same high performance fan filter units are found throughout Terra products including cleanrooms, laminar flow hoods, and containment systems. Filter fan units are stocked, pre-tested, crated, and ready for immediate shipment from Terra's distribution centers.

• Explosion-proof fan filter units are rated for hazardous areas and reduce fire or explosion risks
• Reverse flow fan filters evacuate contaminated air.
• Portable HEPA fan filter units allow rapid deployment and filtration of stagnant air.

D2 - LED Lights

Terra's LED flat panel troffer lights include dimmable brightness and 5 selectable color temperatures to achieve the perfect balance of light including 3000K / 3500K / 4000K / 5000K / 6500K. When paired with Terra's cleanroom control panels, lighting control is available from a centralized location out of the cleanroom. Terra's power distribution modules (PDMs) allow connection of lighting and fan filter via quick connections that do not require hardwiring. LED panels are available with integrated backup batteries that allow for up to an hour of continued visibility in the case of a power failure.

D3 - Control Panels

Cleanroom Control Panels centralize control of cleanroom lighting, power, fan speed, and assignable groups.

Standard Control Panels provide central control and connection of lights and filters. A Fan Filter Replacement Alarm provides a reliable, quantitative method for determining when a HEPA filter requires replacement. An optional Night Service Switch drops all Fan/Filter Units (FFUs) into a low-energy mode for nights and weekends.

Smart® Control Panels connect to EC FFUs for individual or grouped fan control and remote monitoring of room differential pressure, particle counts, temperature, and humidity. Robust systems offer advanced control for up to 200 fan filter units and 16 independently controlled rooms.

D4 - Power Distribution Modules (PDMs)

PDMs allow the addition of ceiling fan/filter units and lights to meet any cleanliness requirement or to upgrade ISO levels or lighting levels after installation. Terra’s PDMs use 3-pin or 4-pin quick connect fittings to power all FFUs, and lights, no matter the cleanroom size. Hardwiring is only required to connect the Primary, Secondary, Booster, and Duplex PDM modules. Because no additional hard wiring is required to connect and disconnect power to additional lights and fan filters, contractors save time, money, and resources during cleanroom installation, expansion, or modification.

D5 - Doors

Standard doors with aluminum frames are available in either single or double door configurations and a choice of acrylic or static-dissipative PVC panels.

Swing doors are either Left Hand Reverse (LHR) or Right Hand Reverse (RHR) when viewed from outside the cleanroom (dirty side) to minimize particulate impact on the cleanroom when the door opens.

Cleanroom doors on prehung frames install easily for negative or positive pressure cleanrooms. Choose from swing-out or sliding doors that are UL leak-rated and suitable for ISO 4 - ISO 8 environments.

BioSafe® 316L stainless steel doors have continuous seam welds for sterile and aseptic environments. Terra's BioSafe products forgo cracks and crevices known to harbor particles and microbes. Dual-pane, flush-mount windows minimize horizontal surfaces and crevices where contaminants collect.

Fire-rated doors include insulated double stainless steel walls, wire-free construction, and a fire-rated glass-ceramic viewing window that is impact resistant.

D6 - Windows

Terra's cleanroom windows are compatible with any cleanroom wall material or thickness and designed for compliance within healthcare, pharmaceutical, and GMP manufacturing applications. These easy-to-clean, hygienic windows enhance the visibility of operations and foot traffic without jeopardizing GMP design standards.

Flush-mount cleanroom windows easily and seamlessly install into modular and stick-built cleanrooms and labs. Developed specifically for aseptic requirements in bio-pharmaceutical and cGMP cleanrooms, these hygienic cleanroom windows bring more light and visibility to your workspace without compromising cleanliness requirements. Choose from easy-to-clean framed or frameless stainless steel designs. Fire-rated cleanroom window designs meet building code requirements to protect your employees, operations, and business.

D7 - Filter Replacement Alarm System

Fan filter replacement alarms provide automatic replacement alerts to avoid costly and unexpected operational interruptions. Alarms trigger an audible buzzer when differential pressure reaches an adjustable setpoint. Alarms provide a reliable method for establishing fan filter replacement intervals while also reducing the risk of electrical/fire hazards caused by overworked motors pushing against overloaded HEPA filters.

BioSafe® cleanroom windows include compression fittings for fast, hardware-free installation. Framed and frameless designs are compliant with BSL-rated rooms and ISO 4-compliant spaces.

Related: Cleanroom Window Types and Flushmount Advantages

E – Compatible Cleanroom Class
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ISO 14644-1 is a document issued by the International Standards Organization which classifies a controlled environment into six categories of air cleanliness. ISO 14644-1 supersedes previous standards for cleanroom testing and validation such as Federal Standard 209E (FS209E). While references to FS209E are still used, ISO 14644-1 is internationally endorsed for testing and validating a cleanroom that meets FDA, USP, GMP, CGMP, or EU standards. An ISO 14644-1 cleanroom is classified on a scale between ISO Class 3 to ISO Class 8. The ISO class for a particular room is determined for the entire room and not for individual components or materials.

Terra hardwall and BioSafe cleanrooms are configurable for the cleanest ISO 3 - 5 applications including wafer fabrication, microelectronics, nanotechnology, and sterile or biologically sensitive processes. Most industries fall within ISO 6 - ISO 8 cleanroom requirements including medical devices, general manufacturing, electronics assembly, food/beverage, and particulate or aerosol enclosures. Terra's modular hardwall configurations are available in steel, stainless steel, and plastic panels for ISO 5 - ISO 8 spaces with precise particulate and climate control requirements. ValuLine Softwall Modular Cleanrooms configurations are economical for less intensive or non-classified environments and available with preconfigured and ready-to-ship options.

F – Air Conditioning
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F1 - Temperature

Terra will work with a local HVAC contractor to provide an air control system that meets your cooling requirements and local codes. If the existing HVAC system cannot be used, Terra will provide the ducting and recirculation system that routes exhaust air to the compressor and delivers cool air to the ceiling FFUs in ample volume to maintain the desired air velocity inside the enclosure. Additional Cleanroom A/C Module provides economical cooling in facilities without adequate HVAC. Based on the cleanroom size, desired temperature, and heat dissipated inside the cleanroom, Terra will configure the appropriate number of AC units required for the space. With larger cleanrooms, Terra works with a local contractor to install a split A/C system, which moves the heat-generating compressor outside the building to reduce heat loads inside the facility.

F2 - Humidification

Terra’s Ultrasonic Humidifier is designed to be a turnkey system as an addition to your cleanroom. Simply place and rest the unit on an open 2’x4’ ceiling grid from above the cleanroom. No fasteners or gaskets are required to secure the unit in place. The system uses five ultrasonic transducers to generate mist and operates on only 150W, less power than conventional steam canister humidifiers. Humidification and dehumidification modules are controlled by a humidistat independent of the thermostat. The Ultrasonic Humidifier comes with a remote control to turn on the unit and set your desired RH levels (up to 100% RH).

F3 - Dehumidification

Cleanroom Dehumidification Modules use silica gel desiccant housed in a rotor to produce dry airflow.

F4 - AC Module Interface

Air Conditioning Modules provide economical cooling in facilities without adequate HVAC. Air Conditioning Modules incorporate dehumidification circuitry and are controlled by a humidistat independent of the thermostat. The unit includes a powder-coated steel air distribution plenum mounted to the external cleanroom wall, which provides conditioned air to up to six FFUs.

Terra can provide custom HVAC modules that operate similarly to an environmental test chamber, adjusting the supply air's temperature and humidity to maintain specific conditions within tight tolerances. This type of system is particularly useful when the environment immediately outside of the cleanroom experiences significant fluctuations in temperature or relative humidity.

G – Environmental Monitoring
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Smart® Fan Filter Power & Control Panels centralize control over assignable groups or specific targets when conducting cleanroom pressure-balancing, troubleshooting, or maintenance. An upgraded Smart Control System allows additional environmental sensors and FFU control to meet critical performance/monitoring requirements. A control panel assembly includes power controls for the Fan/Filter Units, lights, and is configurable for other integrations including temperature, humidity, particle counts, differential pressure, and air velocity sensors.

G1 - Temperature

Terra's thermometers, hygrometers, and data recording instruments help monitor, control, and document environmental conditions in your cleanroom or laboratory. Temperature, dew point, and humidity monitoring are essential for products with known sensitivities to heat, environmental drift, static, or trace moisture. Terra Universal provides decades of field-proven expertise and a wide selection of thermometers and sensors for complete room monitoring.

G2 - Humidity

Many labs and cleanrooms choose to maintain a 30% RH level. Anything more than that may cause other issues, such as damage to moisture-sensitive materials. Every Terra cleanroom is available with integrated sensors and monitoring equipment for measuring and recording relative humidity values within the cleanroom.

G3 - Differential Pressure

Magnehelic® Differential Pressure Gauges monitor room-to-room pressure or filter back-pressure. Digital and alarm models are available for activating alerts when pressures fall out of specification.

G4 - Particle Counting

Particle counters are available as standalone handheld units for spot-checking and validation, or as built-in modules for remote monitoring after connection to a centralized building management system (BMS) such as MODBUS.

H – Ventilation & Contaminate Control
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H1 - False Ceiling Exhaust

False Ceiling Exhaust: Use of a plenum mounted above the drop ceiling to divert air away from the work area. A false ceiling exhaust includes an array of ceiling-mounted reverse flow fan filter units. Reverse fan filter designs remove air from the work environment and port to an outside environment or dedicated HVAC exhaust. Reverse flow fan filter units mount to the ceiling grid and are available with integrated blowers, or with motorless designs for connection to a remote HVAC blower.

H2 - False Floor Exhaust (Complete Laminarity)

False Floor Exhaust: Raised grated or air-permeable flooring with bottom plenum underneath to achieve full airflow laminarity. False floor exhaust systems, also known as pass through floor exhausts, feature a grated flooring that provides unidirectional airflow and passage of contaminated air. Raised flooring is common for semiconductor applications and ideal for cleanroom classifications below ISO 5 to optimize vertical laminar flow.

p - Floor-Mounted Exhaust

Floor-Mounted Exhausts use side-wall plenums and floor-mounted air handlers to divert air away from the work area. The plenum is mounted directly to the frame and connects to ceiling ducts that exhaust air from the negative pressure room. Floor mount exhausts include internal airflow baffles to smooth corner flow and a pass vent at the bottom with an optional fixed position damper. Containment (negative pressure) rooms require customer furnished in-house exhaust systems capable of pulling the air volume required to create adequate negative pressure

H4 - Biosafety Levels I & II

Biosafety Level 1 is specified as work with well-characterized agents that are known to cause disease in healthy, non-immunocompromised adults. Special containment practices and devices are generally not required, but institutional laboratory practices must be implemented to reduce risk to laboratory personnel.

Biosafety Level 2 is specified as work that poses moderate hazards to personnel and the environment. Research or diagnostic activities that are administered with pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella, fall into this category. This Biosafety Level builds upon Biosafety Level 1; all of the precautions and practices spelled out in Biosafety Level 1 must be followed in addition to those found in Biosafety Level 2. Special containment practices and devices are generally required to mitigate risk to laboratory personnel.

I – Upgraded Features
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I1 - Ion Bars

Ionization bars neutralize electrostatic charges, a common requirement for mixing, packaging, or high-speed assembly lines. Static ionizing bars remove errant charges and have special importance for products with insulative properties.

I2 - Air Curtains

Air curtains produce a jetstream of ULPA Class 10 micro-filtered air at the entry and exit points of a controlled environment. Air curtains are ideal when doors are frequently opened or for doorless entryways. Operating modes include either motion sensor activation with adjustable delay or continuous operation.

I3 - Uninterrupted Power Supply

An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is only used to maintain power in the cleanroom for a brief time during an unanticipated power outage. A UPS guarantees uninterrupted visibility inside a cleanroom in the event of power loss and provides power for one light (LED or fluorescent) for one hour.

I4 - Cleanroom Emergency Lights

The cleanroom emergency light is an LED light with a backup battery that will remain on during a power outage so employees can see well enough to shut down operations, secure any sensitive products, and evacuate safely in the case that power cannot be immediately restored.

The LED light has a red/green indicator to inform employees after power has returned and the cleanroom is safe to re-enter. When receiving power, the light both operates normally and charges the emergency battery.

I5 - Germicidal UV Lights

UV sanitizing modules affix to the cleanroom ceiling grid to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. UV light is particularly effective when targeting resistant bacteria, mold/fungal spores, and gram-negative microbes. The UV-C Germicidal Lamps install on a cleanroom ceiling grid for line-of-sight room disinfection. A safety occupancy sensor switches off the UVC lighting to prevent radiation exposure when occupied.

I6 - Fire Detection System

Terra provides fire detection and suppression systems ideal for wet benches, exhaust fume lines, and locations involving volatile chemicals. Terra cleanrooms support traditional sprinkler and heat sensor configurations or CO2-based suppression systems. The FS System 7 is an integrated fire detection and CO2 suppression system that includes electro-optical sensors for detecting any type of hydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon fire, even through gas or vapor. A dual-stage alarm triggers an early warning for fires too small to be sensed by overhead sprinklers. An intelligent multi-stage response system prevents the damaging effects of fire suppression in the case that a small fire self-extinguishes or is suppressed rapidly. Terra engineers work with you to determine the fire suppression system appropriate for your requirements and local fire codes.

I7 - Fingerprint Scanner

Biometric fingerprint scanners prevent unauthorized access via shared keys or passwords while also providing data logging capability. An integrated proximity card reader enables two-factor authentication.

I8 - Iris Scanner

Fully automated iris scanner for secure, hands-free access (includes data logging and optional secondary keycard reader).

I9 - Keycard Reader

Keycard readers provide a durable and economical method for maintaining secured keycard access within a cleanroom facility. The low-profile device reads cards up to 3" away and integrates with access control software for data logging and remote monitoring.

I10 - Pass Through

General-Use Pass-Through Chambers are an economical choice for non-sterile items with a low risk of cross-contamination potential including samples, fluids, tools, packaging, or documents.

ValuLine™ Pass-Through Chambers are configurable with economical black acrylic, chemical resistance polypropylene, or stainless steel for unmatched cleanliness and durability within cleanrooms.

BioSafe® Pass-Through chambers with continuous seam welds eliminate hard-to-clean cracks and crevices that can harbor particles and germs. CleanSeam™ design conceals the door interlock mechanism behind the chamber’s wall for a completely unobstructed, easy-to-clean chamber interior.

I11 - Talk Through

Communication and vocal clarity are critical for successful outcomes within cleanrooms, laboratory, and hospital isolation environments. Mechanical and electronic talkthroughs allow easier communication between internal partitions or outside areas of the cleanroom. Both the mechanical and electronic talk throughs include cleanroom-grade components and are easy to mount in either a stick-built cleanroom wall or Terra hardwall modular cleanroom.

I12 - Interlocking Doors

Interlocking doors are common for passthrough chambers and air showers. The interlock prevents doors on either side of the enclosure from opening at the same time. Single side access helps to maintain airflow cascades between rooms of differing pressure and limits room pressure loss after opening and closing of doors.

J – Services
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J1 - Cleanroom Installation

Terra Universal is one of few cleanroom manufacturers to provide in-house engineering, in-house design services, and in-house component manufacturing from a single source. While most contractors rely on external engineering teams for drafting and floorplanning, Terra reduces layers of communications and simplifies facility planning and construction to a single point of contact. If requirements change, our modular design allows you to add filters, lighting, ionization, or additional floor space—all at a fraction of the cost you'd face with other systems.

J2 - White Glove Delivery

Terra Universal provides specialized freight service on a per-project basis. Extended delivery options include inside delivery and delivery after business hours. Terra is committed to ensuring the timely and safe delivery of your product. Terra provides product on-site placement and assembly services for facilities that lack the necessary equipment or expertise during the installation and startup process. Our shipment consolidation services provide our customers extended control over shipment and delivery dates by streamlining pickup and delivery times. In-transit freight consolidation ensures pickup and shipment of items at prespecified times. Items are transported from the factory as needed or held at a consolidation terminal for later delivery to the end destination within a prespecified time window.

J3 - FasTrak Expedited Production

Terra's FasTrak limited guarantee is to ship on or before the date specified or to refund up to 100% of FasTrak charges on the client's approved request. This guarantee does NOT cover direct, special, consequential, or other damages and is strictly limited to 100% of the amount paid for FasTrak service.

J4 - Cleanroom Certification

Terra Universal is the leading expert in the design and fabrication of critical environment applications. Terra offers end-to-end certification and testing services for cleanrooms, hoods, glove box isolators, biosafety cabinets, and lab equipment. Services include HEPA leak testing, airflow velocity, airborne particle counting, room pressurization, airflow visualization, ASHRAE 110, and volatile organic compound testing.

J5 - Cleanroom Equipment Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Terra Universal provides comprehensive, turnkey equipment validation packages on a per-project basis. Contact your Terra Universal product specialist to discuss project-specific requirements with our validation engineering team.

Services include:

• Installation Qualification
• Olierational Qualification
• lierformance Qualification
• Construction Qualification
• Factory Accelitance Testing
• Site Accelitance Testing
• User Requirement Sliecification
• Statement of Work
• Feasibility Study

J6 - Decontamination and Cleaning

The Terra Universal network includes trusted vendors for deep micro-cleaning after commissioning and regular cleaning services on a monthly, weekly, or as-needed basis. Through our critical environment cleaning professionals and the use of innovative technology, we make certain your cleanroom environment meets or exceeds the industry’s highest regulations for contamination control, maintenance and safety. We offer comprehensive decontamination service packages for a multiverse of cleanroom applications, gown rooms, vivariums, biomedical facilities, laboratories, and cold/dry rooms.

J7 - USP <797> Consultation

Terra Universal provides uncompromising informational and consultative support for USP 797 and USP 800 compliance. If applicable, Terra will offer a 60-minute phone call with staff compounding pharmacist (CPHA Policy Committee member) Dr. Chris Munoz. Terra USP compounding suites include (as requested) custom cleanroom drawings outlining dimensions, layout, and placement of HEPA filters.

Due to high demand for this consultation and the scope of service provided, Terra must require an up-front consultation fee that will be applied to the purchase of a Terra USP cleanroom; however, even those who do not purchase from Terra will receive cost-saving guidance far exceeding the price of this bundle.

J8 - Seismic Structural Analysis

Terra’s modular cleanrooms are designed with seismic safety in mind. Rigid steel frames and ceiling grids are designed with sufficient factors of safety to provide vertical and lateral strength recommended by professional engineers. Both hardwall and softwall designs can be installed to adhere to local seismic codes. Optional seismic and structural calculations can be drafted and stamped by a licensed PE to help meet municipal permitting requirements.

C – Cabinet Design
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C1 – Isolated Chambers: One way to improve moisture control and recovery is to compartmentalize a cabinet into isolated chambers. The multiple air spaces are thus independent and RH in one chamber is unaffected by access to adjacent chambers.

C2 – Rear Plenum for Improved Gas Distribution: Larger desiccator cabinets with single gas inlets are more susceptible to RH control problems caused by uneven gas distribution. A rear distribution plenum helps alleviate these problems. Instead of feeding a gas line directly into 1 chamber, the gas inlet feeds into a narrow wall plenum adjacent to all chambers. The plenum pressurizes and simultaneously distributes gas through small perforations in the wall to every chamber in the cabinet. Distribution plenums also allow for isolated chambers (mentioned above).

C3 – Requires Automatic Relief/Bleed (RB) Valve(s): RB valves provide continuous pressure relief while also functioning as a one-way check valve. Installing one on each chamber improves moisture and contamination control. Any contaminants that enter through an open door can exit out the same chamber without migrating to other areas. Desiccator cabinets with isolated chambers require one RB valve per chamber to safely de-pressurize and ensure rapid RH recovery.

C4 – Reinforced Doors with One-Piece Fused Gaskets: This seemingly small detail makes a big difference, as it is one of the most common features likely to break or malfunction on a desiccator cabinet. An unidentified leak or non-functioning “out of service” desiccator cabinet in a worst case scenario can lead to an extremely costly loss of materials. Through 40 years of refinement and attention to detail, Terra’s desiccator cabinets have been designed and tested to perfect this important feature for guaranteed long-lasting, easy to maintain, and reliable operation.

Desiccator cabinets reinforced with stainless steel frames lend rigidity for an improved seal, and extend the service life of the entire cabinet. Heavy-duty lift latches easily close to produce a strong seal and prevent metal-on-metal scraping common with rotary latches. The ergonomic design also minimizes stress on your wrists and pinching of fingers. Optional locking lift latches are also available (specify one per chamber). The door frame is lined with a one-piece durable, resilient, and chemical resistant “e” shaped rubber gasket. This flexible gasket compresses to provide a tight seal and is mechanically attached to the door so it won’t slip, peel, or deform over time. The doors are also completely removable for further cleaning, maintenance or repair.

D – Cabinet Materials
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D1 – Clear Acrylic (Plexiglass): Low cost and lightweight acrylic offers durability (17x impact resistance of glass) and superior clarity. The transparent walls help quickly find items anywhere inside, even those hiding in the back or bottom of the cabinet. Acrylic’s two main drawbacks (hidden costs) are low chemical resistance (acrylic is damaged by alcohol and many other cleaning agents), and poor protection from electro-static discharge (ESD).

D2 – Amber Acrylic: Amber acrylic adds to the benefits of clear acrylic by filtering out UV and blue light to protect light sensitive materials from degrading, or changing composition. Similar to clear acrylic, it shares the same two drawbacks: low chemical resistance and poor protection from ESD.

D3 – Static-Dissipative PVC (SD-PVC): SD-PVC not only dissipates static charges safely but also eliminates the particle attraction that static charges create. Surfaces stay clean, inside and out, making this material perfect for use in cleanrooms. SD-PVC is transparent and highly durable, it can be used in place of acrylic in nearly any application. It features a surface resistivity of approximately 10^7 ohms per square and is completely non-contaminating—with no measurable outgassing—and it resists a wide range of chemicals such as alcohol and other common cleaning agents.

D4 – Stainless Steel: Stainless steel desiccator cabinets have many benefits. They are ideal for heavy duty storage applications of large, bulky materials. Stainless steel is also suitable for sterile applications. It resists most harsh chemicals and alcohol-based cleaning agents, and won’t produce contaminants during sterilization. Lastly, unlike plastics, stainless steel is impermeable to moisture and therefore suitable for the most critical low humidity storage applications.

Terra offers 304 and 316L stainless steel. 316L-grade contains more nickel and molybdenum than 304-grade, enhancing its resistance to corrosion in wet environments, degradation from bleach-based disinfectants, and high-temperature sanitation, like autoclaving.

D5 – Electropolish Service: Electrochemical polishing improves the surface finish of stainless steel for increased chemical resistance, to support easy sterilization and reduce micro-cavities where microbes can colonize.

E – Other optional Accessories
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E1 – Nitrogen Generator: Compact and portable nitrogen generators eliminate the need for costly nitrogen gas cylinders and minimizes the risk of unplanned supply shortages. They provide complete control over rate and purity of nitrogen gas from 95% to 99% purity.

E2 – Ionizing Modules: Ionizers can be installed into the rear gas distribution plenum of a desiccator cabinet to help neutralize electro-static surface charges throughout a desiccator cabinet.

E3 – Locking Lift Latches: Locking Lift Latches help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive or valuable materials. Different keys can be assigned to each chamber for added security. Chambers can be further reinforced with locking brackets (for padlocks) and tamper-proof hinges.

F – Number of Chambers
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Terra stocks standard chamber configurations for each line of desiccators. In general, larger desiccators typically require more nitrogen or a more efficient RH control system, than smaller ones.

C - Vacuum Control
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Vacuum glove boxes are ideal for vacuum cycling and process gas backfilling. This provides a fast, economical way to achieve extremely low moisture and oxygen levels inside the chamber. During each cycle, a vacuum pump connected to the glovebox removes the chamber environment, and with it moisture and oxygen. Once air is removed, the chamber can be backfilled with an inert process gas until the chamber attains neutral pressure. This process is repeated as needed until oxygen or moisture concentration reach the desired level.

Advanced vacuum control modules automatically apply vacuum to maintain a precise set-point. They also help extend the service life of your vacuum pump by allowing continuous pump operation. Repeated starts and stops, especially under existing vacuum pressure, can lead to backstreaming of pump oil into the vacuum line, resulting in contamination and premature pump failure.

Terra also offers a complete line of vacuum pumps for laboratory and cleanroom operations that require clean, quiet performance.

C1 - Light Duty Vacuum (<20% or -5" Hg)

Terra’s stainless steel negative-pressure glove box designs offer a range of benefits for special applications that require only partial vacuum or slight negative pressure. Stainless steel outgasses less than acrylic, is easier to clean, has higher chemical resistance, and is well suited for higher temperature applications. Removable side panels and access doors also make it easy to transfer large equipment and materials. Continuous-seam welded vacuum glove box designs provide easy-to-clean interiors and reduce negative-pressure leak rates.

Application Note: The gloves cannot be used under negative pressure since the port covers must be shut while the chamber is under vacuum. The chamber must be back-filled to atmospheric pressure before materials inside the glovebox can be handled.

C2 - Full Vacuum (99.9% or -29.9" Hg)

Acrylic Vacuum Glove Box designs are built with one-inch-thick walls to hold full vacuum down to 29.9" Hg (99.9% vacuum). These heavy-duty transparent vacuum gloveboxes include a built-in vacuum airlock to allow materials transfer with minimal disruption to the internal controlled atmosphere.

Application Note: The gloves cannot be used under negative pressure since the port covers must be shut while the chamber is under vacuum. The chamber must be back-filled to atmospheric pressure before materials inside the glovebox can be handled.

D – Temperature Control
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D1 - Double-Wall Insulated Design

Double-wall, insulated glove box isolators boost thermal efficiency to create stable process temperatures and decrease the cost of heating and cooling cycles.

D2 - Constant Temperature Control System (-5°C to 49°C)

Constant temperature isolators provide cost-efficient stable heating and cooling cycles, making them suitable for accelerated-life testing of elastomers, fiber composites, and other materials.

Refrigerating and heating temperature control systems offer broad ranges, -20°F to +140°F (-29°C to 68°C). Temperature control systems can be paired with optional gas purge systems for humidity control (5% to 95% RH) and/or HEPA/ULPA filters to provide a low particle atmosphere.

D3 - Process Gas Heating (up to 176°C, 349°F)

Terra Universal’s Process Gas Heater provides a safe and accurate way to enhance a variety of sensitive operations requiring a heated process gas. Its programmable controller ensures safe, clean heating and provides over-temperature protection. Within a matter of seconds, it raises the temperature of the process gas (such as nitrogen, argon, or oxygen) up to 349°F. The thermostatic control ensures temperature stability. Its isolated heating system provides controlled heating without direct contact with the process gas for safe, non-contaminating operation.

The smart programmable temperature controller monitors and responds to gas temperature measured at either the outlet or inside a cabinet, continuously adjusting the temperature profile and guarding against temperature overshoot. A digital readout toggles between the user-defined set point and the actual gas temperature.

E – HEPA Filtered Air Flow
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A filtered glove box uses HEPA or ULPA filtration to enhance personnel and product protection by removing airborne particulates and powders inside the protective enclosure. These glove boxes are commonly used in labs that produce, mix, or package pharmaceutical or chemical powders. The Class 100/10 ultra-low particle environment also makes these units suitable for other material protection applications such as microelectronics, optics, cell culture, medical devices, micropropagation, genomics, proteomics, and cell biology.

Filtration glovebox systems are available in open-loop, closed-loop, and adjustable-flow configurations. They can also be configured for positive pressure to protect products inside the glove box, or negative pressure to protect personnel outside the glovebox.

E1 – Adjustable Open/Closed Loop Filtration

Adjustable-flow filtered glovebox systems offer the greatest versatility and are best for applications that require both open-loop and closed-loop circulation. Adjustable valves let you quickly switch modes and easily connect to external supply and exhaust systems.

E2 - Recirculating (Closed Loop) Filtration

Closed-loop filtration glove box systems continuously filter and recirculate air inside the glovebox, without introducing any ambient air. They are suitable for applications that require both a low-particle and controlled gas atmosphere. They can be combined with a process gas such as nitrogen to maintain a low-moisture, low-oxygen atmosphere inside the enclosure.

Some advantages of a closed-loop recirculating system include energy efficiency and protection from harmful process gases. A closed-loop design recycles preconditioned air or process gases to minimize heating, cooling, and consumption of process gas.

E3 - Single Pass (Open Loop) Filtration

Open-loop filtration glove box systems include an inlet and exit filter. The inlet filter removes microcontaminants from outside air drawn into the glove box. The exit filter captures fine particles from the exhaust, allowing the safe indoor release of exhaust air.

Single-pass configurations introduce filtered ambient air into the enclosure and are therefore not suitable for applications that require a low-moisture, low-oxygen, or similar controlled gas atmosphere.

F – Capacity
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F1 - Single Operator (Two Glove Ports)

Single operator configurations are both economical and compact, well-suited for smaller work areas, portable glovebox field-work, and equipment-dense areas in the lab.

F2 - Dual Operator (Four Glove Ports)

Multi-operator gloveboxes are widely customizable for optimal workflow. Samples often require passage from station to station and are introduced and removed via an air lock, which minimizes disruption of internal cleanliness and low-humidity conditions. Glove ports can be configured to the front, side, and/or rear of a glovebox with appropriate clearance.

One might consider other factors when opting for a larger, multi-operator glove box system. Selecting the ideal glove box system may also require long-term value consideration such as easy cleaning features, operator ergonomics, and upward compatibility.

G – Air Lock
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Airlocks mount on the right or left side of the glovebox to minimize cross-contamination when materials are transferred to and from the glovebox.

G1 - Inert Gas Air Lock

Inert gas airlocks are an economical option to minimize nitrogen loss and contamination inflow when materials are passed through the glove box. The airlock is connected to an inert gas line to purge out ambient air before the inside door is opened to allow materials to transfer into or out of the main chamber.

Inert gas airlocks are available in several configurations to streamline workflow. Airlocks can also be used to interconnect multiple gloveboxes in series.

G2 - Vacuum Antechamber

A vacuum antechamber can provide faster parts transfer than an airlock configured only with inert gas purge. After materials are loaded into the vacuum airlock, the operator uses a vacuum pump to initiate vacuum cycles that quickly remove ambient, moisture-laden air, and back-fill with an inert gas. The operator then opens the internal door from inside the glove box to bring materials into the work area.

G3 - Pass-Through Vacuum/Inert Gas Oven

High-performance vacuum ovens combine heat, inert gas, and negative pressure for the fastest removal of moisture and contaminants from materials transferring into a glovebox. They are designed to allow for easy attachment to the side of Terra’s stainless steel gloveboxes.

H – Upgraded Features
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H1 - Static-Neutralizing Ion Bar

Ionizing bars provide a continuous stream of static-neutralizing ions that minimize electrostatic charges. This helps protect sensitive electronics from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and enhances cleanliness by neutralizing static cling, when charges attract and hold particles to surfaces.

Terra’s ionizing bar uses state-of-the-art technology to generate a balanced stream of positive and negative ions to neutralize surface static charges and safeguard ESD-sensitive materials. Ionizing bars for gloveboxes include one fan per pair of emitters to uniformly distribute ions through the glove box enclosure. The system requires no calibration and automatically maintains ion balance of ± 50 volts.

H2 - Nitrogen Generator

Compact, high-capacity Nitrogen generators require only a compressed air supply for continued nitrogen gas production. On-site nitrogen generation eliminates the cost and inconvenience of a 3rd-party nitrogen tank supplier while also providing as-needed control over the quantity and quality of nitrogen produced. Terra’s N2 generators require no moving parts and consume little energy beyond a stream of compressed air.

H3 - Trace Oxygen Analyzer

Trace Oxygen Analyzers are perfect for high-precision oxygen detection inside a glovebox or similar enclosure. They are ideal for applications in which even minute concentrations of oxygen can degrade parts. Zirconium-oxide or electrochemical fuel cell sensor provides long service life, ppm-precision, and rapid response time for increased productivity.

H4 - Regenerating Gas Dryer

The AtmosPure Re-Gen Gas Purifier produces an ultrapure inert atmosphere for materials sensitive to moisture and/or oxygen by circulating an inert gas and removing oxygen and moisture inside the box. The Purifier has the capacity to remove up to five liters of oxygen (13,500 ppm) and 660 grams of moisture (18 million ppm) at standard temperature and pressure (STP). Depending on the application, glove box liner material and frequency of use, regeneration may be necessary only once every one to three months and completed in only 13 hours.

H5 - Duplex Outlets & Power Strips

Duplex outlets and power strips allow convenient operation of electrical equipment inside a glovebox. GFCI outlets are suitable for areas around liquids to help prevent electric shock and damage to your electrical devices.

H6 - Glovebox Stand With Casters

Terra’s ErgoHeight™ electric height adjustable workstations provide effortless height adjustment without the need to temporarily relocate heavy and expensive process equipment. They are tested by UL to meet the strictest safety and stability standards.

Rigid glovebox stands offer a heavy-duty alternative. They are constructed of all-welded 1.5” steel square tubing for maximum stability. They are available in stainless steel or with a clean and durable powder coat finish.

Optional casters provide mobility to glovebox stands for easy transportation or to clean around the work area.

H7 - Removable Rear Wall

A removable rear wall panel allows for transfer of large equipment into the main glove box chamber, and facilitates cleaning inside the glovebox. Foam gasket around the perimeter minimizes leaks. Removable rear panels are generally not opened while the glovebox is maintaining a controlled atmosphere.

H8 - Removable Side Panels

Removable gasketed side panels allow easy introduction of large process equipment or retrofitting of air locks and adjacent gloveboxes. Stainless steel gloveboxes feature an innovative clamping mechanism with only two screws per side that allows for quick installation in minutes.

H9 - Side Access Door

Side access doors facilitate the transfer of larger equipment that may not fit through a smaller size airlock and simplify cleaning inside the glovebox. They are generally not opened while the glovebox is maintaining a controlled atmosphere.

H10 - Full View Front Window

Full-view gloveboxes combine the full visibility of transparent plastic glove boxes with the strength and processing capabilities of a 304 stainless steel chamber. The entire front side of the glovebox is replaced with a window that includes built-in gloveports. They are ideal for gloveboxes with equipment or operations that require more vertical space.

H11 - Tilt-Up Front Viewing Window

Tilt-up front windows allow convenient transfer of large materials or equipment into a glovebox. They also help simplify cleaning inside the glovebox. Hinges and lift latches make it easier to use than a removable panel that would need to be unscrewed and detached. Tilt-up windows are generally not opened while the glovebox is maintaining a controlled atmosphere.

H12 - Germicidal UV Lamp

A UV sanitizing module neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and mold spores inside the glovebox. UV light is particularly effective when targeting resistant bacteria, mold/fungal spores, and gram-negative bacteria.

H13 - USP <797> Compliant

Laminar Flow Glove Box Isolator (LFGI) designs meet USP 797 and ISO Class 5 for sterile compounding of pharmaceuticals. A HEPA filtration module provides clean, positive pressure air in accordance with ISO 5 requirements. A separate antechamber allows the introduction of materials without contaminating the main work area.

H14 - IV Bar

An IV bar is an integrated rod for hanging IV bags during laboratory processes, pharmaceutical compounding, or medical research applications.