• Items are placed inside the VHP PassBox chamber.

• Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) is introduced into the chamber for decontamination.

• VHP sterilizes surfaces by penetrating and eliminating microorganisms.

• After the decontamination cycle, the vapor is neutralized.

• The items are then safely transferred into the cleanroom or sterile area.

• Support stand or Base box

• Door release buttons

• Interlock release rocker switches

• Buzzer system (to alert personnel on the opposite side during material transfer)

• Intercom system

• Fan fault alarms with customized blowers

• Lead shielding

• Roller Conveyors (only for DFLH)

• Auto sliding PVC doors (only for DFLH)

• Rails to hang gowns (only for DFLH)

1. What is a VHP passbox?

A VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) passbox is a specialized chamber used in cleanroom environments to transfer materials in and out while maintaining contamination control. It uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate objects before they enter the cleanroom or other sterile environments. This ensures that no harmful microorganisms are carried into the controlled space.

2. How does a cleanroom VHP passbox work?

VHP passboxes work by introducing vaporized hydrogen peroxide into the chamber, where it envelops the materials placed inside. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide penetrates the surfaces, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. After a set decontamination cycle, the vapor is neutralized and the contents can be safely transferred into the cleanroom environment.

3. What is the purpose of a VHP passbox in a cleanroom?

The purpose of a VHP passbox in a cleanroom is to provide a controlled transfer point for materials and equipment while ensuring they are decontaminated before entering the sterile environment. This helps prevent the introduction of contaminants and maintains the cleanliness and integrity of the cleanroom space. The VHP passbox ensures both safety and compliance with stringent cleanliness protocols in sensitive areas.

4. What is the difference between a VHP passbox and a standard passbox?

A VHP passbox differs from a standard passbox in that it uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) for decontamination, while a standard passbox typically relies on air pressure or simple physical barriers to prevent contamination. The VHP passbox provides an added layer of sterilization, ensuring that the materials entering the cleanroom are free from pathogens.

5. How do you use a VHP passbox in a cleanroom?

To use a VHP passbox in a cleanroom, first place the items to be transferred into the chamber. Close the passbox doors tightly to seal the area. The VHP system will then release hydrogen peroxide vapor inside the passbox, decontaminating the items. Once the decontamination process is complete, the vapor is neutralized, and the items can be safely removed from the passbox to enter the cleanroom.

6. What are the benefits of using a VHP passbox in cleanrooms?

Using a VHP passbox in cleanrooms offers several benefits:

• Effective sterilization of items before entering sterile environments

• Prevention of contamination from outside sources

• Compliant with strict cleanliness protocols for high-risk environments

These benefits make VHP passboxes an essential tool for maintaining cleanliness in pharmaceutical, medical, and laboratory settings.

7. Can VHP passboxes be used in pharmaceutical environments?

Yes, VHP passboxes are commonly used in pharmaceutical environments to ensure that materials and equipment are sterilized before entering controlled spaces. They help meet the rigorous contamination control standards required in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where even the smallest contamination could affect product quality and safety.

8. How do VHP passboxes help with contamination control?

VHP passboxes help with contamination control by using vaporized hydrogen peroxide to kill microorganisms on surfaces before items enter a cleanroom or sterile environment. This ensures that no harmful pathogens are carried into controlled spaces, which is critical for industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical device manufacturing.

9. Are VHP passboxes suitable for use in sterile environments?

Yes, VHP passboxes are designed specifically for use in sterile environments. They ensure that materials and equipment entering the cleanroom are free from contamination by decontaminating them with vaporized hydrogen peroxide. This makes them highly suitable for industries that require high standards of sterility, such as pharmaceuticals, medical research, and food processing.

10. How do you maintain a VHP passbox?

Maintaining a VHP passbox involves regular cleaning and periodic calibration of the system. It’s important to clean the interior of the passbox to prevent any buildup of contaminants. Additionally, the VHP generator and vapor distribution system should be inspected and tested to ensure they are functioning properly. Regular maintenance ensures the passbox remains effective at sterilizing materials before they enter cleanrooms.

11. What materials are VHP passboxes made from?

VHP passboxes are typically made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel. These materials are chosen because they are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that the passbox remains hygienic and free from contaminants. Stainless steel is also resistant to the harsh chemicals used in the VHP sterilization process.

12. What are the typical sizes of a cleanroom VHP passbox?

The size of a cleanroom VHP passbox can vary depending on the specific needs of the cleanroom and the type of items being transferred. Typical sizes range from small units designed to hold only a few items at a time to larger passboxes capable of handling bulkier equipment. The size should be chosen based on the volume of material to be processed and the available space in the cleanroom.

13. How long does it take for a VHP passbox to decontaminate items?

The decontamination process inside a VHP passbox typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the load and the specific VHP system in use. The cycle includes the vaporization of hydrogen peroxide, its exposure to the items inside the passbox, and the neutralization of any remaining vapor before opening the passbox doors.

14. Can VHP passboxes be used in medical facilities?

Yes, VHP passboxes are commonly used in medical facilities to ensure that medical instruments, devices, and other equipment are decontaminated before being introduced into sterile areas such as operating rooms and laboratories. The use of VHP passboxes helps minimize the risk of infection and ensures compliance with strict sterilization standards.

15. How does VHP passbox decontamination compare to other methods?

VHP passbox decontamination is highly effective, especially in environments that require a high level of sterility. Compared to other decontamination methods such as UV or chemical sprays, VHP offers better penetration into hard-to-reach areas and more thorough sterilization. It also doesn’t leave residue, which is important in cleanrooms where even minor contamination can be problematic.

16. What is VHP in a VHP passbox?

VHP stands for Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide, which is the active agent used in the passbox to sterilize materials. VHP is a powerful sterilizing agent that can penetrate various surfaces and eliminate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ensuring that items entering the cleanroom are free from contamination.

17. How do you calibrate a VHP passbox?

Calibrating a VHP passbox involves testing the system to ensure that the vaporized hydrogen peroxide is being distributed evenly and effectively. Calibration is typically done using specialized equipment that measures the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide vapor and ensures that it falls within the required levels for effective decontamination. This process helps maintain the reliability and efficiency of the passbox system.