Glovebox Feedthroughs

There are two types of gloveboxes that are mostly unrelated. The glovebox in your vehicle is a convenient location on the passenger side of your vehicle to fit a pair of gloves for those cold morning commutes.

A glovebox enclosure is utilized in the test and measurement space as an enclosure for testing and isolation. Unlike a vacuum chamber which eliminates atmosphere, the glovebox enclosure, especially those equipped with glove box electrical feedthroughs is hermetically sealed to isolate the user from the pressurized environment. Gloves are designed and mechanically installed to let the operator move items within the enclosure as needed while not exposing the user to the environment.

Gloveboxes are designed and manufactured for various uses. From pharmaceutical and laboratory testing to industrial and radiation environments, gloveboxes have a host of uses. Generally, instrumentation and controls are installed within the glovebox. Feedthroughs, crucial for industrial glove boxes, provide the ability to transmit power for the equipment or the signal. This can include optical fibers for more advanced systems. Microscopes, cameras, and sensors are some of the most popular types of instruments used with glovebox assemblies.

Feedthroughs for gloveboxes are an essential aspect of glovebox design, as they are specifically engineered to transmit power or signals into or out of the enclosure. They require a hermetic seal to ensure that there is no leakage past the feedthrough, keeping the inside environment as intended and the operator’s environment also free from hazards. Glovebox feedthroughs can encounter some chemical and radiation exposure, depending on the type of testing being conducted. Douglas Electrical Components manufactures hermetically sealed feedthroughs that are compatible with various liquids and gases.

Yes, in harsh environments, a robot can be an expensive, yet safer alternative. This can include environments with radiation as well as detonation testing. Robotics require feedthroughs to feed the power to operate and signal to control. Douglas partners with glovebox manufacturers as well as owners and operators to design and manufacture the best solution for the tests being conducted.

A positive pressure glove box, like a sealed glove box, ensures that the internal pressure remains higher than the surroundings. This prevents contaminants from entering, making it ideal for applications where a clean and controlled environment is essential, like in semiconductor manufacturing.