Pass Boxes
Pass Boxes | Cleanroom Pass Through | Pass Through Boxes | Pass Through Hatches | Transfer Hatches
The pass box (also called cleanroom pass through, pass through box, pass through hatches or transfer hatches) is a cleanroom equipment mainly used for transferring small or big materials between clean zones or from non-clean zone to clean zone. It can effectively avoid the frequent opening of cleanroom doors, minimizing the risk of cross contaminations between rooms, which is widely used in pharmaceutical, food processing, electronics, biological laboratories, and other industries that need air purification.
As an experienced pass boxes manufacturer in China, we can design and produce pass boxes in line with ISO 14644 or GMP standards, also we can customize the sizes, materials and other specifications according to your cleanroom layout, and you are welcome to contact us to tailor your pass box solutions.
Pass Boxes Solutions
We can design and manufacture four types of pass boxes, static pass box, dynamic pass box, air shower pass box, and VHP pass box, for meeting requirements of various environments.
Static pass boxes are equipped with interlocks and ultraviolet light, which are mainly installed between clean zones with same cleanliness for preventing cross containments. Dynamic pass boxes are fitted with HEPA filters, which are mainly used for transfering materials from clean zones with low cleanliness level to that with high cleanliness level. Air shower pass boxes are equipped with air shower nozzles on the top, dust particles can be blown off by air that purified by built-in HEPA filters at speed more than 20m/s.
Different from pass boxes mentioned above, VHP pass boxes are fitted with VHP(Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) sterilizers instead of traditional ultraviolet lights, which can thoroughly sterilize, and they are widely used in pharmaceutical, medical, laboratories and other industries.
Features
- Doors adopt flush design for cleaning easily without collecting dust.
- The material of pass box body are optional with high quality stainless steel and painted cold-rolled steel.
- The interiors of pass box adopt coving design, which is smooth and easy to clean.
- Interlocking system are equipped to prevent from cross-contamination.
- Wall mounted or floor mounted installation method are available based on requirements.
- Special sealing strips are equipped to ensure airtightness.
Pass Boxes Manufacturer-The Complete FAQ Guide
Learn more about the pass box with this guide. We prepare some questions and answers for you.
- What Is A Cleanroom Pass Box?
- What Are the Main Types of Cleanroom Pass-through Boxes?
- What Are the Main Materials Used for Pass-through Boxes?
- What Are the Main Types of Interlocking Systems for Pass-Through Boxes?
- What Parameters Are Needed to Get A Quotation for A Pass-through Box?
- Why Choose KINROM Pass-Through Boxes?
- How Is A Pass Box Installed?
What Is A Cleanroom Pass Box?
A cleanroom pass box, also known as a pass-through box, pass-through hatch or transfer hatch, is a specialized purification device designed for transferring materials between clean zones, or between clean and non-clean areas. It utilizes physical isolation and an interlocking control system to effectively block the transfer of contaminants with materials, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
Picture 1 Cleanroom Pass Box
What Are the Main Types of Cleanroom Pass-through Boxes?
Cleanroom pass-through boxes can be categorized into four main types based on their purification mechanisms and functional capabilities, designed to meet various cleanliness levels and process requirements for material transfer:
1. Static Pass-Through Box
Serves as the basic model, providing core features including mechanical/electronic interlocking and an enclosed chamber. It relies on physical isolation to prevent air exchange between different zones but lacks active purification capabilities.
Applications: Suitable for transfer of materials with low cleanliness requirements (e.g., packaging materials) in ISO Class 7-8 (10,000 to 300,000 grade) areas.
Key Features: Cost-effective, simple and reliable structure.
2. Dynamic Pass-Through Box
An advanced version of the static box, integrating a HEPA filter and an airflow circulation system. It actively purifies the internal air by removing airborne particles and some microorganisms.
Applications: Used for transferring sterile packaging, precision components, etc., in ISO Class 6-7 (1,000 to 10,000 grade) cleanrooms or areas requiring sterile conditions.
Key Features: Offers a balance between purification capability and cost-effectiveness.
3. Air Shower Pass-Through Box
An enhanced self-cleaning model that utilizes high-velocity clean air jets (typically ≥20 m/s) to forcibly remove stubbornly adhering dust from material surfaces.
Applications: Designed for handling dust-generating materials (e.g., API powders, fine chemical powders) in ISO Class 5-7 (100 to 10,000 grade) high-standard clean areas. Not suitable for lightweight items that may be displaced by the airflow.
Key Features: Highly effective for particulate removal from challenging materials.
4. VHP Pass-Through Box
The highest-grade solution for sterile transfer. It employs VHP (Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide) fumigation technology to achieve sterilization-level decontamination of the entire chamber and material surfaces, effectively eliminating all microorganisms including spores.
Applications: Essential for core sterile areas such as injectable production lines and biosafety laboratories, compliant with ISO Class 5 (100 grade) and above.
Key Features: Provides the highest level of sterility assurance for critical applications.
The selection of an appropriate pass-through box depends on specific material characteristics (e.g., dust generation, sterility requirements) and the cleanliness differential between the source and destination areas. These four types form a complete functional progression from basic isolation to active purification, powerful dust removal, and ultimate sterilization assurance.
What Are the Main Materials Used for Pass-through Boxes?
The material selection for pass-through boxes directly impacts their durability, cleanability, and corrosion resistance. The primary materials used are detailed below, with the choice depending on the specific application environment and requirements.
1. Stainless Steel – The Primary & Preferred Material
This is the most commonly used and recommended material for cleanroom pass-through boxes, primarily available in two grades:
304 Stainless Steel: The standard choice. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Its smooth, non-porous surface facilitates easy cleaning and disinfection, meeting the requirements of the vast majority of cleanroom environments. It represents the best cost-performance ratio.
316L Stainless Steel: The premium choice. The addition of molybdenum grants it superior resistance to chemical corrosion, particularly against chlorides and acidic cleaning agents. It is highly recommended for demanding environments such as biopharmaceuticals, food processing, or any high-humidity, high-corrosion-risk areas where potent disinfectants are used.
2. Powder-Coated Carbon Steel – The Economical Alternative
This option uses a carbon steel base with a protective layer formed by electrostatic powder coating.
Advantages: Lower cost and available in various colors (typically white).
Disadvantages: The underlying base material is prone to rusting if the coating is scratched or damaged. Its overall durability and chemical resistance are inferior to stainless steel. It is generally suitable for general-purpose environments with lower cleanliness and durability demands.
What Are the Main Types of Interlocking Systems for Pass-Through Boxes?
The interlocking system is the core mechanism that ensures the barrier function of a pass-through box. It primarily comes in the following two forms, with complexity and functionality increasing progressively.
1. Mechanical Interlock
Working Principle: Utilizes a purely mechanical linkage system (e.g., levers, cams) where the open/closed state of one door physically controls the bolt of the other door. When one door is open, the mechanical structure directly engages the lock of the other door, preventing it from being opened.
Key Characteristics:
High Reliability: Does not require electrical power and is unaffected by circuit failures, offering high reliability.
Forced Sequence: Strictly enforces a “close before open” sequence.
No Status Indication: Lacks built-in visual or audible status alerts.
Application: A cost-effective basic solution for budget-conscious projects, areas without power, or low-risk zones with simple functional requirements.
2. Electronic Interlock
Working Principle: Employs magnetic sensors (reed switches) or micro-switches to detect door status. These signals are sent to a dedicated control module, which then controls the power to electromagnetic locks based on preset logic, thereby locking or releasing the doors.
Key Characteristics:
Intelligent Control: Enables advanced features like time delays, status indication, and error alarms.
Status Monitoring: Typically includes indicator lights to show current status and can integrate buzzer alarms.
High Flexibility: Can be easily integrated with other functions such as interior lighting or self-cleaning systems.
Application: The preferred choice for most modern cleanrooms, especially medium to high-grade areas requiring status visibility, functional integration, and higher management standards.
What Parameters Are Needed to Get A Quotation for A Pass-through Box?
To receive an accurate and timely quotation for a pass-through box, providing the following key parameters is essential. The more details you can provide, the more precise the quotation will be.
1. Type
Specify the required type based on your contamination control needs:
Static Pass-Through Box
Dynamic Pass-Through Box
Air Shower Pass-Through Box
VHP Pass-Through Box
2. Dimensions
Provide the internal dimensions (Width × Depth × Height in mm), which are critical for ensuring your items fit. Also, specify the wall thickness for installation.
3. Material
Define the material specification for the main body and doors:
Primary Material: painted galvanized steel, 304 Stainless Steel or 316L Stainless Steel.
4. Quantity
Indicate the number of units required for the initial purchase. This significantly impacts pricing and lead time.
Why Choose KINROM Pass-Through Boxes?
KINROM pass-through boxes are engineered to deliver unmatched reliability, compliance, and value for your critical material transfer applications. Our solutions are built on a foundation of precision engineering and deep industry insight, offering distinct advantages that set us apart.
1. Superior Contamination Control & Compliance
Advanced Interlocking Systems: We provide robust mechanical or intelligent electronic interlocks to absolutely prevent both doors from opening simultaneously, ensuring complete segregation between different cleanliness zones.
Certified Filtration (For Dynamic & Air Shower Models): Equipped with high-efficiency HEPA filters (99.99% on 0.3µm), our dynamic pass-through boxes maintain a certified clean internal environment, fully compliant with GMP, ISO, and other international standards.
2. Premium, Durable Construction
High-Grade Materials: We primarily use 304 or 316L stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and longevity.
Hygienic Design: Featuring seamless, coved interior corners and smooth surface finishes (brushed or mirror polish), our boxes are designed for easy cleaning and minimal particle retention.
3. Customized Solutions for Your Exact Needs
We understand that one size does not fit all. KINROM excels at providing tailored solutions:
Flexible Configurations: Customized sizes, materials, and specific functional modules (e.g., UV lamp, view window, control system interfaces).
Adaptation to Various Scenarios: Whether you need a basic static model for a warehouse or a complex VHP sterilizing pass-through for a sterile core, we can engineer the right solution.
4. Intelligent Control & User-Friendly Operation
Smart Control Systems: Our electronic interlock models feature user-friendly interfaces with clear status indicators (LED lights, alarms) and can be integrated with building management systems for enhanced monitoring and control.
Operational Efficiency: Features like timed self-cleaning cycles and safety interlocks streamline workflows and reduce human error.
5. Proven Reliability & Expert Support
Robust Performance: Built with quality components and stringent quality control, KINROM pass-through boxes are designed for long-term, trouble-free operation.
Professional Partnership: We offer more than just products. Our expert team provides comprehensive technical support, from initial consultation and installation guidance to after-sales service, ensuring optimal performance throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.
