Pass through box

Types of pass-through box

There are several types of hyster propane cylinder, and some of the most common ones are discussed below. The categorization of these types is based on the design, application, and operation.

Standard Pass-Through

This is the most simple and common type of model. These boxes usually do not have any doors and are found in clean zones. They help in providing a clear demarcation between different areas. The products' users are expected to open one side of the box so the item can be delivered to the other side. While this is a simplified mechanism, it has been proven to be very effective.

Sliding Door Pass-Through

Unlike the standard type that you need to pull and push to deliver items from one side to another, this one comes with sliding doors. These types are useful in areas where they do not have space for models that have swinging doors. The sliding doors can be manual or automated, depending on the setup.

Automatic Pass-Through

These pass-throughs have automatic doors that open when an item is placed or requested. They are useful when hands-free operations are required.

Refrigerated Pass-Through

These are mechanized boxes used to store slush drinks at a required and ideal temperature. The primary function of this type is temperature control. This type of pass-through is typically found in food storage and medical supply environments. They are ideal for places that want to maintain a set temperature for food or pharmaceuticals. These boxes cool items on one side before passing through to the other side.

Customized Pass-Through

These are specially made to nut specific needs. These pass-through doors are often designed based on specific requirements, be they functional or aesthetic. Such models can come in any form, from those that need to deal with hazardous materials to those that match a certain interior design.

Radiation Shielded Pass-Through

Undoubtedly, the most specialized type of pass-through cabinet in this category would be the radiation shield ones. These boxes are specially designed for pharmaceutical and nuclear medicine facilities to store and transmit items with radioactive content safely. They control the radiation emission in the surrounding area.

These are just some of the most standard options available in the market. There are also other options on the market but are rarely used. The choice of type mainly depends on the industry requirements and the needs of the end users.

Function, Feature, and Design of pass-through box

Function

The purpose of the pass-through box has already been highlighted in the above sections. To provide a solution for transferring items safely, efficiently, and without contamination, these models help streamline operations in a variety of regulated industries and environments.

Features

Some of the features available in the pass-through boxes include the following:

• Doors: Depending on the type of pass-through can have swinging, sliding, or automatic doors. Among the most common features of pharmaceuticals and food sections.
• Materials: The pass-through boxes are mainly made of stainless steel. For one, it prevents corrosion, making it easy to clean. This is one of the most durable and non-porous materials used for constructing a pass-through box.
• Seals and Gaskets: A good pass-through always has proper sealing. These seals and gaskets are designed to prevent leakage and ensure airtight or watertight functionality where required.
• Interlocks: These are mechanisms found in most standard and automatic types. These are only released if the other side's door is closed and locked.
• Size and Capacity: These boxes come in various sizes. From small ones that are ideal for carrying efficient documents to large ones suitable for moving large equipment, the sizes are many. The capacity mainly depends on the specific needs of the users.
• Temperature Control: The refrigerated pass-through boxes come with cooling or heating mechanisms. That means they have an ideal function that helps maintain specific temperatures.
• Aesthetic Design: While the primary purpose of the pass-through is functionality, many manufacturers focus on making the boxes look good. This is especially to those who need the pass-through to complement the interior design; several options are available with appealing finishes and designs.

Design

The design of a pass-through not only determines its functionality but also its efficiency in operation. Some of the most design considerations for a pass-through box include the following:

• Ergonomics: In terms of ease of use and accessibility, this is an important factor that affects the efficiency of operation.
• Interior Layout: The inner space of the pass-through should be clear of obstruction. It ensures that items can move easily from one side to the other. Even the smallest obstacles can lead to inefficiencies. The layout should be smooth and free from all kinds of obstruction.
• Locking Mechanisms: These help restrict access to only those authorized individuals to use the pass-through. The interlock design should be simple and ensure that the operations are safe and secure.
• Durability and Maintenance: The materials and design choices that manufacturers come with greatly impact the maintenance levels required for the equipment and how long it lasts.
• Customization Potential: As mentioned before, the features play a very important role in making the equipment easy to use and safe. The design allows for several additional features to be integrated into the system, thus enhancing the functionalities.
• Energy Efficiency: For those pass-through boxes with operational components, energy efficiency should always be considered. This will significantly reduce the costs of running an organization.

Scenarios of pass-through box

There are many applications of pass-through box scenarios. Below are some of the most common.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical companies have to adhere to high CGMP standards. Hence why they use pass-throughs to move materials without any contamination. Radiation shielded pass-throughs are majorly used in the areas that handle radioactive drugs. In contrast, refrigerated types are used for storing temperature-sensitive products.

Food Industry

The food processing industry uses pass-through a lot. They help transfer raw materials, tools, and equipment between clean and dirty zones without contaminating food. Sliding or automatic doors are popular in high-traffic food-processing areas.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry also must deal with the issues of infection control and the safety of products. Pass-through cabinets are primarily used in sterile compounding, laboratory testing, and biomedical research to move sensitive materials safely. In hospitals, they are used to transport drugs, medical equipment, and waste between departments.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies have workers who are always transferring equipment, parts, and tools through a workplace. Hence why they primarily use pass-through tools to move items across different areas of production.

Data Centers

Data centers frequently handle temperature-sensitive electronic equipment. This is the major reason why they commonly use pass-through cabinets with temperature control. Maintaining a certain temperature is critical for the safety of equipment that can be easily damaged by sudden changes in heat or moisture.

Laboratories

In the above-mentioned industries, the pass-through boxes mainly help move or store items. However, in the laboratory, radiation shielded pass-through boxes are used for moving items with radioactive substances. In the labs, these boxes are designed to meet the clearance requirements while maintaining all necessary safety requirements.

How to Choose the pass-through box

Some of the factors that buyers have to consider to purchase the ideal pass-through box are as follows:

• Industry Requirements: The kind of industry will majorly dictate the specifications of a pass-through box. Pharmaceutical, food processing, and healthcare industries have to follow stringent hygiene and safety requirements. These industries will need high-quality pass-throughs to comply with CGMP and FDA regulations.
• Material: Most pass-writing boxes are made of stainless steel because of its easy-to-clean feature and durability. when choosing the material pays special attention to corrosion resistance.
• Size and Capacity: Sizes also differ, and so do capacities. The items being transferred will mostly determine the overall size of the box. Ensure the chosen pass-through is spacious enough for all the items that will be transferred through on a daily basis.
• Temperature Control: When transferring food items or even medical supplies, there is always the probability that the items being transferred will be temperature sensitive. Therefore, go for models equipped with temperature control mechanisms for items that require specific temperatures to maintain their integrity.
• Door Type: The door types swing, slide, or automatic, the functions, and the ideal application of each are a little different. It is always advisable to select the one that is easy to access in the space where it is going to be installed and will require low traffic interruptions.
• Customization: In this age and era, almost everything can be customized, and so is the pass-through box. Therefore, when buying, ask if they can customize the pass-through to meet specific needs. This is especially necessary when dealing with unique industry requirements or special design preferences.
• Ease of Maintenance: This is a critical factor to consider when buying. Look for options with easy-to-clean surfaces and those that have accessible internal spaces.
• Interlocking Systems: Only go for those with proper interlocking mechanisms. They are the ones that prevent simultaneous use of both doors. This feature is crucial when managing cross-contamination in pharmaceutical, food, and healthcare industries.

Q&A

Q1: What is a pass-through box?

A1: It is an enclosed system that allows for the transfer of materials between different controlled environments.

Q2: What materials are pass-through boxes made of?

A2: Most pass-throughs are made of stainless steel because of its durability, easy maintenance, and resistance to corrosion.

Q3: How do pass-through boxes help in infection control?

A3: They reduce human traffic, hence eliminate the probability of humans bringing in contaminants. They also have interlocking systems that ensure one door cannot be opened until the other is closed.

Q4: Where are pass-through boxes mainly used?

A4: They are commonly used in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food processing, and biotechnology industries to transfer items while maintaining sterility and preventing cross-contamination.

Q5: Are pass-through boxes customizable?

A5: Yes, pass-throughs are often tailored to meet the specific requirements of an industry or customer. For instance, special sealing can be added for sterility or radiation shielding for users handling radioactive materials.