All lab2lab and building2building devices except the Alarm require compressed air.
Compressed air must be dry and oil free (Instrument grade), meeting ISO 8573-1:2010 or better.
- water content : Class 4 or better
- particulates: Class 2 or better
- oil: Class 2 or better
Each compressed air outlet must have a continuous flow rate of 300SLPM (100NLPM) @ 6bar.
Only one peripheral device is ever active at a time, unless the system is integrated with a building2building system.
If compressed air is not available, N2 may be used instead. Please contact SPT Labtech before choosing this option to discuss safety concerns.
|
Requirement |
Quantity |
|
Supply pressure |
6-10 bar allowable, 6 bar preferred |
|
Flow required when sending a vial |
300 L/min free air (Senders, Receivers, Buffer, Router, Transceiver) |
|
Flow required when receiving a vial |
300 L/min free air (Router, Transceiver) |
|
Operating time |
2-10 seconds per device, up to 180 seconds for the Transceiver |
|
Fitting size |
6mm OD quick release to be provided within 5m of device. |
Each device is supplied with a quick disconnect, auto-closing connector. However, SPT Labtech recommends that a local isolator (1/4 turn valve) is provided locally to the devices to enable
safe isolation of supply air if required.
5.1.1 Using nitrogen
The use of nitrogen to transport vials is technically acceptable and the requirements are
identical to those for using compressed air. Normal use of lab2lab should not increase the concentration of nitrogen to unsafe levels assuming suitable ventilation is provided in the environment where it is installed.
However, nitrogen is poisonous in high concentrations and lab2lab is not designed to detect leakage of compressed gas. While the lab2lab system should be safe, it is essential that if
nitrogen is used suitable alarm and protection equipment is also installed to warn of high concentrations of nitrogen in the event of a failure. Typically, this is achieved by using an O2 monitor which trips if the O2 concentration drops below 20%.
5.1.2 Noise levels due to compressed air
The following table gives typical noise levels produced by the equipment in operation. The duration of the noise is dependent upon distances between devices and may vary for each installation.
|
Device |
SPL (dBA) |
Duration |
|
Router |
80 |
Between Router and Receiver, Collection station and Buffer typically 3 seconds or less |
|
Buffer |
60 |
Typically < 2 seconds |
|
Bin |
<40 |
Only operates a solenoid valve, no airflow |
|
Sender |
<50 |
Up to 12 seconds |
|
Receiver (all types) |
<50 |
Typically < 3 seconds |
|
building2building Transceiver |
<75 |
Up to 2 minutes at receiving end and 10 seconds at sending end |
|
Transport pipes |
<50 |
Almost imperceptible and very brief and occasional |