Environmental
management
system offers new
connectivity options
Edstrom’s Watchdog System has added new connectivity options that help integrate environmental control, monitoring, watering, and light control systems. Watchdog monitors temperature, humidity, and differential pressure as well as controlling lights and flushing in the vivarium. Even if you already have a system for performing these functions, Watchdog can give animal care management staff the control and alarms they need in a package designed specifically for the vivarium.
Watchdog can read data from most building automation systems, providing an alarming and reporting tool customized for the vivarium. Watchdog can also supply reliable room-level readings to the HVAC system, as well as relaying watering conditions and other alarms. Watchdog’s OPC (OLE for process control) options provide an open, standardized, two-way communication between Watchdog and building automation, light control, environmental monitoring, automated watering, access control, and any solution willing to adopt the OPC standard in vendor-to-vendor integration.
Contact: Edstrom Industries, Inc. 800-558-5913; www.edstrom.com.
Ductless balance enclosures receive independent
verification
AirClean Systems has announced that its PowderSafe Type B ductless balance enclosures have successfully completed performance verification by SafeBridge Consultants Inc., for containment of particulate matter. The Type B PowderSafe units are designed and engineered to provide horizontal airflow and incorporate the vendor’s HEPASafe filter-change technology, designed to facilitate safe and easy filter change-outs.
The enclosures are microprocessor-controlled to provide constant monitoring of airflow and HEPA filtration. They are designed to be suitable for work with both known and unknown toxic or potent compounds.
Fabric-faced diffuser designed
for critical environments
DuctSox, a maker of fabric air dispersion systems for more than 26 years, has recently introduced the D-Fuser, a fabric-faced diffuser for critical environments. The product is lightweight, quieter, and is designed to help eliminate turbulent airflow. Laboratory air is more evenly dispersed through the porous fabric. Numerous venting options allow customization to fit the needs of virtually any laboratory environment.
Other product lines include those suited for consistent low-velocity dispersion (Lami-Flow), a versatile Radial Flow, and a customized system (Select Flow). Fabric is 50% recycled and is antimicrobial. DuctSox offers a nationwide representative network and a team of in-house engineers to service critical environment needs.
Portable gas detector monitors
up to six gases simultaneously
The Gas Sniper portable gas detector can monitor up to six gases simultaneously and identifies leaks around many potential sources, including valves, seals, drains, and other connections; pressure-relief devices and vents; and pumps and compressors. It is suitable for performing EPA Method 21 fugitive emission monitoring of volatile organic compound (VOC) leaks from process equipment. Measurements can be reported as ppm, % LEL, or % volume. The unit will operate continuously for up to 30 hr on alkaline batteries or 18 hr on Ni-Cad batteries. A high-resolution LCD screen provides easy viewing of all measurements, alarms, and operating status. Standard accessories include a shoulder strap, alkaline batteries, a hydrophobic probe, sampling hose, internal hydrophobic filter, and manual.
Vendor offers solutions for
‘green’ casework design
CiF Lab Casework Solutions, a vendor of wood, steel, flexible, and hybrid casework as well as fume hoods, offers a variety of options for projects where sustainability is a high priority. Sustainable materials available include Wood Institute Certified casework, Forest Steward Council solids and veneers, and plywood made with phenolic-based adhesives. Depending on the design, materials may be qualified for LEED credits in the Materials & Resources category (Recycled Content MR Credit 4.1 and 4.2; Rapidly Renewable Materials Credit 6; and Certified Wood Credit 7) as well as the Indoor Environmental Quality category (Low-Emitting Materials Credit 5).
Glass piping, neutralization sumps are suited to ‘green’ labs
KIMAX borosilicate glass drainline and KOCH KNIGHTWARE neutralization sumps are uniquely suited to offer a comprehensive sustainable solution for acid waste piping and neutralization systems, according to manufacturer SCHOTT North America Inc. Glass drainline piping is modular and adaptable, with low life-cycle costs and easy reconfigurability. The system is a low-VOC solution and conserves water because copious dilution is not required. Waste water can be transported and neutralized on-site, and there is no off-gassing of toxic fumes. The durable components will not burn or emit toxic fumes and will not change in physical properties over time.
