Controlled Environments Announces Fifth Annual Readers’ Choice Awards Winners

In its fifth year, the Controlled Environments Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the cleanroom equipment and supplies that readers judge most effective and trusted in their work.

Cleanroom equipment and product suppliers were invited to submit their products for these prestigious awards. Winners in each category were chosen based on a voting survey sent to a select group of Controlled Environments readers.

Winner: Apparel

Kimtech Sterile Integrated Hood and Mask (Kimberly-Clark Professional)

Head shapes, sizes and hairstyles can make aseptic gowning a challenge in the cleanroom. Working with cleanroom operators, Kimberly-Clark Professional has created a common-sense solution to address these fit concerns: the Kimtech A5 Sterile Integrated Hood and Mask XL. An innovative design makes it easier to accommodate today’s modern and diverse hairstyles comfortably and consistently. Another benefit to the Kimtech A5 Sterile Integrated Hood and Mask XL is that it combines two donning steps (hood and mask) into one, simplifying the donning process and further reducing the risk of contamination. This sterile product features a stretch-fit elastic hood and opening, tunneled overseams to prevent particle shedding, and Clean-Don Technology ties for a more secure fit.
www.kcprofessional.com

Winner: Benches and Enclosures

AirHawk Ductless Fume Hood (Sentry Air Systems, Inc.)

The AirHawk ductless fume hood from Sentry Air Systems, Inc. offers user-focused technological features that help improve the workflow while providing operator and environmental protection. The AirHawk system uses a vertical airflow to pull particulate and fumes away from the operator’s breathing zone. The fan brings the particulate and fumes into the filter chamber containing a carbon pre-filter and choice of high quality main filter suited for the application. This ductless system creates a recirculating airflow pattern removing the requirement for makeup air or external ductwork. With the AirHawk, the operator has the ability to make adjustments and monitor the filter saturation through the centralized control panel. The user-friendly control panel offers an adjustable light and fan, and digital displays for air pressure and runtime. The adjustable light and fan allows the operator to optimize conditions for the application. The AirHawk features a bright 1400 Lux LED light. The air pressure digital display utilizes a solid state pressure sensor to measure the static pressure on the particulate filters in order to monitor the filter saturation. As the filter becomes more saturated, the air pressure increases. The runtime digital display indicates the number of hours the fume hood has been in use. This helps the operator maintain consistent PM schedules with the ability to reset after filter change. The AirHawk allows for customization of construction, size (between 30” – 50”), and more. The variety of available particulate or chemical filters allows this system to be used in an assortment of applications that require particle or fume containment.
www.sentryair.com

Winner: Cleanroom Components

SimpleSeal CSEPO Light (Kenall)

In order to better accommodate the often complicated ceiling designs of cleanrooms and containment spaces, Kenall has introduced a series of light fixtures: the SimpleSeal CSEPO plenum access luminaire is the first sealed, plenum-access LED light available on the market. It creates a doorway into your hard ceiling, allowing service personnel access wherever a luminaire is installed. The CSEPO series simplifies ceiling layout, prevents the disruption caused by removing a fixture, and permits a quick return to the full function of the cleanroom. It is IP-66 rated and has a wide lumen range for a variety of lighting applications. Features include a delivered lumen range of 5,777−11,903 lm; an input power range of 47−99W; lumens per watt range of 109 –136 lm/W; 3500, 4000, 5000 CCT, 82 CRI; access opening reinforced with 16-gauge steel frame, preventing damage during use; service the plenum space without disturbing electrical components; and certified to NSF, ISO 3, Class 1 and IP66 standards. Nominal size of 2′ × 4′. Installation types: recessed ceiling mount, grid or flange.
www.kenall.com

Winner: Cleanroom Consumables

HydroKlean Solution (Contec)

Contec HydroKlean Solution is a blend of 6 percent hydrogen peroxide and water for injection. It is ready to use and generates no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Hydrogen peroxide breaks down to water and oxygen in use, so it leaves little to no residue on a surface. Contec HydroKlean Solution has a certified endotoxin level of <0.25 EU/ml making it ideal for use in product contact areas. The product is 0.2μm filtered and sterile filled into pre-irradiated containers under Grade A unidirectional airflow and bagged in a Grade A or ISO Class 5 cleanroom. The 17 oz. (0.5L) and 34 oz. (1L) “bag in bottle” system protects contents during use. Six percent hydrogen peroxide is not classed as corrosive and can be used safely in all areas of a cleanroom. It is nonflammable so it’s ideal for use across large areas of a cleanroom or where sparks may be an issue. As Contec HydroKlean is very low residue, it eliminates the need for a residue removal stage with alcohol or water. Contec HydroKlean is double or triple bagged allowing for ease of entry into controlled environments. The linear tear bags are easy to open even when wearing gloves.
www.contecinc.com

Winner: Critical Cleaning

Hands-Free Removal Tool for the Compact Bucket System (Contec)

Contec has launched a new stainless steel mop removal tool to use with the Compact Bucket System. This tool easily attaches to the back of any Contec Compact Bucket System for hands-free mop head removal of the VertiKlean MAX Mop. The Hands-Free Removal Tool and disposable bags are an add-on feature to the Compact Bucket System. Used mops are placed under the back plate. The user simply pushes down slightly and the mop head removes from the frame dropping into the disposable bag. A bag can hold up to 10 VertiKlean MAX mop heads. Once the facility is clean, the bag can be removed from the frame for easy disposal. The user never has to touch a dirty mop! The Hands-Free removal tool is fully autoclavable and can be cleaned with a wide variety of disinfectants and solutions.
www.contecinc.com

Winner: Monitoring/Instrumentation

ApexRemote with Pump Sensors (Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions)

Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions offers the ApexRemote with Pump Sensors as the premier solutions for taking environmental monitoring programs to the next level. The Apex series of instruments provide many of the elements that are essential to a world class Environmental Monitoring System. It is the Best-In-Class remote sensor that meets all industry standards. Lighthouse has focused upon the following areas of advancements—Risk Mitigation: The Risk Mitigation features of Self-Diagnostics virtually eliminates data errors and enables true data integrity; Built-in Vacuum Pump w/HEPA Filtration:  The self-contained vacuum pump includes HEPA filtered exhaust and will not contaminate the surrounding environment; Data Collection: Apex provides real time continuous data collection at a cost-effective price per point, offering unmatched performance, accuracy and reliability; Decontamination Compatibility: Apex provides all of these features in an enclosure that is compatible with industry standard decontamination processes; Plug and Play: With the small footprint, the ApexRemote with Pump is a true out-of-the-box sensor that allows easy installation. If the integrity of your data is mission critical as it is in GMP regulated industries, if risk mitigation of data errors and sensor failures matters to you, if you need to wipe down your sensors frequently or you use VHP for room sterilization, the ApexRemote will delight you and become your instrument of choice for a solid Environmental Monitoring Program.
www.golighthouse.com