In today’s highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, and healthcare, maintaining contamination-free environments is not just a requirement; it’s a necessity. Among the essential equipment that ensures this protection, static pass boxes and dynamic pass boxes play a crucial role in material transfer between cleanroom environments.
At Protech Air System, we specialize in manufacturing both static pass box and dynamic pass boxes that meet international cleanroom standards. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences, applications, and benefits of each type to make an informed decision for your facility.
What is a Pass Box?
A pass box, also known as a transfer hatch or material transfer chamber, is a specialized enclosure designed to transfer materials between two areas with different cleanliness levels while minimizing contamination risks. These units serve as critical barriers in controlled environments, preventing cross-contamination during material transfer operations.
Understanding Static Pass Box
What is a Static Pass Box?
A static pass box is a basic transfer chamber that operates without any active air filtration or circulation system. It functions as a physical barrier between two cleanroom zones, relying on mechanical interlocks and proper operational procedures to prevent contamination.
Key Features of Static Pass Box:
- No HEPA Filtration System: Operates without active air purification
- Mechanical Interlock: Prevents both doors from opening simultaneously
- UV Germicidal Light: Often equipped with UV lights for surface sterilization
- Simple Construction: Stainless steel body with glass windows
- Cost-Effective: Lower initial investment and maintenance costs
- Manual Operation: Requires proper SOPs for effective contamination control
How Static Pass Box Works:
- Material is placed inside from the non-classified area
- The door is closed and locked via mechanical interlock
- UV light (if installed) sterilizes surfaces for a set duration
- The opposite door opens only after the first door is securely closed
- Material is retrieved from the cleanroom side
Applications of Static Pass Box:
- Transfer of packed materials and supplies
- Movement of sterilized equipment between zones
- Pharmaceutical packaging areas
- Food processing facilities
- Hospital sterile zones
- Research laboratories with moderate contamination control needs
Understanding Dynamic Pass Box
What is a Dynamic Pass Box?
A dynamic pass box is an advanced material transfer system equipped with active air filtration and circulation systems. It maintains positive pressure and continuously filters air through HEPA filters, providing superior contamination control.
Key Features of Dynamic Pass Box:
- HEPA Filtration System: H13 or H14 grade filters (99.97%-99.995% efficiency)
- Positive Pressure: Maintains higher pressure inside to prevent contamination ingress
- Continuous Air Circulation: Active airflow removes particles during transfer
- Electronic Interlock: Sophisticated door locking mechanism
- Digital Controls: Pressure gauges, airflow indicators, and monitoring systems
- Advanced Sterilization: Combines HEPA filtration with UV germicidal lights
How Dynamic Pass Box Works:
- Material enters through the first door
- HEPA-filtered air continuously circulates inside the chamber
- Positive pressure prevents outside air from entering
- Electronic interlock ensures only one door opens at a time
- Air shower effect removes particles from materials
- Clean, filtered material exits through the opposite door
Applications of Dynamic Pass Box:
- Critical pharmaceutical manufacturing (sterile products)
- Biotechnology cleanrooms (Grade A/B areas)
- Hospital operating theaters and isolation rooms
- Electronics manufacturing (semiconductor cleanrooms)
- Aerospace component manufacturing
- High-grade research laboratories
Static Pass Box vs Dynamic Pass Box: Detailed Comparison
1. Contamination Control Level
Static Pass Box: Provides basic contamination control through physical barriers and UV sterilization. Suitable for ISO Class 7 and 8 cleanrooms.
Dynamic Pass Box: Offers superior contamination control with active HEPA filtration and positive pressure. Ideal for ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanrooms.
2. Air Filtration Technology
Static Pass Box: No active air filtration system; relies on ambient conditions and UV light.
Dynamic Pass Box: Equipped with HEPA/ULPA filters ensuring 99.97%+ particle removal efficiency.
3. Operating Cost
Static Pass Box: Lower electricity consumption, minimal maintenance, no filter replacement costs.
Dynamic Pass Box: Higher energy consumption due to fans and blowers; regular HEPA filter replacement required (annually or biannually).
4. Initial Investment
Static Pass Box: Budget-friendly option with prices starting from ₹25,000-₹50,000 depending on size and features.
Dynamic Pass Box: Higher initial cost ranging from ₹1,00,000-₹3,00,000+ based on specifications and cleanroom classification requirements.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Static Pass Box:
- Minimal maintenance
- UV lamp replacement (6-12 months)
- Regular cleaning and gasket inspection
- Simple mechanical interlock servicing
Dynamic Pass Box:
- HEPA filter replacement and testing
- Fan and motor maintenance
- Pressure differential monitoring
- Electronic interlock calibration
- More frequent technical servicing
6. Installation Complexity
Static Pass Box: Simple installation, can be wall-mounted or flush-mounted with basic electrical connection for UV light.
Dynamic Pass Box: Requires professional installation with electrical connections, ducting considerations, and validation testing.
7. Regulatory Compliance
Static Pass Box: Meets basic GMP requirements for non-critical transfer applications.
Dynamic Pass Box: Complies with stringent standards including FDA, WHO GMP, EU GMP guidelines, and ISO 14644 cleanroom standards.
8. Suitability by Industry
Static Pass Box Best For:
- Food and beverage processing
- General pharmaceutical packaging
- Cosmetics manufacturing
- Non-sterile product areas
- Educational and training facilities
Dynamic Pass Box Best For:
- Injectable drug manufacturing
- Aseptic processing areas
- Hospital surgical suites
- Microelectronics production
- Biotechnology research
How to Choose Between Static Pass Box and Dynamic Pass Box
Consider these factors when making your decision:
Choose Static Pass Box If:
- Your cleanroom classification is ISO 7 or 8
- Transferring pre-packaged or sealed materials
- Budget constraints are a primary concern
- Low to moderate contamination risk
- Utility costs need to be minimized
Choose Dynamic Pass Box If:
- Operating in ISO 5 or 6 cleanrooms
- Handling sterile or highly sensitive materials
- Regulatory requirements demand active filtration
- High contamination risks exist
- Manufacturing critical pharmaceutical or biotech products
Why Choose Protech Air System for Your Pass Box Requirements?
At Protech Air System, we are a leading manufacturer of both static pass box and dynamic pass box systems in Gujarat. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction sets us apart:
Our Advantages:
✓ Customized Solutions: Tailored designs based on your specific cleanroom requirements
✓ Quality Materials: 304/316 stainless steel construction for durability
✓ Compliance Certified: All products meet ISO 14644, GMP, and FDA standards
✓ Expert Installation: Professional installation team with cleanroom expertise
✓ After-Sales Support: Comprehensive maintenance and validation services
✓ Competitive Pricing: Best value without compromising quality
✓ On-Time Delivery: Efficient manufacturing and timely project completion
Our Product Range:
- Static Pass Box: Various sizes from 600x600x600mm to custom dimensions
- Dynamic Pass Box: HEPA-filtered systems with electronic controls
- Biosafety Pass Box: For containment laboratories
- Sampling Pass Box: Specialized for material sampling operations
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
For Static Pass Box:
- Position at convenient transfer height (typically 900mm from floor)
- Ensure proper sealing with gaskets on both sides
- Install UV light at an appropriate distance from the transfer surface
- Establish clear SOPs for material transfer procedures
- Schedule regular UV lamp replacements
For Dynamic Pass Box:
- Verify proper electrical supply and grounding
- Test HEPA filter integrity after installation
- Calibrate pressure differential indicators
- Validate air velocity and air change rates
- Implement a preventive maintenance schedule
- Conduct periodic validation studies
Conclusion: Making the Right Investment
Both static pass box and dynamic pass box systems serve critical roles in contamination control, but the choice depends on your specific operational requirements, cleanroom classification, and regulatory needs.
For standard material transfers in lower-grade cleanrooms, a static pass box offers cost-effective protection. However, for critical pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology applications, or high-grade cleanrooms, a dynamic pass box provides the necessary level of contamination control that regulations demand.
At Protech Air System, we understand that every facility has unique requirements. Our team of experts is ready to assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate solution—whether it’s a robust static pass box or an advanced dynamic pass box.
Ready to enhance your cleanroom contamination control?
Contact Protech Air System today for a consultation and quote: