Inert purge unit controls the flow of nitrogen from a cylinder to the evaporation chamber, and is interlocked with the operating system, helping labs meet Atex directives
The EZ-2 inert purge unit from Genevac offers a convenient and cost-effective way to meet the requirements for solvent removal in a safe zone as set out by the Atex directives.
The EZ-2 solvent evaporator can safely remove most organic solvents without forming an explosive mixture of organic vapour and air, but for use with inflammable liquids such as diethyl ether or pentane it is now mandatory to use the EZ-2 inert purge unit, says Genevac.
The unit works by controlling the flow of nitrogen from a cylinder to the evaporation chamber and is interlocked with the EZ-2 operating system.
Flooding the chamber with nitrogen before evaporation commences removes the explosion risk entirely.
A run can only commence when the chamber has been purged to a pre-set over pressure, which is automatically detected by the EZ-2.
If this pressure is not reached, for example because the lid has not sealed properly or the drain valve has been left open, the EZ-2 fails safe and will not allow evaporation to commence.
In addition, the inert purge unit has an easy to read regulator indicating cylinder gas pressure and an interlock, which prevents purge commencing if the cylinder pressure is too low.
A secure key switch allows managers to dictate that purge must be used at all times if this is deemed necessary.
Taken together, this makes the new EZ-2 inert purge unit a valuable tool to help managers meet the requirements of the Atex directives in full and for any working solvent.
A new report from Genevac discusses the recently introduced European Union law on the control of explosive mixtures in the workplace (Atex directives 100a and 137) and what it means for drug discovery laboratories in the context of solvent evaporation equipment.
The report provides a useful background to the legislation, the scope of responsibilities that will now befall laboratory managers selecting solvent removal equipment and the impact on instrument manufacturers.
For further information on the EZ-2 inert purge unit or a copy of the Atex report please contact Genevac.
