Research Laboratory Doors

Research laboratory doors must meet rigorous standards with regards to both primary and secondary containment systems. They have requirements for infection control, structural durability, biosecurity, decontamination, procedures and administrative controls.  

Here at Dortek, we have worked on many projects with some amazing businesses with the need for research Laboratory Doors. For example, we have worked on projects at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with AstraZeneca in Cheshire, Dana Farber and many more. You can read about each of our case studies here.

Dortek’s solutions are designed to improve performance, quality and personal safety as well as ensuring compliance to ever-increasing regulatory demands. We have been manufacturing our specialist hygienic doors for more than five decades and have delivered solutions to world leading research laboratories worldwide. 

Our research laboratory doors: 

  • Are built to last – our doors will not dent, warp, swell, rot or rust 
  • Are resistant to water, chemicals and fumigation agents 
  • Have a smooth, non-porous smooth hygienic finish, maximising infection control and ease of cleaning 
  • Have an inorganic timber-free construction to prevent bacterial growth or harbouring vermin 
  • Can offer up to 4 hours fire protection 

For more information about our Research Laboratory Doors, fill out our enquiry form via the Contact Us  page on our website. 

 

Hermetic Doors Within Cleanrooms

The benefits of sliding hermetic doors within a cleanroom environment.

Within Cleanrooms, it is the function of the HVAC and overpressure to provide protection against the infiltration of contaminated air. A pressure differential should be maintained between adjacent zones or rooms, with the cleanest rooms operating at the highest pressure within the facility.

The amount of air introduced into a cleanroom is tightly controlled; so is the amount of air that is taken out.  Generally, cleanroom pressurisation is achieved by taking out slightly less air than is put in.  A minimum of 5pa overpressure between clean zones is required. The extra air then leaks out under the door or through the tiny crevices or gaps that are inevitably in any cleanroom. Pressure can be increased in a room by increasing the volume entering the room or reducing the leakage amount.

The cost of air control in a cleanroom can be comparatively high. The energy requirement of HVAC systems usually amounts to 50-75% of electricity consumption in a clean production space, due to the high airflow rates needed for particular ISO classes. However, when a door is opened, a significant exchange of air (with that of the outside air) will take place. This can affect the cleanliness of air within the room until such time that the HVAC can recirculate and clean the air again.

Entry should be through doors that are interlocked as an airlock in a cleanroom. This is to maintain cleanroom pressure differentials and to minimise human, process and product contact with contaminated air from particles, microbial agents or chemicals. Ideally, sealing rooms with differing pressures will increase cost efficiency, reduce air loss and keep the filter load low. Hermetic doors can play a huge part in the cost, efficiency and particle control of a cleanroom.

It is important that a door, particularly if automated, has an opening and closing speed that can be easily configured according to user requirements. All personnel doors should include self-closing mechanisms, which is also a legal requirement on fire doors.

Manual or automatic hermetic sliding doors may be useful when space is an issue, or to facilitate movement between spaces of similar cleanliness class for personnel whose hands are otherwise engaged. It is important that automated doors have on board safety sensors for both door, personnel and traffic safety protection. Touchless activation of the doors should also be considered.

Cleanrooms or operating theatres that have hermetic sliding doors can give consistent and fully predictable sealing and air leakage control over long periods. Hermetic sliding doors have a frame mounted seal that, along with special indentations in the track, uses the door’s own weight to seal perfectly against the frame and also the floor. Therefore, there is no need for a threshold, meaning ease of access for beds, trollies etc.

Specialist Research Laboratory Doors for a World Renowned Facility

Dortek, along with our partners, Life Science Products are pleased to announce the completion of a successful project at St Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis TN. Dortek and LSP, beginning in 2018 worked with the project team to design and manufacture specialist research laboratory doors for this world renowned facility. Dortek’s international experience and in depth knowledge of large laboratory projects  gave the project team confidence in Dortek’s ability to deliver such a large project on time and on budget. The scope of work included manufacture, install and commissioning of 270 door systems. Special features included: STC (Acoustic) rating, fire rating, hermetic sealing, chemical resistance &  automation.

VP of US Operations, Michael O’Rourke Comment: “We are extremely proud to have been part of this project and to support research at this facility.  From the outset, the project teams focus was solely on supporting researchers and giving them the best possible facility to carry out their life saving and life changing studies. Research undertaken at St Jude in Memphis saves children’s lives around the world. To play a small part in supporting such a facility fills all at Dortek with great pride.”

Facility Note:

“The Advanced Research Center will play a substantial role in new scientific discoveries as the new home to several shared resources, including a biorepository, advanced microscopy and gene editing. There, top scientists from around the world will have leading-edge resources and opportunities to pursue breakthroughs in a space that fosters teamwork and generates new ideas.”

LSP Note: LSP are the leading supplier of clean construction materials for laboratory facilities in the US. Dortek and LSP have worked in partnership since 2016 and continue to support the biomedical research industry.

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