Designing Shielded Glove Boxes and Hot Cells for Laboratory Use

In radiopharmaceutical research, isotope production, and nuclear medicine labs, the safe handling of radioactive materials is critical. Shielded glove boxes and hot cells provide controlled, enclosed environments where technicians can manipulate hazardous substances while remaining protected from ionizing radiation. This article breaks down the key design considerations for building or sourcing shielded containment systems for lab use.

📗 What Are Shielded Glove Boxes and Hot Cells?

Both glove boxes and hot cells are sealed enclosures designed to isolate radioactive or hazardous materials from the user and environment:

• Glove boxes are smaller and typically used for low-to-moderate radiation sources. Operators work through glove ports sealed into the front panel.
• Hot cells are larger, heavily shielded containment rooms or chambers used to handle high-activity isotopes. They often include manipulators and integrated radiation monitoring systems.

🛡️ Key Design Features

1. Radiation Shielding

Both systems must incorporate adequate shielding based on the type and energy of radiation involved. This may include:

• Lead-lined steel or stainless steel walls (commonly 1" thick or more for gamma emitters)
• Leaded glass viewing windows to allow safe visual monitoring
• Optional tungsten or lead composites for space-saving designs

Intech provides precision-fabricated lead bricks, lead-lined panels, and leaded glass that can be integrated into glove box or hot cell assemblies.

2. Glove Ports and Manipulators

Operators use sealed glove ports (typically made from neoprene, butyl, or Hypalon) or external manipulators to handle materials. For high-dose environments, mechanical arms allow safe remote control of samples and instruments inside the hot cell.

3. Ventilation and Filtration

Ventilation systems are critical for removing airborne radioactive particles or gases. Design typically includes:

• HEPA and/or carbon filters
• Negative pressure containment
• Shielded exhaust paths or ducts

4. Viewing and Lighting

Shielded viewing windows made from leaded glass or leaded acrylic provide optical clarity while maintaining protection. Internal lighting (LED or fluorescent) is often mounted behind shielded panels to maintain brightness and visibility.

5. Ergonomics and Access

• Workstations must be height-adjustable for comfort
• Accessible glove port positions reduce user fatigue during prolonged use
• Clear layouts and intuitive controls help reduce handling errors

📦 Materials for Glove Box and Hot Cell Construction

🧠 Design Tips for Safe Operation

• Always calculate shielding based on the specific radionuclides and activity levels used
• Integrate real-time radiation monitoring for added safety
• Ensure maintenance access without compromising shielding integrity
• Use modular construction for future upgrades or replacements

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Shielded glove boxes and hot cells are essential for safe radioactive material handling
• Effective design combines lead shielding, filtration, remote handling, and visibility
• Intech offers shielding materials including lead bricks, panels, and leaded glass ideal for lab containment systems

📞 Ready to Build or Upgrade Your Lab Shielding?

Intech provides customizable shielding components to support glove box and hot cell designs. Contact us for material recommendations, cut-to-size panels, and leaded glass for your project.