The Drum Sampling Enclosure (DSE) system is proven containment that supports accessing drummed materials — with the drum fully contained. While some processes purportedly advocate the safety of removing the drum lid before placing the drum inside the containment device, experience has shown that the risk exists that, even with a dual inner liner, cross contamination and operator exposure can occur.
The DSE System consists of a Flexible Enclosure and Support Stand as shown in the figures below. Sampling to an integral flexible sleeve, bottle or a thief are all proven capabilities.
Operationally, the following basic steps are employed:
- Sampling tools are preloaded into the 14"/350mm diameter sleeve, and the open bottom of the enclosure is stretched over the drum and then taped to the drum wall.
- The integral grommets on the top of the enclosure are connected to the support frame to provide the operator with space to work, using the supplied bungee cords.
- The drum lid is removed and placed along side of the drum but remains inside the containment area. The inner drum liners are then opened. Note that this is a discriminator over other drum sampling systems where the lid must be removed before containing the drum. All other applications assume that there is no contamination between the inner liners and the drum lid — a very risky assumption.
- The sample is taken via the 4"/100mm sleeve using the process desired. The samples can then be removed from the enclosure through the 4"/100 mm diameter sleeve by using the ILC Dover developed Crimping process.
- The inner drum liners are resealed, and the drum lid is put back into place without breaking containment.
Once the sampling process is completed, the bungee cords are removed from the stand, and the drum with the containment enclosure attached can be put back in storage until needed. The drum can be accessed in the future for additional sampling if required.
What Containment Levels have been achieved?
The system is capable of OEB 5 levels with results in the nanogram range. This level is anticipated given actual customer feedback and third party IH test results from similar designs, as well as the 100% inflation tests performed on the deliverable enclosures. Powder characteristics vary which can affect the results achieved. This containment level is also based on operations with trained personnel who have been through the ILC supplied training.
It should be noted that this system can be used within an existing downflow booth should secondary containment be desired.
