We’ve put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about CRL and the products and services we offer.
If you have a question that you can’t find the answer to, please use the Contact page and we’ll get back to you shortly with an answer.
Telemanipulators
Do you offer custom lengths?
Yes. Each manipulator is made to precisely fit the size of the cell. We work with each customer to determine the size of the cell, reach, and clearance needed for each manipulator prior to designing and building the final product. This ensures each works appropriately in the available space.
Do you offer service for manipulators?
Yes. We offer preventive maintenance programs available in one, two, or three year increments. Emergency service is also available for those not under a preventive maintenance program, but needing immediate service when a manipulator is not working properly. Custom contracts are also available for one or all of your manipulators based on defined needs. Contact info@crlsolutions.com for current program options.
Do you sell spare parts for all CRL manipulator models?
Yes, we sell spare parts for all of our models. Some discontinued models may no longer be available, but we can help determine an alternative. Electrical components are generally not available on these older or discontinued models; new electrical systems would need to be configured. Contact us with your model and serial number for accurate spare part orders.
How often should you perform maintenance on a manipulator?
Yearly inspection and maintenance is recommended to ensure manipulators are functioning properly and all components are intact. A preventive maintenance checklist is available for those not under a service contract. To obtain the list specific to your model, contact info@crlsolutions.com.
Do you offer training on manipulators?
Yes. Customer training programs are available to teach customers to troubleshoot and repair their own equipment. Training is available at CRL’s production facility or onsite at your facility. Contact info@crlsolutions.com for current program options.
How effective is booting to maintain a seal?
Booting isn’t meant to be the primary means of containment and can be subject to damage and in-use degradation depending on application usage. For air-tight containment a three-piece sealed manipulator (Model L, R, or VERSA) should always be used.
Do you offer custom designed pieces for a manipulator?
Yes. We can customize current options or accessories to more precisely fit your application needs, or work with you to create a new product if our current offerings aren’t properly suited with additional customization.
Are non-standard parts/options available?
Yes. We can customize specific options and parts if current configurations aren’t what you need. Contact us directly to help with this request.
Do you have drawings that show the range of motion for the arms?
Each manipulator model has a General & Installed Drawing that shows typical manipulator dimensions and formulae for calculating custom sizes. Specific model motions can be obtained by contacting info@crlsolutions.com.
What are the standard opening dimensions for your jaws? (or jaw thickness?)
The standard tong opening between the jaws is 3.25 inches (82mm). Typical jaws have a face that is 2 inches (50mm) long by 0.50 inches (12mm) wide.
What is the difference between cable and tape?
In general, tape-driven manipulator motions operate with less friction than cable-driven motions, while cables are typically more robust than tapes. Cables are more likely to wear over time and use, while tapes are more likely to fail with little warning.
What has the Model RE been replaced with?
The Model RE-T telemanipulator is still available. The newly-developed VERSA is the latest in CRL’s large 3-piece telemanipulator offerings.
Are Model 8’s still available?
CRL offers the Model 8 telemanipulator only as a replacement for existing installations where the superseding telemanipulator (Model E) cannot be used.
What model is best for medical isotope work?
There is no specific model that is best for any particular kind of work. Models are determined by the load capacity and reach requirements inside the work cell. Historically, however, for medical isotope applications, CRL has provided telemanipulators in the Model G family, as these cells are typically small and have light load requirements.
Do you sell rigs that make it easier to change out telemanipulator arms?
CRL offers a variety of telemanipulator installation/removal carts and storage carts. Contact us for more information.
Transfer Systems
Are CRL betas compatible with other competitor systems?
Yes, our betas can be configured to fit other transfer systems. We would need to review each request to determine proper configuration and product requirements needed.
What materials are available for transfer system products?
Our Alpha ports are made from stainless steel and are available with stainless steel or polypropylene door options. Betas are made from polypropylene, stainless steel or aluminum. Other materials are available upon request.
Do you perform leak testing?
Yes, we leak-test 100% of our products before they ship out our door. Ammonia and pressure-decay are our standard testing methods. Helium leak testing can be performed for an additional cost if required.
What does the mm sizing mean on Transfer System products?
The model size (105, 190, 270, 350, 460) refers to the approximate maximum width (in millimeters) of an object that can be fit through an open Alpha port with a beta attached. The maximum cylindrical diameter of an object that can pass through the open port is 15-20mm less than the model size.
What are standard container lengths?
Sizes are dependent on material and port diameter. Standard sizing we currently offer is available here. We can also accommodate custom lengths if your application requires different sizing. Contact us directly to help with this request.
What’s the difference between RTP vs. CRTP?
CRTPs are used for clean pharmaceutical production. RTPs are typically used for nuclear and all other processes that don’t require as much cleanliness needed for production.
What options are available for transfer into an isolator?
The Clean Rapid Transfer Port (CRTP) is the state-of-the-art equipment for transferring items and materials into an isolator in a contained manner. A variety of components can be mated to the CRTP, such as containers, bags, liquid tubes, and utility connectors.
Can an Alpha Port be installed on the floor of a glove box?
Yes. Contact us at info@crlsolutions.com to discuss your specific project needs.
What type of alpha-beta docking station do you offer for transfer of sterile product?
Standard CRL Rapid Transfer Ports are commonly used in sterile applications; administrative controls are generally required to maintain cleanliness. In addition, CRL offers custom Alpha Ports with a high-temperature sterilizing ring that kills any biological contamination at the Alpha-Beta interface prior to opening the Alpha Port.
Do you offer a way to transfer liquid from one room to another in an aseptic way?
CRL offers Liquid Transfer Ports that allow the operator to install liquid connections in the port.
Do you offer Beta containers with shielding options to transfer radioactive material?
Yes, CRL has provided custom Beta Containers with radiation shielding. Contact us with more information on your specific application needs.
Can we just purchase the Beta flange and attach to our own containers?
Yes. Beta Flanges include a pattern of tapped holes for attaching a container and provision for a sealing flat gasket.
Single-Use Beta Bags
Will these bags work on a Getinge Alpha Port?
Yes, the Single-Use Beta Bags are compatible with the Getinge DPTE® XS Alpha Port.
How many times can you use the bag?
These bags are single-use and only tested to be used one time.
Can you use the bag without the handle system?
We recommend always using the handle to ensure the bag docks and undocks properly. It also makes the process easier and provides support for the bag. You can watch the process here.
How many times I can autoclave this bag?
These bags can only be autoclaved (or gamma sterilized) once.
Can these bags be used for getting waste out of an isolator?
Yes, depending on the items being disposed of, these bags are a good option for removing unwanted items from an isolator or glovebox.
What size is available?
The Single-Use Beta Bags are currently available in a 190 mm size with 25L capacity.
Glove Ports
What seals and O-ring materials are available?
EPDM, silicone, Buna-N, Viton, and neoprene are all available options we offer for our glove ports.
Do you sell gloves?
No, we only offer the glove ports. Gloves can have many variables and buying them directly from a glove manufacturer ensures you receive the correct size, thickness, and material needed for your application.
What is the DURABLE Glove Sleeve life usage?
The life span of a DURABLE Glove Sleeve (or accordion sleeve) is very usage-dependent. Typically, a sleeve can see 1-2 years of service depending on how it is used. Application usage, isolators, and cleaning processes all play a role in the life span of this product.
Why would you use an oval port vs. round port?
The oval Glove Port provides better operator comfort as well as a wider working range based on its elongated sizing.
What wall materials can you install ports into?
Plastic, Glass, and metal are all acceptable materials to use to install our Glove Ports. Extra gaskets are required for installation in glass.
What glove ports would work best for a medical use setting?
The Fixed Glove Port is the best solution where cleanability and sterility assurance are important. This port presents the smoothest surfaces inside the glove box or isolator.
Do you make plastic glove ports?
No.
Do your glove ports provide an airtight barrier once installed?
Yes.
What wall thickness can CRL glove ports can accommodate?
The standard clamp-in port can be mounted in panels up to 1 inch (25mm) thick. Special designs are available for thicker panels.