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Closed powder handling designed for control and consistency

Closed-system formats minimize cross-contamination by keeping powders within sealed pathways, preventing exposure to air, operators, and surrounding equipment. This containment reduces dust and contaminants while enabling consistent, repeatable transfers. By limiting product loss and supporting features like washdown, closed systems help maximize and standardize powder recovery during discharge.
 

The Powdertainer II system is a closed, single-use solution for efficient powder containment and transfer within bioprocessing workflows. Its optimized geometry supports smooth flow and controlled discharge, while stable ports and integrated components support a contained pathway, helping ensure reliable transfers, high recovery, and protection of product integrity.


Design features that support secure powder handling

Figure 1. Design features of the Powdertainer II BPC.

  • CX3-9 film construction: A strong, durable material suitable for powder handling, supports containment while maintaining low extractables and reliable performance.
  • Powder port and tri-clamp connection: A 3-inch tri-clamp powder port with integrated seal enables secure, stable connection to formulation vessels, allowing easy integration and controlled powder transfer.
  • Wash-down line with CPC connector: An optional wash-down line with CPC connector allows rinsing of residual powder, helping remove hold-up and maximize overall powder recovery.
  • Structural design for powder recovery: Features such as a neck clamp to retain powder prior to discharge and a controlled discharge pathway help reduce loss and support efficient, complete emptying.
  • Ergonomic handle and support elements: A suspensor handle and support features assist operators during handling and emptying, improving control and reducing strain during powder transfer.
  • Filling stand accessory: A stainless-steel filling stand with casters supports loading and handling, allowing secure attachment via the tri-clamp port and aids in safe, efficient powder filling.


Frequently asked questions

Select a configuration based on required working volume, powder characteristics, and process scale. Consider port type and size to match receiving vessel connections, as well as any need for wash-down capability. Evaluating workflow steps, such as filling, transfer, and discharge, helps ensure the system aligns with operational needs and supports efficient, controlled powder handling.

Powder recovery is influenced by container geometry, which affects flow and minimizes bridging, and by clamp functionality that controls discharge. Wash-down capability helps remove residual material, while proper handling techniques—such as positioning and support—reduce hold-up. Film is also a consideration. Select a robust film with low retention and high durability. Together, these factors improve emptying efficiency and help achieve more consistent recovery outcomes.

The closed-system design uses sealed ports and controlled interfaces to limit exposure to air, operators, and surrounding environments. This containment reduces variability from contamination or material loss, while standardized connections support repeatable transfers. By maintaining a controlled pathway, the system helps ensure predictable performance and consistent powder handling results.

The system is designed for compatibility with standard bioprocessing connections, including tri-clamp fittings for vessel integration and CPC connectors for optional wash-down lines. These familiar interfaces enable straightforward connection to upstream and downstream single-use assemblies, supporting seamless incorporation into existing workflows without extensive modification.

Teams should evaluate containment requirements, powder properties, and how the system fits into existing workflows. Connection compatibility, recovery performance, and ease of use are key factors, along with ergonomic considerations for operators. Selecting a solution that balances safety, efficiency, and integration helps ensure reliable powder handling and consistent process outcomes.

Explore related bioprocessing bags and containers

Complementary bioprocessing bags and containers support upstream, downstream, and solution preparation steps following powder handling, enabling a seamless transition from dry transfer to liquid processing, storage, and harvest.

Explore our Bioprocessing Bags for end-to-end single-use workflow solutions.

Labtainers

Small‑volume operations need simple, reliable containment. Thermo Scientific 2D Labtainers provide flexible, closed handling with validated porting and integrated tubing, supporting secure storage, sampling, prep, and transfer for low‑volume workflows in early development.

Productainers

Complex or large‑volume processes demand robust, scalable containment. Thermo Scientific Productainers deliver durable 3D bag solutions for reliable storage, mixing, and transfer, maintaining closed, sterile operations with validated porting and integrated fluid assemblies.

Harvestainers

Harvesting microcarrier cultures is complex and contamination‑prone. Thermo Scientific Harvestainers enable closed, efficient microcarrier separation with integrated assemblies and validated connections, reducing handling, exposure, and process variability during harvest.

Design your single-use fluid transfer assembly—faster and with confidence


Our Single-Use Assembly Configurator Tool makes it easy to create custom assemblies tailored to your process or select in-stock, ready-to-ship options to help reduce lead times. 

Fluid transfer solutions

Minimize leaks and contamination risk with sterile tubing and adaptors, secured at connection points by the BioTitan Retention Device. Our standard fluid transfer assembly products help with time and cost efficiency.

Explore BioProcess Insights


The Bioprocess Insights Hub by Thermo Fisher Scientific is designed for biomanufacturing professionals, offering educational resources to optimize single-use bioprocessing workflows. It features articles, guides, and case studies on topics such as assembly design, contamination mitigation, and technology transfer. Resources include application notes, brochures, white papers, videos, and webinars, covering areas like process optimization, scalability, quality, and sustainability.


For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.