ISO 11933-1:1997

Overview

ISO 11933-1:1997 defines the designation, characteristics and basic design principles for mechanical components used on containment enclosures - in particular glove/bag ports, bungs for glove/bag ports, enclosure rings and interchangeable (ejectable) units. Prepared by ISO/TC 85 (Nuclear energy) SC 2 (Radiation protection), the standard aims to promote compatibility and interchangeability among leaktight components used in radiation protection gloveboxes, shielded enclosures and similar containment systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Component families and series allocation: A structured reference-number system (1000–1299 series) groups glove/bag ports, bungs, enclosure rings and interchangeable units to simplify identification and interoperability.
• Designation format: Reference numbers are combined with alphanumeric codes that indicate mounting procedure (B = bonded, W = welded, T = threaded), material (e.g., X = stainless steel, M = PMMA, C = polycarbonate), and attachment or special features.
• Glove/bag port categories:
  • Direct-attachment ports (gloves or bags fixed directly to grooves)
  • Ports accepting ejectable support rings (for gloves, welded bags, gaiters)
  • Mixed ports (support both direct and ejectable systems)
• Port mounting types: Bonded, welded or threaded ports are described; bonded ports (often PMMA/PC/PVC) are typically for plastic walls and are usually non‑reusable.
• Bungs and closure systems: Standardizes bungs with mechanical expansion, clamp plates, hinges or clips to seal ports during maintenance or component exchanges.
• Enclosure rings and interchangeable/ejectable units: Defines support rings, ejectable elements, rigid plugs and securing rings designed for remote or manual exchange without breaking enclosure leaktightness. Ejectable units are intended to be pushed into the enclosure by an ejection device while preserving tightness.
• Materials and geometries: Codes and tables correlate reference numbers to material choices and useful internal diameters to support consistent procurement and design.

Practical applications

• Designing and specifying components for radiation protection gloveboxes, hot cells and shielded workstations
• Procuring standardized ports, bungs and ejectable units for nuclear laboratories, medical isotope facilities and radioactive waste handling
• Ensuring interchangeability and maintenance-friendly designs for remote handling systems and containment enclosures
• Supporting safety, decontamination and quality control practices by specifying compatible materials and mounting methods

Who should use this standard

• Equipment designers and manufacturers of gloveboxes and containment enclosures
• Facility engineers, procurement specialists and maintenance teams in nuclear, medical or industrial radiological environments
• Regulatory bodies and QA personnel seeking standardized component identification and compatibility

Related standards

• ISO 11933-2 (gloves, welded bags, gaiters)
• ISO 11933-3 (transfer systems: doors, airlocks, drum connections)
• ISO 10648-1/2 (containment enclosure frameworks and classification)
• ISO 7212 and ISO 9404 (lead shielding units)

Keywords: ISO 11933-1, glove/bag port, containment enclosures, enclosure rings, bungs, ejectable units, leaktight, glovebox, radiation protection, interchangeable units.