A glove box controls the atmosphere — oxygen and moisture — but not necessarily the temperature and humidity of the air inside. For some processes that's fine; for others, uncontrolled temperature or humidity quietly undermines your results. Here's how to decide whether you need dedicated control modules.
Atmosphere vs temperature/humidity: not the same thing
Inert gas purging removes oxygen and replaces the air with nitrogen or argon. That protects air-sensitive materials, but it doesn't precisely set how warm the chamber is or hold a target humidity. If your protocol specifies a temperature or relative-humidity range, purging alone won't get you there — you need add-on control.
What the control modules do
- Temperature control module: uses cooling and heating plates with a temperature sensor to detect and regulate the chamber temperature.
- Humidity control module: uses a water reservoir and a desiccant column, plus a humidity sensor, to raise or lower and monitor humidity.
Each module comes with a suitable power supply, and installation support is available. These are designed to work as part of a complete system rather than as standalone units.
When you DO need them
- Reactions or materials that are temperature-sensitive
- Processes that specify a target humidity (too dry or too humid changes the outcome)
- Crystallization, curing, or storage steps with environmental requirements
- Work where reproducibility depends on stable conditions run to run
When you probably DON'T
- Routine air-sensitive handling where only oxygen/moisture exclusion matters
- Short operations at ambient lab conditions
- Workflows where your samples aren't sensitive to a few degrees or a few percent RH
Plan for it early
It's easier and cleaner to design control modules into your glove box from the start than to retrofit later, since they need power, sensor placement, and integration with the chamber. If there's any chance your process will require temperature or humidity control, mention it when you request a quote so the box is built to accept it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add the modules to an existing glove box?
They're intended to be part of a complete system and require installation; it's best to specify them with your build. Contact us to discuss your setup.
Do they replace inert gas purging?
No — they work alongside it. Purging controls atmosphere; the modules control temperature and humidity.
See the temperature & humidity control modules, or request a custom quote and tell us your temperature and humidity targets.