【BIBO】Everything You Need To Know About BIBO: A Complete Guide From Principles To Safe Filter Changeout

    BIBO employs single or multiple filtration system designs: a single filtration system is equipped with only one HEPA filter; a multiple filtration                      system can include additional stages such as a pre-filter section, chemical filter section, activated carbon filter section, and dual HEPA filter sections.

I. What is BIBO

Fully Sealed, No Exposure

The Bag-In/Bag-Out filter housing (BIBO), simply put, is an air filtration device that employs a fully enclosed bag-type design. Its core mission consists of two aspects: first, to efficiently filter harmful pollutants from the air (such as chemical toxins, biological pathogens, radioactive materials, etc.); second, to ensure that during the replacement of filter elements, contaminants remain entirely sealed within dedicated protective bags, preventing any contact with operating personnel and the external environment.

II. Application Scenarios

Biopharmaceuticals, Laboratories, Nuclear Industry

• Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry: In the sterile environments of pharmaceutical production, airborne fine dust and microorganisms may contaminate products; meanwhile, exhaust systems in isolation wards of infectious disease hospitals may carry pathogens such as COVID-19 and SARS. BIBO can effectively filter out these pollutants, and replacing the filters does not compromise the sterile environment or cause virus leakage.

• Nuclear Industry and Radioactive Processing: During the operation of nuclear facilities, radioactive aerosols are generated, which can cause irreversible harm to humans if leaked. BIBO securely traps these radioactive particles within the filters, and during replacement, they are safely transferred and disposed of via sealed bags, preventing the spread of radioactive materials.

• Biochemical Laboratories and Research Fields: In P3/P4 laboratories researching highly infectious diseases such as avian influenza and Ebola, or in facilities conducting experiments with toxic chemicals, BIBO serves as the last line of defense to protect researchers, preventing harmful gases and pathogens generated during experiments from escaping into the air.

IV. Design Advantages

Exceptional Sealing and Modular Design

• Exceptional Sealing: The housing is constructed using SUS304 stainless steel with seamless welding and undergoes factory pressure testing at either 2500 Pa positive pressure or 3000 Pa negative pressure to ensure zero leakage. The seal between the filter and the housing is further enhanced using gasket sealing or liquid trough sealing, improving airtightness.

• In‑Place Disinfection and Leak Testing: The equipment is equipped with disinfection ports upstream and downstream, allowing for comprehensive disinfection by injecting agents such as formaldehyde or hydrogen peroxide (VHP). It also incorporates an in‑place scan leak detection system to check for filter leaks, ensuring filtration performance meets standards.

• Modular Design: Units can be combined in parallel according to airflow requirements, or filtration stages and disinfection modules can be arranged in series based on functional needs, making them adaptable to various scenarios. Installation is flexible, supporting either vertical or horizontal mounting; for outdoor use, a rain shelter can also be configured.

• Safety Monitoring System: Each filter stage is fitted with a differential pressure monitoring device, and some systems can be connected to a central control system for real‑time alerts. The pressure‑measurement lines are equipped with airtight isolation valves and HEPA filters to prevent contamination leakage during monitoring.

V. BIBO of  Cigeair Group

Self-Developed, Precision Manufacturing

The Cigeair brand Bag-In/Bag-Out safety containment filter housing (BIBO) provides a safe and reliable method for filter installation and replacement. Utilizing a fully enclosed bag-in/bag-out design, it minimizes contact with contaminants as much as possible. It effectively isolates contamination from radioactive gases, pathogens, and toxic chemicals, prevents secondary air pollution, and ensures the safety of operating personnel.