Success at NIH Building 35: A Full Bedding System Upgrade Done Right
When it comes to vivarium operations, consistency, containment, and efficiency are critical. At NIH Building 35, Zephyr Equipment was brought in to do just that—remove an outdated, underperforming bedding system and replace it with a modern, operator-friendly solution for bedding dispensing, delivery, and waste disposal.
The Challenge: Out with the Old
NIH had been operating with an aging bedding handling system that was no longer meeting the demands of their high-throughput animal care operations. Frequent clogs, unreliable delivery, and a labor-intensive disposal process were costing time, increasing exposure risk, and creating daily frustration for staff.
The facility needed a comprehensive upgrade—without disrupting daily operations.
The Zephyr Solution: A Complete System Overhaul
Zephyr stepped in with a full-service plan, from demolition and removal of the old equipment to installation and integration of a new, three-part system:
1. Bedding Delivery System
We installed a clean, enclosed pneumatic conveying system to transport fresh bedding from a central bulk hopper to multiple locations throughout the facility. The system is designed for minimal dust and even distribution using our rainfall-style dispensing modules.
2. Bedding Dispensing Stations
Each dispensing point features Zephyr’s user-friendly, low-dust rainfall dispensers—providing cage-ready bedding at the push of a button. Operators have control, consistency, and significantly reduced clean-up.
3. Waste Bedding Disposal System
On the dirty side, Zephyr designed a vacuum-powered collection system that pulls used bedding from dumping stations directly to a sealed waste collection hopper. This eliminates the need for bins and carts, and significantly reduces operator exposure to allergens and dust.
The Outcome: Clean, Contained, and Consistent
The result at NIH Building 35 was immediate:
- Faster Workflow: Staff can move cages through cleaning and bedding much faster.
- Cleaner Air: Dust and dander were significantly reduced in both clean and dirty areas.
- Lower Maintenance: Our systems are designed to be simple to clean and easy to service.
- Happier Operators: The intuitive design improves ergonomics and reduces daily strain.
Built for Today. Ready for Tomorrow.
Zephyr’s operator-first approach, rugged construction, and attention to containment made all the difference for NIH. By replacing a dated system with modern, integrated equipment, we’ve helped one of the nation's leading research institutions maintain its high standards for safety and efficiency.
Whether you’re upgrading an aging facility or building new, Zephyr is your partner for custom bedding handling systems that work as hard as you do.
Want to see what we can do for your vivarium? Contact us today to start the conversation.
