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Cleanrooms are specially sanitized, filtered, and temperature regulated spaces that are used everywhere from manufacturing to biological experimentation. Understanding the cleanroom HVAC system that you need relies upon first determining the cleanroom classification under which your facility should fit. Three different factors determine the right cleanroom classification. Contamination There are two main sources of contamination in a cleanroom environment: the process for which the cleanroom was built and the people who work within it. Whether the contamination risk is higher from the people or from the process itself depends on your facility and its needs. There’s usually a general give-and-take with how you prioritize your contaminant prevention. If you put more effort into the suits and sanitation of your workers within a cleanroom, then it’s possible the focus needed on environmental filtration during the processes within it won’t have to be as intensive. Particle Size This small consideration makes an immeasurable difference. Knowing what size particles need to be filtered out of the air and systems within your cleanroom can help you determine the type of HVAC system and filters that are really needed. What this means, more specifically, is that the system can be constructed to allow particles that are only a certain size and smaller, such as particles of ½ micron instead of 5 microns. Particles that are larger than the determined size will be filtered out of the system, hence the size choice will have a direct correlation with the classification of the cleanroom that’s used. Air Circulation The main method of regulating a cleanroom during the process occurs through air circulation and filtration. The right amount of air circulation is required in order for the cleanroom contaminant levels to stay well under control. The amount of air pushed through a cleanroom directly correlates with the size of the room or facility. Air volume is what has an impact, so rooms with higher ceilings will require greater volumes of airflow, and therefore more air circulation, than those with lower ceilings. This is a long-term cost consideration that should be kept in mind when considering the proper dimensions for building a cleanroom. Once again, cleanroom specifications come down to the purpose of your cleanroom, and thus what types of cleanroom HVAC equipment are needed for your specific type of facility. Consulting with contractors and cleanroom equipment specialists are great ways to make the most informed decisions.
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