

The ISO standard assigns a class ranging from ISO 1 to ISO 9, with the higher classes permitting more particulate contamination per unit volume of air. There are two standards typically used for this determination: Specialized construction and climate control equipment for positive and negative pressure roomsĬleanrooms are graded based upon the purity of the air that is contained in the facility. Modular, soft wall cleanrooms are needed for medical emergencies or when smaller runs of environment-sensitive materials are produced within a larger facility.

A hard wall cleanroom is a permanent structure or part of a larger permanent structure, while a soft wall cleanroom can be transported or augmented depending on requirements, and primarily exists within a larger, permanent structure. Manufacturing various kinds of products, such as microprocessors, also requires a particle-free environment, because even a human hair contacting the small chips of a microprocessor can inhibit or destroy functionality.Ĭleanrooms are either hard- or soft-walled. For example, when scientists grow cultures, it is important to reduce the introduction of other bacteria so that results will not be compromised. Image credit: Liberty Industries Cleanroom BasicsĬleanrooms are necessary for various kinds of scientific research that require particle- and bacteria-free environments. Cleanrooms are used in a variety of industries. Cleanrooms employ many different types of filters, including highly efficient particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultra-low particulate air ( ULPA) filters, but there are two standard air flow patterns that are consistently used: laminar flow and turbulent flow. However, one of the major forces keeping a cleanroom particle free is the air filter system.
#Airflow system code#
Typically, cleanrooms employ a broad range of techniques to prevent air particles, bacteria, and other contaminants from entering the workspace, often using an employee dress code and washing, pass-thru lockers and chambers, and intensive detail to cleaning. Cleanrooms are facilities designed for conducting research or manufacturing products that require extremely clean environments.
