Cleanrooms are an integral part of various industries that require a controlled environment to maintain quality and ensure optimal performance of their processes. According to Grand View Research, the global cleanroom technology market was valued at USD 4.0 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% from 2021 to 2028.
The installation of a cleanroom involves designing and constructing a facility that adheres to strict environmental and cleanliness standards.
This article outlines the key considerations for cleanroom design and construction.
Working With a Cleanroom Company
Designing and constructing a cleanroom requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Working with a professional cleanroom company can ensure that the cleanroom is built to meet the required cleanliness standards and regulatory requirements.
A cleanroom company typically offers a range of services, including consultation, design, construction, installation, testing, and certification. They can work with the client to determine the appropriate cleanroom classification, room size, layout, wall and ceiling systems, HVAC systems, lighting, and other critical factors.
One such company is American Cleanroom Systems, a leading cleanroom installation and design company with over 30 years of experience. However, there are numerous other cleanroom installation service providers in the market, and assessing their services and expertise can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your requirements and budget.
Just make sure that the company has a team of skilled professionals that includes architects, engineers, project managers, and technicians, who can ensure that the cleanroom is designed and constructed to the highest standards.
Design Considerations
1. Cleanroom Classification
Cleanroom classification is a critical consideration for the design and construction of a cleanroom. The classification determines the level of cleanliness required for the room and dictates the environmental control standards that must be met.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed guidelines for cleanroom classification, which categorize cleanrooms based on the number of particles per cubic meter at a specified particle size.
The higher the classification, the stricter the requirements for environmental control, and the more significant the design and construction considerations.
2. Room Size
The size of the cleanroom is a critical design consideration. The room must be large enough to accommodate the process requirements and the equipment needed to perform the process.
However, the larger the room, the more challenging it can be to maintain the required level of cleanliness. The design of the room should also allow for efficient material flow, minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring a smooth process flow.
3. Layout
The layout of the cleanroom is another critical design consideration. The layout should be designed to minimize the risk of contamination and facilitate efficient material flow.
The design should also take into account the location of equipment, personnel, and materials, ensuring that they do not interfere with the process and do not introduce contamination risks.
4. Wall and Ceiling Systems
The design of the wall and ceiling systems is an essential consideration for cleanroom design and construction. The wall and ceiling systems should be constructed with materials that are easy to clean and maintain and that minimize the risk of contamination.
They should also provide an adequate barrier to prevent the entry of outside contaminants. The wall and ceiling systems should also have the necessary fittings to support lighting, HVAC systems, and other components needed for the cleanroom.
5. Lighting
Lighting is an essential consideration for cleanroom design and construction. The lighting should provide adequate illumination for personnel and equipment, but it should also be designed to minimize shadowing and heat generation.
Shadowing can create areas where particles can accumulate and increase the risk of contamination, while excessive heat can cause equipment failure and adversely affect the process.
Construction Considerations
1. Materials
The materials used for cleanroom construction are critical for maintaining the required level of cleanliness and preventing contamination. The materials should be selected based on their ability to meet the cleanliness and contamination control standards required for the cleanroom.
Materials that are easy to clean and maintain are essential, as well as materials that do not shed particles or emit gases that can contaminate the environment.
Modular cleanroom walls are an important component of any cleanroom facility, as they provide a barrier between the controlled environment and the outside world.
WorkStation Industries, in a blog post from 2021, highlighted that these walls are typically constructed from steel frames and may include materials such as painted aluminum, vinyl-covered gypsum, and melamine. In addition, clear vinyl/PVC curtains or glass/plexiglass can be used to provide visibility while still maintaining a controlled environment.
2. HVAC Systems
The design of the HVAC systems is an essential consideration for cleanroom construction. The HVAC systems must meet the specific environmental requirements of the cleanroom, with filtration systems to remove airborne contaminants.
The HVAC systems should also be designed to maintain the required temperature and humidity levels, which are critical for certain processes. The design should also take into account the location of air vents and return grilles to minimize the risk of contamination.
3. Doors and Windows
In cleanroom environments, doors and windows are areas that are susceptible to contamination. Hence, they must be designed to reduce the risk of any external impurities entering the cleanroom. To achieve this, doors should feature airtight seals, and windows must be fabricated from materials that are easy to clean and do not generate particles.
Apart from doors and windows, Cleanroom Technology reported in June 2022 that there are other sources of contamination in cleanrooms such as raw materials, consumables, cleaning agents, papers, adhesives, and packaging.
4. Cleanroom Certification
Cleanroom installation should be validated and certified to ensure compliance with industry standards. The validation process involves testing the cleanroom’s environmental conditions and its ability to maintain the required level of cleanliness. The certification process involves the issuance of a certificate that confirms that the cleanroom meets the required standards.
Conclusion
When it comes to cleanroom installation, proper design, and construction are crucial to meeting the required cleanliness standards and regulatory requirements. Working with an experienced cleanroom company with a skilled team of professionals is key.
Considerations for design include cleanroom classification, room size, layout, wall and ceiling systems, lighting, materials, HVAC systems, doors, and windows. After installation, the cleanroom must undergo validation and certification. Overall, a well-designed and properly constructed cleanroom is vital for ensuring quality and safety in industries that require a controlled environment for their processes.
