​What Are Cleanrooms?

Cleanrooms, also referred to as clean booths or dust-free booths, are specialized environments designed to maintain a controlled level of contamination. As industrial production technologies continue to advance, the demand for higher cleanliness standards in production environments has become increasingly critical. Cleanrooms serve as effective localized purification solutions, enabling industries to meet rigorous cleanliness requirements without the extensive costs associated with constructing entire clean facilities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of cleanrooms, covering their definitions, classifications, operational principles, materials, specifications, advantages, and applications.

Definition and classification of cleanrooms

Cleanrooms are designed specifically for air purification in localized production areas. They are classified based on the cleanliness levels they achieve, which range from Class 10 to Class 100. Class 10 to Class 100 Cleanrooms are suitable for environments that require stringent cleanliness, such as Semiconductor manufacturing and biopharmaceutical production. In contrast, cleanrooms suited for less critical environments, like food processing and cosmetics manufacturing, fall into a different category with lower cleanliness standards.

Operational Principles of Cleanrooms

The operational efficiency of modular cleanrooms relies on the use of high-efficiency filters that purify the indoor air. For instance, Class 100 Cleanrooms utilize these filters to create a unidirectional airflow, which swiftly removes dust particles from the environment, achieving a cleanliness level of Class 100 or better. In contrast, cleanrooms operating at lower standards may feature non-uniform airflow that includes recirculation and turbulence. This airflow pattern continuously dilutes the internal air, gradually expelling contaminants and maintaining a cleaner environment.

Materials and Structure of Cleanrooms

 Cleanrooms are primarily composed of several key components, including:

• Cabinet Structure: Typically made from materials that are easy to clean and resistant to contamination.

• FFU (Fan Filter Unit): This device plays a crucial role in circulating air through high-efficiency filters.

• Pre- and High-Efficiency Filters: These filters capture airborne particles to maintain air quality.

• Damping Layer: Helps in controlling airflow and reducing noise.

• Lighting: Integrated lighting systems that comply with Cleanroom standards.

The external casing is often coated with a plastic finish, and the structural framework may utilize specialized aluminum profiles, iron square tubes, or stainless steel tubing. Antistatic curtains, typically made from 0.3mm thick mesh, are used to minimize static charge and contamination.

Specifications and Performance of Cleanrooms

 The specifications of cleanrooms are primarily determined by the airflow volume they can deliver over a given time. Higher airflow rates lead to better cleanliness performance. The advantages of cleanrooms include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to the construction of entire clean facilities, cleanrooms significantly reduce costs.

• Ease of Installation: They can be easily assembled, customized, and expanded based on specific needs.

• Efficient Purification: Equipped with high-efficiency filters, cleanrooms effectively purify the air.

• Energy Efficiency: Utilizing energy-efficient fans reduces overall energy consumption, aligning with Environmental standards.

• Low Noise Levels: Cleanrooms operate quietly, ensuring minimal disruption during production processes.

Application Scenarios for Cleanrooms

 Cleanrooms are widely utilized across various industries and settings that require stringent air purification. Key applications include:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Where even minute particles can affect product quality.

• Biopharmaceutical Production: Ensuring sterile conditions for drug manufacturing.

• Food Processing: Maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

• Cosmetics Manufacturing: Protecting product integrity from contamination.

• Laboratory Research: Providing controlled environments for experiments.

• Hospital Operating Rooms: Minimizing infection risks during surgeries.

In conclusion, modular cleanrooms are essential tools for creating high-quality production environments. Their low-cost structure, ease of installation, efficient purification capabilities, energy-saving features, and low noise operation make them an ideal choice for various industries striving to meet stringent cleanliness standards.