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iso 5 cleanroom-Classification,ISO Standards,Certification,airflow principle

  • Author:Jason Peng

  • Cleanroom Engineering Technology Manager of Deiiang Company.

    Product R&D Manager of GDC Inc. Cleanroom Equipment Manufacturing Company.

    Executive Director of Guangdong Cleanroom Industry Association of China.

    Engaged in R&D of related products for 15 years, with rich relevant technical experience

  • 2025-06-20  |  Visits:
ISO 5 Cleanroom-Classification,ISO Standards,Certification,airflow principle            

Controlled Environments for High-Precision Manufacturing

What are ISO 5 Cleanrooms?

ISO 5 cleanrooms are controlled environments adhered to the ISO 14644-1 standard, designed to maintain exceptionally low levels of airborne particles. These specialized rooms are commonly utilized in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing, where air purity is paramount.

The primary purpose of an ISO 5 cleanroom is to minimize the introduction, generation, and retention of particulate contamination within the environment. To achieve this, stringent controls on air pressure, humidity, and temperature are maintained along with a comprehensive filtration system.

class 5 cleanroom

iso 5 cleanroom


ISO 5 CleanRoom Classification Overview

The classification of cleanrooms is determined by the number and size of particles permitted per cubic meter of air. An ISO 5 cleanroom allows for a maximum of 3,520 particles per cubic meter at 0.5 µm or larger.

Cleanrooms are ranked based on how clean the air is inside them. The class of a cleanroom tells you how many and what size of particles are allowed in a cubic meter of air. In the US and Canada, the iso 14644-1 system is the main guideline for this.

This ISO standard has cleanroom classes ranging from ISO 1 to ISO 9. ISO 1 is the absolute cleanest, while ISO 9 is the least clean. But even an ISO 9 room is cleaner than your typical everyday room.

Most people deal with ISO 7 and ISO 8 Cleanrooms because they're the most common. If you're curious about the older equivalent, they're similar to what used to be called Class 10,000 and Class 100,000 under the old FS 209E standard.

Speaking of which, the old FS 209E standard had classes like 100,000; 10,000; 1,000; 100; 10; and 1. Though FS 209E was officially replaced by ISO 14644-1 in 1999 and stopped being widely recognized in 2001, you’ll still hear folks refer to it now and then.

Cleanroom ClassMax Particles ≥0.5 µm / m³Typical Applications
ISO 53,520Semiconductor Manufacturing, Microelectronics
ISO 635,200Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices
ISO 7352,000Laboratories, Food Processing

Key ISO Standards for ISO 5 Cleanrooms

Standards play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and safety of cleanroom environments. The ISO 14644 series governs the classification of air cleanliness in cleanrooms.

ISO 14644-1 defines the cleanroom classification, while iso 14644-2 specifies the monitoring and testing requirements to confirm continued compliance. Adhering to these standards ensures that facilities achieve and maintain the cleanliness levels necessary for high-precision and contamination-sensitive industries.

ISO 14644-1

Defines the classification of air cleanliness in cleanrooms and associated controlled environments based on particle concentration.

ISO 14644-2

Specifies the monitoring and testing requirements to confirm continued compliance with the cleanroom classification.

ISO 14644-3

Provides guidance on test methods for cleanrooms and controlled environments, including air sampling and particle counting.

Certification Process for ISO 5 Cleanrooms

Achieving certification for an ISO 5 cleanroom involves a series of rigorous tests and documentation to verify compliance with the ISO standards.

Typically, facilities undergo initial testing that includes particulate count tests, air flow velocity checks, and pressure differential assessments. Certification requires periodic retesting to ensure ongoing compliance and reliability.

Trustworthy brands like Deiiang can provide specialized equipment and expert consultation to assist in meeting these stringent certification requirements, ensuring peace of mind for cleanroom operators.

Certification Steps

  • Particulate matter concentration testing
  • Airflow velocity and pattern assessment
  • Pressure differential measurements
  • Temperature and humidity control verification
  • Regular recertification audits

Airflow Principles in ISO 5 Environments

Airflow is a critical component in sustaining the cleanliness of an ISO 5 cleanroom. Laminar airflow systems are often employed to direct air in parallel, unidirectional streams, thereby sweeping away particles and contaminants.

The airflow rate, measured as Air Changes Per Hour (ACPH), must be sufficient to maintain particle levels within prescribed limits. The most effective systems ensure a constant supply of fresh, filtered air while exhausting contaminated air, which is vital for maintaining ISO 5 conditions consistently.

Laminar vs. Turbulent Airflow

Laminar Flow

Parallel, unidirectional airflow that effectively removes particles

Turbulent Flow

Chaotic airflow that can disperse particles and cause contamination

In conclusion, constructing and maintaining an ISO 5 cleanroom demands a robust understanding of international standards and regulations. By implementing these guidelines and choosing reliable partners like Deiiang, facilities can secure their operations against contamination threats, ensuring both product integrity and regulatory compliance in even the most demanding settings.

© 2025 Cleanroom Standards Guide

Cleanroom Insiders Expert Team

Deiiang's expert team specializes in designing and constructing state-of-the-art cleanrooms tailored to meet diverse industry needs. With a focus on innovation and compliance, we deliver pristine environments that ensure operational excellence and product integrity.

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