What kind of air filtration systems are used in modular clean rooms?

What Kind of Air Filtration Systems Are Used in modular clean rooms?

1. Introduction to Air Filtration in Clean Rooms: Air filtration is critical in modular clean rooms to maintain the required cleanliness levels, as defined by standards such as ISO 14644. Effective filtration systems help control airborne particulates, ensuring a safe environment for sensitive processes in industries like pharmaceuticals and Electronics.

2. HEPA Filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most commonly used Air Filters in modular clean rooms. According to the US Department of Energy, HEPA filters can remove at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining the air quality necessary for ISO5 and higher clean rooms.

3. ULPA Filters: Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filters are another type of filtration system used in clean rooms requiring even stricter air purity. ULPA filters can capture at least 99.999% of particles as small as 0.12 microns. This makes them suitable for applications in ISO4 and lower environments, where micro-contamination can significantly affect product quality.

4. Pre-filters: Pre-filters are often used in conjunction with HEPA or ULPA filters to extend their lifespan and improve overall efficiency. These filters capture larger particles, such as dust and lint, which helps reduce the load on the primary filters. Typical pre-filters can capture 80-90% of particles larger than 10 microns, ensuring longer service life for HEPA and ULPA filters.

5. airflow design and Filtration: The design of airflow systems in modular clean rooms is crucial for effective filtration. Clean rooms typically utilize a laminar airflow pattern, which directs filtered air in a uniform manner. This design minimizes turbulence and helps ensure that air passes through the filters efficiently, maintaining the necessary cleanliness levels.

What Type of Airflow Is in a Cleanroom?

Laminar Airflow

Cleanrooms typically utilize laminar airflow, where air moves in parallel layers with minimal turbulence. This design helps maintain uniform air quality and prevents contamination from particles, ensuring a consistent environment for sensitive processes.

Turbulent Airflow

Some cleanrooms employ turbulent airflow, which mixes air throughout the space. While not as effective in controlling contamination, this system can be suitable for less stringent cleanroom environments where particle control is not as critical.

Unidirectional Airflow

Unidirectional airflow is a subtype of laminar airflow that directs air in a single direction, typically from the ceiling to the floor. This method effectively sweeps airborne particles away from critical areas, enhancing cleanliness.

Air Change Rate

Cleanrooms are designed with specific air change rates, typically ranging from 15 to 60 air changes per hour. This ensures that the air is frequently replaced, maintaining the required cleanliness levels and reducing particle accumulation.

What Are the Air Requirements for a Clean Room?

• Temperature Control

Clean rooms require strict temperature control, typically maintained between 20°C to 24°C. This range is essential for preventing thermal stresses on sensitive equipment and ensuring the comfort of personnel working within the space.

• Humidity Levels

Maintaining appropriate relative humidity is crucial in clean rooms, usually kept below 60%. High humidity can promote microbial growth, while low humidity may lead to static electricity, compromising sensitive processes and equipment.

• Air Filtration

Clean rooms must have high-efficiency air filtration systems to remove airborne particles. The filters should meet standards like HEPA or ULPA, capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns and ensuring compliance with cleanliness standards.

• Pressure Differentials

Maintaining positive pressure relative to surrounding areas is a key requirement for clean rooms. This prevents outside contaminants from entering the cleanroom environment, ensuring that Clean air flows out when doors are opened.

What Type of Filter Is Required in a Cleanroom?

HEPA Filters

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are essential in modular cleanrooms, capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. These filters are widely used in ISO5 cleanrooms and higher.

ULPA Filters

Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filters provide even higher filtration efficiency, capturing 99.999% of particles as small as 0.12 microns. ULPA filters are typicallyused in cleanrooms requiring stringent control, such as ISO4 and below, where contamination risks are critically high.

Pre-Filters

Pre-filters are utilized to extend the lifespan of HEPA and ULPA filters by capturing larger particles before they reach the primary filters. They typically remove 80-90% of particles larger than 10 microns, enhancing overall system efficiency.

What Is AHU in A Clean Room?

1. Definition of AHU

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a crucial component in cleanroom environments, responsible for regulating and circulating air. AHUs help maintain the desired temperature, humidity, and cleanliness levels required in controlled environments.

2. Functions of AHU

The primary functions of an AHU include filtering, heating, cooling, and dehumidifying air. By actively conditioning the air, AHUs ensure that cleanrooms maintain optimal conditions for sensitive processes and equipment.

3. Components of AHU

AHUs typically consist of filters, blowers, heating and cooling coils, and humidity controls. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring that the air delivered to the cleanroom meets the stringent requirements for cleanliness and temperature.

How Long Do cleanroom HEPA Filters Last?

Typical Lifespan

HEPA filters in cleanrooms typically have a lifespan of 2 to 4 years, depending on the operating conditions and the level of airborne contaminants. Regular monitoring can help determine when filters need replacement.

Factors Affecting Lifespan

Several factors influence the lifespan of HEPA filters, including air quality, usage frequency, and pre-filter effectiveness. Environments with high particulate loads may require more frequent filter changes to maintain performance.

Maintenance Practices

Implementing good maintenance practices can extend the life of HEPA filters. Regular inspections and cleaning of pre-filters, along with monitoring pressure drops, can indicate when HEPA filters need to be replaced.