What materials are air showers in cleanrooms typically made from?

Air showers in cleanrooms are typically made from materials that are durable, non-contaminating, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion. The most common materials used in the construction of air showers include:

Air Shower Type

The materials commonly used in air showers, excluding aluminum, polycarbonate or acrylic, and galvanized steel, are primarily focused on durability, cleanliness, and ease of maintenance in cleanroom environments. Here are the main types of materials used:

1. Stainless Steel (201, 304, 316)

201 Stainless Steel: A cost-effective, corrosion-resistant material that is often used in air showers with moderate cleanliness requirements.

304 Stainless Steel: The most commonly used stainless steel in air showers due to its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning.

316 Stainless Steel: Higher corrosion resistance than 304, especially in highly corrosive environments. Ideal for cleanrooms that require stricter hygiene standards or for areas exposed to harsh chemicals.

Why it's used: Stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and easy to clean, making it the most popular choice for air shower construction.

2. Steel Plate with Paint Coating

Description: Steel plates coated with a protective layer of paint, usually epoxy or powder-coated paint.

Why it's used: This material is cost-effective and provides a decent level of durability, though it is not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel. It is suitable for less demanding cleanroom applications where aesthetics and basic functionality are prioritized.

Applications: Often used for parts of the air shower that are not exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

3. Color Steel Plate

Description: Steel sheets coated with a colored finish that provides both a functional and aesthetic benefit.

Why it's used: Color-coated steel is often used for decorative purposes and in non-critical cleanroom areas. It is easy to clean, relatively durable, and offers a more visually appealing design.

Applications: Common in cleanroom areas where appearance is important, but the material's durability and performance requirements are less stringent.

4. Epoxy-Coated Steel

 Description: Steel coated with an epoxy layer to provide additional protection against corrosion and harsh chemicals.

Why it's used: Epoxy coatings enhance the steel's resistance to corrosion and make it easier to clean, which is essential for cleanrooms that require frequent sanitation and exposure to disinfectants.

Applications: Used in cleanrooms that need to withstand chemical cleaning agents and where long-term durability is important.

5. Other Composite Materials (Optional)

 Description: Sometimes, composite materials like fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or other synthetic materials are used for air shower components, although they are less common.

Why it's used: These materials are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, but they tend to be more expensive and are typically used in specific applications where weight or specialized properties are necessary.

For air showers, stainless steel (especially 304 and 316 grades) is the most commonly used material due to its excellent resistance to corrosion, ease of maintenance, and durability in cleanroom environments. Steel plates with paint coatings and color steel plates are also used, depending on the specific cleanliness requirements and budget. These materials ensure the air shower remains functional and maintains the cleanroom's strict standards.

Are air showers effective?

Air showers significantly reduce contaminants on personnel and items entering cleanrooms, thereby minimizing contamination risk.

With high-velocity air jets, air showers can remove up to 99% of particulate matter, making them essential for maintaining cleanroom integrity. Their effectiveness is enhanced by proper design and maintenance, ensuring compliance with cleanliness standards in various industries. Additionally, regular performance assessments help maintain operational efficiency.

The effectiveness of air showers directly contributes to the overall cleanliness and operational success of cleanrooms, ensuring a controlled environment is maintained and reducing contamination-related issues.

The cycle time for an air shower

• Duration of Cycle

The typical cycle time for an air shower varies between 0 seconds to 99 Second, influenced by the unit's design and airflow settings. This cycle time encompasses the entry, decontamination, and exit phases.

• Influencing Factors

Factors affecting cycle time include the number of air jets, airflow velocity, and user compliance. Air showers with more jets or higher velocities can achieve effective decontamination in shorter times, enhancing throughput without sacrificing cleanliness. Proper usage by personnel is also critical for maximizing efficiency and ensuring thorough decontamination.

• Importance of Timing

4. Balancing cycle time with operational efficiency is essential; shorter cycle times can improve productivity while ensuring effective contamination control. Maintaining optimal cycle times contributes to the effectiveness of cleanroom protocols and minimizes delays in production processes.

How Do cleanroom air Showers Work?

Cleanroom air showers use high-velocity air jets to remove contaminants from personnel or materials before they enter a controlled environment. The air blasts target dust, dirt, and particles, reducing contamination risks. The individual is sealed inside, and the air pressure forces contaminants away, ensuring cleanliness.

1. ISO 7 Cleanroom Standards

A ISO 7 cleanroom adheres to  ISO 14644-1 , which limits the air particle count to no more than 352,000 particles per cubic meter

for particles ≥0.5 microns. Air cleanliness is essential for applications like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and manufacturing sensitive equipment.

2. Subheading: Cleanroom Air Shower Operation

Cleanroom air showers are designed to eliminate particles from personnel and equipment before entering a controlled environment. High-speed jets direct clean, filtered air at individuals, dislodging particles from clothing and surfaces.

The shower is equipped with sensors that activate air jets upon entry. The air is filtered to ensure it is free from particles, and the space remains pressurized to prevent contamination from escaping.

These showers not only prevent contaminants from entering but also maintain the integrity of the controlled environment, ensuring regulatory compliance and product safety.

3. ISO 7 Cleanroom Standard

ISO 7 Cleanrooms, according to iso 14644-1, are crucial in environments where moderate contamination control is required, ensuring that air quality does not exceed 352,000 particles per cubic meter.

4. Subheading: Air Shower Specifications & Standards

Air showers used in cleanrooms must meet various ISO 14644-1 guidelines. These include ensuring the air pressure, filtration system, and velocity meet specific requirements. The air velocity typically needs to exceed 20 meters per second to effectively dislodge contaminants from personnel or materials.

Air showers are an essential part of maintaining air quality in controlled environments. They must be designed to minimize the risk of contamination when personnel transition into or out of the cleanroom. The shower should have adequate cycle times (typically 30-60 seconds) to ensure thorough particle removal. Additionally, air filtration standards require the use of HEPA filters to achieve efficient removal of airborne contaminants.

List of Relevant Specifications and Standards

• ISO 14644-1:Sets particle count limits for various cleanroom classifications.

• ISO 14644-3:Defines testing and monitoring requirements for cleanrooms.

• iso 14644-5:Provides guidelines for cleanroom operation and maintenance.

• EN 1822:Specifies the performance of HEPA and ULPA filters.

• NFPA 99:Addresses electrical and safety standards for cleanrooms.

• ASTM F88:Standard test methods for cleanroom garment materials and properties.

summary

These materials work together to create an air shower that helps remove contaminants from personnel and equipment before they enter A CleanRoom, ensuring that the controlled environment remains sterile and free of particles.