Ever wondered what all those complex cleanroom terms mean? If you’re navigating the world of cleanrooms—whether for manufacturing, scientific research, or healthcare—understanding the language is key.
Welcome to our go-to guide for demystifying common (and not-so-common) terms used in this unique industry. Here, you’ll find simple explanations to help you better understand critical terminology
Cleanroom cleanliness is determined by the frequency with which the entire volume of air is filtered and replaced per hour, known as air changes per hour (ACH). These values are tailored to the cleanroom’s classification and application.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) outlines specific ACH requirements for different cleanroom air cleanliness classifications:
Maintaining the correct ACH ensures that pollutants are continuously removed and the desired cleanliness level is achieved.
Cleanroom booties, or fabric shoe covers, are designed to prevent pollutants from being tracked into a cleanroom on the soles of shoes. Constructed from non-shedding, anti-static fabric, cleanroom booties effectively block dust, dirt, and particulates. Reusable booties must be cleaned in ISO-compliant facilities to maintain cleanliness standards.
Booties come in different lengths and styles—some only cover the shoe, while others extend up to the knee for extra protection. This equipment is disposable, providing a single-use option for easy cleanup, or reusable with regular cleaning.
Bunny suits are full-body coveralls specifically designed to encapsulate any pollutants or particles carried by personnel. By containing hair, skin flakes, dust, and other contamination, bunny suits play a critical role in maintaining cleanroom integrity.
These suits, often paired with hoods, masks, gloves, and booties, ensure that operators do not inadvertently compromise the cleanroom environment.
Ceiling tiles used in cleanrooms are specially manufactured to minimize the release of particles. Typically, they are coated with vinyl, making them washable and easy to maintain.
Some tiles are made from painted aluminum, stainless steel, or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Using cleanroom ceiling tiles helps prevent the introduction of airborne particles that could affect sensitive processes or equipment.
Cleanrooms can generate static electricity due to airflow passing through HEPA filters. This static can pose risks to sensitive products or components being manufactured.
De-ionizers neutralize static electricity by emitting a balanced stream of positively and negatively charged ions, preventing static buildup that could attract particles or damage sensitive electronic components. This protection is particularly important in industries that deal with electronics or other static-sensitive products.
Cleanroom door interlocks prevent both doors in an airlock system from being opened at the same time, thereby minimizing contamination. This equipment often includes sensors, magnetic locks, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) to monitor and manage door access.
In a cleanroom, laminar airflow moves in parallel layers at a velocity of 0.3–0.5 m/s, directing particles downward through ULPA or HEPA filters to the floor. This ensures a controlled, unidirectional airflow critical for maintaining air purity.
It contrasts with turbulent flow, where air moves chaotically, increasing the risk of particle suspension. Laminar flow is crucial for maintaining clean air standards.
Magnehelic gauges are differential pressure gauges used to measure the pressure difference between a cleanroom and surrounding areas or between different zones within a cleanroom. This equipment help monitor and maintain consistent air pressure to ensure proper environmental control.
Proper pressure levels, typically a differential of 0.02–0.05 inches of water column, ensure that contaminants are kept out of clean zones while maintaining cleanroom integrity. These gauges provide a clear and accurate measure of air pressure differences, allowing for precise adjustments to airflow and filtration systems.
fil
Particle counters are essential for measuring airborne particles in cleanrooms. Using laser technology to detect and count particles of different sizes, these devices help ensure that a cleanroom’s air quality meets the required standards. Regular monitoring with particle counters is necessary to maintain cleanliness and compliance.
Pass-through boxes are small chambers used to transfer items into or out of cleanrooms. The doors on either side are interlocked, preventing both from being opened at the same time, which keeps contaminants from entering the controlled environment. Pass-throughs are commonly used in R&D, biotech, and the electronics industries.
Softwall cleanrooms, constructed with clear vinyl curtains, are a cost-effective option for less stringent cleanliness requirements. Often used in assembly lines or temporary setups, they operate primarily as one-pass systems without advanced air conditioning. They are easy to set up and ideal for temporary or specific applications.
Tacky mats are adhesive-coated floor mats positioned at cleanroom entrances to capture dirt and particles from footwear. They are layered for easy replacement, ensuring continued effectiveness as contaminants accumulate. They are a simple yet effective measure to reduce contaminants being brought into controlled environments.
Cleanroom management doesn’t have to be overwhelming once you understand some of the key terms and concepts that keep everything running smoothly. From air showers and bunny suits to the critical role of air changes per hour, maintaining a clean, controlled environment is all about the details.
By mastering these terms, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your cleanroom spaces effectively. If you ever feel the need for expert guidance or want to take your cleanroom maintenance to the next level, consider reaching out to Modulus Cleanrooms.
Our experienced team can help you create and maintain a cleanroom that meets the highest industry standards with ease.
