How can I efficiently plan a clean room?

A clean room is a room in which the concentration of air-borne particles or germs must be kept to a minimum. The clean room must be designed in such a way that the number of particles that could possibly enter the room or emerge there is also kept as low as possible. For this reason, constantly stable temperature, air humidity and pressure conditions prevail.

How is a clean room created?

A clean room needs to be well planned and its size carefully considered in advance. Because a clean room is a costly venture. Starting with the planning and in particular when it's up and running. Making unnecessary investments should thus be avoided. Stay true to the following principle: plan as much room as possible, however keep to the minimum possible.

The planning and realisation of a clean room can be divided into four importance phases.

Phase 1: Arrangement

The pre-planning requires a concrete process analysis, which should clarify points such as the following: What requirements does the clean room need to meet, what needs to be protected, where does the contamination occur, do employees also need to be protected, do directives or standards need to be met? Specifications should also be drawn up in which the technical requirements for the equipment are defined.

Phase 2: Development of a clean room concept

Technicians and engineers then work out an individual solution for the requirements defined in phase 1. Taking purity level requirements into consideration, any necessary access chambers, wall/floor/ceiling systems, the electronics and air conditioning can be planned.

Phase 3: Implementation and setup

The clean room is built, all technology checked and tested. If the clean room meets all requirements and standards, the facility can be given the go-ahead.
 

Phase 4: Continuous monitoring and maintenance

Depending on requirements and standards, the clean room may be subject to regular checks and maintenance, as well as regular and professional cleaning.

What equipment is required?

Depending on requirements or statutory provisions, there are numerous clean room classes and also hierarchical areas within the clean room itself. These are classified within the DIN guidelines. The clean room that meets maximum standards is a class 10 or higher.

• Ventilation Technology: A cleanroom requires special ventilation technology to maintain air quality, temperature, and humidity at a specific level.
• Cleanroom Clothing: Special clothing for the cleanroom, such as disposable or reusable garments, is required. This helps to keep particles and other contaminants away from personnel and reduces contamination.
• Material and Personnel Airlocks: To enter the cleanroom, material and personnel airlocks as well as air showers are provided. These help to dislodge and remove particles in order to avoid contamination from the outside.
• Cleanroom-Suitable Materials: The materials used in the cleanroom must meet specific requirements, such as low outgassing, abrasion-resistant surfaces, cleanability, resistance to disinfectants, and conductivity.
• Work Chairs and Furniture: Selecting the right work chairs and furniture is important to comply with the cleanroom classification. They should meet the necessary cleanroom standards, such as smooth surfaces, resistance to disinfectants, and abrasion resistance.