At Angstrom Technology, modular cleanrooms are our bread and butter. We love their pre-engineered, high-quality components and their speedy installation processes — and our customers do too! 

If you’re considering a modular approach to your next cleanroom project, you might have a few questions about the installation process. We have answers!

What Is a Modular Cleanroom?

First, let’s recap exactly what a modular cleanroom is. 

A modular cleanroom consists of non-progressive, prefabricated components that are manufactured offsite and then assembled onsite. Modular cleanrooms can be installed within an existing facility as a freestanding structure or supported by the existing building’s structure if need be. 

What Are the Benefits of Modular Cleanrooms?

Modular cleanrooms offer the same benefits as traditionally constructed cleanrooms, and then some. They are: 

• Versatile. Non-progressive in nature, modular cleanrooms can be easily reconfigured, expanded, or relocated to meet the changing needs of your facility. 
• Convenient. Modular cleanrooms result in less construction mess and minimal interruption to your facility’s surrounding operations. 
• Environmentally friendly. Modular cleanrooms are not only made from recycled materials but they produce less construction waste and are also built for durable and versatile long-term use. 
• Affordable. Due to the nature of the prefabricated components, there is reduced labor costs which make modular cleanrooms more affordable than traditional ones. Cost varies based on the size and scope of your project, however. 
• Ready to install. Most pertinent to this article, prefabricated modular cleanroom components allow for quick and simple installation processes. 

The 7 Steps to Modular Cleanroom Installation

Arguably the biggest benefit of installing a modular is just that: the installation. The modular cleanroom installation process is fast and uniformed. Since components are pre-engineered and manufactured in a controlled environment offsite, they’re ready to install as soon as they’re delivered. In some cases, this can take just a few days!

Here’s an overview of what each step of the modular cleanroom installation process looks like, from design drafts to finishing touches:

1. Create Designs

A great cleanroom starts with a great design. To start the project off, a lot of time is spent in the design phase, ensuring that all aspects are feasible and highly detailed. This sets the scene for a successful, error-free manufacturing process. 

2. Manufacture Components Offsite

Next up is engineering and manufacturing. In a controlled facility offsite, various cleanroom components are manufactured according to the design specifications listed. Detailed, high-quality work here helps ensure that no problems arise during the installation process. 

3. Deliver Components to the Construction Site

Once manufacturing is completed, each component of the modular cleanroom is delivered to be assembled onsite. 

4. Build!

This is where the true modular cleanroom “installation” process begins. Expert installers work to assemble each component of the modular cleanroom until the final structure is complete. This stage can vary from a few days to several weeks, but will depend on the size of your project.

5. Connect Utilities & Services

In order to get the cleanroom running optimally, all ancillary services need to be connected and properly installed. This includes HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and more. Close and frequent coordination throughout the modular cleanroom installation process helps to ensure all systems are up and running smoothly.

6. Implement Additional Equipment

Once the modular cleanroom structure is standing, any additional equipment is incorporated. Many cleanroom industries and applications require specialized machines or technologies to complete everyday tasks. Aside from the usual air filtration systems, this could include anything from workstations to pass-through chambers to conveyor belts. 

7. Complete Qualification & Validation Process (If Necessary)

Most cleanroom projects require some sort of certification, qualification, or validation. The type needed depends on what standards and classifications are required for the industry but could be one or more from this list: GMP, cGMP, ISO, ASTM, or USP. These approval processes are there to confirm the cleanroom is safe, effective, and efficient for the application it’s expected to host. 

Have more questions regarding modular cleanrooms? Check out our previous post, Modular Cleanroom FAQs. 

Want to Install a Modular Cleanroom? Trust Our Experts

If you’re looking to install a cleanroom as quickly and efficiently as possible, modular is the way to go — and Angstrom Technology is the place to go! From full-size turnkey cleanroom projects to customized expansions, our experts have the experience needed to design, build, and install a modular cleanroom that works for you. To get started, give us a call at (616) 866-2400 or request a quote online.