How Much Cleanroom Furniture Do I Need?

How Much Cleanroom Furniture Do I Need?

by | Apr 16, 2020 | Cleanroom Supplies

From the layout of your cleanroom to the procedures you follow to keep it clean, every part of your cleanroom’s design is crucial to its function. This also includes the materials and furniture inside its walls that help you create or test your products. 

Furniture inside a cleanroom serves many purposes. It not only provides spaces for you to develop your work or to support the equipment you use, it also provides comfort and support to your employees and controls excess movement that could be detrimental to your processes.

 

Too Much or Not Enough Cleanroom Furniture?

Generally, the fewer things in your cleanroom the better. Any furniture you use should be streamlined to maximize space and to allow for easy movement of people and air. That being said, you should have enough furniture to ensure your workers are comfortable and they have everything they need in the space to work effectively. Constant exiting and reentering of the cleanroom poses a higher risk of contamination than keeping a clean environment with all of the necessary materials already within the room.

 

Planning Your Cleanroom Furniture

When selecting cleanroom furniture, you’ll need to think about how many people you have working in the cleanroom at any given time who need tables to work at and places to sit. You’ll also need to keep in mind the ways your workers will interact with the furniture, pre-planning paths to doors, cabinets and counters. Every good cleanroom design will include a workflow around your furniture that is obvious and efficient.

The cleanroom furniture itself must comply with the needs of your work. It has to meet standards determined by your class type, be sturdy enough to hold any machinery or equipment you need and be able to withstand the chemicals you work with or use for cleaning.

The furniture you include might be specific to your application, but many types of furniture are needed by most cleanrooms: pieces like tables and chairs, countertops and cabinetry, shelves or other types of storage.

 

Surfaces and Work Areas

Almost every cleanroom will require a table or work surface for employees to use for note-taking, performing detailed work or to support equipment. Tables can either be fixed or moveable with casters. Depending on your cleanroom’s design, countertops may be the best work area because they double as storage, but they must be built into the cleanroom itself. Some cleanroom-specific furniture can be designed to be put away when not in use, which frees up a lot of open space in the room.

 

Chairs or Stools

When deciding on seating for your cleanroom, you’ll need to consider space as well as function. Stools take up less room, but chairs might provide more support and comfort to your workers if they have to remain at their stations for extended periods. Cleanroom seating should be ergonomic for workers as well as your space. Selecting adaptable furniture is a great choice because you can adjust settings to have the piece work for different employees or serve multiple purposes within your cleanroom. Multi-purpose furniture also cuts down on the amount of furniture you need to get the job done.

 

Storage Systems

Proper storage in a cleanroom is essential. Your cleanroom’s storage needs may differ if you must have special containers for cleaning supplies or hazardous materials. Having ample and accessible storage in place will help your cleanroom function effectively. Additionally, places to store materials and extra cleanroom furniture you don’t use all the time can help to keep your space clear of obstacles, which further maximizes the efficiency of your space.

Cabinets and shelves are great storage options that are easy to install and keep materials off the floor. They capitalize on vertical space and can help you keep your work areas clutter and contaminant-free.

 

Your Cleanroom Furniture Should Work For You

Knowing all of the pieces that need to come together within the cleanroom will affect the choices you make during its design. Your cleanroom furniture should enable your workers to be comfortable without getting in the way of important processes. Don’t forget to factor in furniture that supports your equipment such as fume hoods, gowning racks or HVAC vents. You should try to have a general idea of what furniture you’ll need prior to construction. Or, if you’re updating your current furniture, look at the space you’re using to determine how much and what kind of furniture works best.

Is it time to furnish your cleanroom, but you’re not sure where to start? As a cleanroom design, service, and installation company, we can help you choose the furniture that’s right for your classification and your budget. Reach out to Angstrom Technology to get started.

Anti-Static Cleanrooms: What’s the Deal?

Anti-Static Cleanrooms: What’s the Deal?

by | Apr 2, 2020 | Cleanrooms

There’s a cleanroom type for every application. Many industries have specific requirements in order to perform their work successfully and without any contaminating — or dangerous — interruptions. Anti-static cleanrooms are an important type of cleanroom for industries where a stray spark or electric current could prove disastrous to projects. Let’s take a closer look at what an anti-static cleanroom is and how it serves special applications.

 

What is an anti-static cleanroom?

An anti-static cleanroom is a type of cleanroom in which every part is designed to minimize or eradicate static electricity — from flooring panels and anti-static wall material to gowning garments and procedures. Anti-static cleanrooms are especially useful in applications that involve electronics or electrically-sensitive substances. Errant electricity can interfere with experiment results or alter the readouts of important machinery, compromising the scientific process. By controlling the effects of static, you can avoid being electrically charged, and stick to just being in charge.

 

What makes a cleanroom anti-static?

It takes careful planning to make a cleanroom anti-static. Anti-static cleanrooms use electro-static dissipative finishes and equipment whenever possible. Their components include anti-static flooring, wall panels, and furniture as well as specific garments that dispel or minimize the buildup of electricity. 

 

Anti-Static Flooring

Static electricity builds naturally in most environments, but it is especially dangerous in certain cleanroom applications. Anti-static flooring minimizes electricity by grounding or dissipating any buildup of charges. Anti-static cleanrooms use either static-dissipative flooring or conductive flooring. 

Static-Dissipative Flooring

Static-dissipative flooring uses rubber or vinyl sheets that disperse electricity. This type of flooring is common in cleanrooms for electronics and manufacturing. Since it can allow more charge to build up before releasing, static-dissipative flooring is not recommended for extremely sensitive cleanroom applications, particularly those that involve flammable liquids or sensitive electrical parts.

Conductive Flooring

Conductive flooring uses a copper strip which is connected to a grounded outlet. It allows less charge to build up before grounding, which is more effective in applications where even minimal charges could be hazardous.

 

Anti-Static Wall Panels

A variety of wall panels are compliant with anti-static requirements. Aluminum rigid wall panels make a great anti-static option that is lightweight, noncombustible and non-particle-shedding. They are made with a “honeycomb” core which helps control static buildup. Modular stainless steel panels can also be anti-static and have conductive properties which are useful for cleanrooms with sensitive materials.

For a softwall option, flexible vinyl sheeting can be treated to be anti-static. It is an excellent choice for compact or temporary cleanrooms that require efficient static-dissipative applications.

 

Anti-Static Furniture

Even the furniture in an anti-static cleanroom must be static-dissipative. Special non-conductive mats can be used on top of anti-static flooring for problem areas, adding an extra layer of protection for employees. Chairs, tables, and other surfaces must also be made with materials that are non-conductive or static-dissipative. 

Depending on the specific equipment your cleanroom holds, your tools should also be chosen with the intention of minimizing static. Some machines may need modifications that allow grounding of static electricity or be reconfigured within your cleanroom to promote dissipation. 

 

Anti-Static Clothing 

Garments worn within an anti-static cleanroom are selected specifically for this use. Static-dissipative clothing is made from electro-static discharge (ESD) fabric. Depending on your cleanroom’s use, you may need to outfit your employees completely to protect them from electric shock. ESD fabric and materials can be used to make many types of clothing, including gowns, coveralls, shoes, hoods, sleeves and gloves.

 

Air Ionization

Anti-static cleanrooms also make use of air ionization to remove particles that might attach and contaminate cleanrooms. Ionization neutralizes static electricity in the air, which is useful for removing particles and contaminants that could attach during gowning, for example. Ionization systems are more effective than air showers because they counteract static, making particles easier to remove, unlike air showers which are unable to remove particles that are too strongly attracted.

Ionization systems are also very effective at reducing particle counts when installed in gowning areas. They are only effective on non-conductive materials, so it’s recommended to combine them with additional static control methods.

 

Why do I need an anti-static cleanroom?

In cleanrooms where static poses a high risk, static-dissipative finishes, equipment, and procedures are essential to protect products and employees. In some settings, sparks from static electricity buildup could cause significant damage, from small fires to explosions of flammable chemicals. It’s better to prepare a safe environment with an anti-static cleanroom and minimize the dangerous accumulation of electricity than wait until an accident happens.

Interested in an anti-static cleanroom? Let us know. We’re here to help design the cleanroom that’s best suited to your application.

Understanding Cleanroom HVAC Requirements

Understanding Cleanroom HVAC Requirements

by | Feb 24, 2020 | Air Circulation, Filtration

Just as different cleanrooms have different requirements for class specifications, HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. Your cleanroom HVAC system might even have to be reconfigured to best suit the needs of your facility. 

If your cleanroom is the body that enables you to manufacture, test or create your products, the HVAC system is its lungs. When functioning efficiently, a cleanroom can control down to a minute detail the temperature, pressure, humidity, particles, and levels of contamination of its contents. To do this, the cleanroom must be able to change its air and filter particulates. If the cleanroom is unable to do this, it is essentially left breathless.

The process of changing air can happen from 10 to more than 600 times per hour. The less “clean” the room has to be, the less often the air will change. Conversely, the more stringent the cleanroom’s standards, the more often the air will have to be changed per hour. This is referred to as air-change rate or ACR.

 

Understanding Cleanroom HVAC Power Levels and Capabilities

HVAC systems differ in their power levels and capabilities. If your cleanroom has lower standards, it may not need a system with a high BTU (British thermal unit of heat required to raise temperature in a pound of water by one degree), and strictness in temperature regulation or relative humidity (rh) may not be necessary. Cleanrooms that require exactness in these levels and extremely fine particulate filtration, however, may need the investment of a powerful HVAC system, one that is capable of maintaining a consistent and controlled environment for employees and their work.

Different industries have different requirements, and therefore different cleanroom HVAC needs. To help break this down, we’ve divided cleanroom users into three broad categories: Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, and Laboratory. Of course, many exceptions exist. For a more specific consultation, reach out to our cleanroom design team.

 

Manufacturing Cleanroom HVAC Requirements

 

hvac requirements

 

Cleanrooms used in manufacturing facilities are designed to meet a variety of standards, depending on the specific products they involve and the size of the particulates that need to be filtered. Most manufacturing cleanrooms meet ISO Classes 7 or 8, which translates to a maximum number of particles of .05μ or greater in the air ranging from 352,000 to 3,520,000. Since this type of facility does not typically depend on extreme control of temperature or a high ACR, they can be adequately maintained with the use of an HVAC system with an average to low BTU level. 

 

Pharmaceutical Cleanroom HVAC Requirements

 

hvac requirements cleanroom

 

Pharmaceutical cleanrooms will need much higher control over environmental variables and so will need a powerful HVAC system to help them achieve this. They will need to maintain a strict temperature range as set forth in all USP regulations in order to stabilize materials, meaning precise heating and cooling — especially if the cleanroom is located in a climate that experiences many temperature variations such as the Midwest. Pharmaceutical cleanrooms, on average, must comply with a minimum ISO 7 standard — Federal Standard 209 Class 10,000.

 

Laboratory and Medical Device Cleanroom HVAC Requirements

Laboratory work, especially the development and production of medical devices, requires an extremely controlled cleanroom environment that must comply with intensive standards. The majority of these types of cleanrooms comply with ISO 14644 standards. A powerful HVAC system with the necessary filters will restrict particulates in the environment to the acceptable level, maintaining the quality of the cleanroom’s air. In this environment, the air will need to be changed with high consistency, removing any contaminants before they interfere with the integrity of the work.

Depending on the size of the particles that need to be filtered, the importance of temperature or humidity to your products and the ACR rate needed to keep your environment clean, your system capabilities will need to reflect the type of work conducted in your facility. With the proper cleanroom HVAC system working in tandem with your perfectly equipped cleanroom, you will have complete control over your space and the products developed within it. It’s important to make sure your HVAC is able to filter and properly change the air of your cleanroom so it can breathe and function efficiently.

 

It’s possible that your current HVAC system may not be up to the task of supporting your new cleanroom. That’s where Angstrom Technology comes in. As expert cleanroom designers, we can help you determine what type of HVAC system you need, and help you make it happen, too. For help designing, installing, or servicing your cleanroom’s HVAC system, give our team of experts a call at 888-768-6900 or contact us online today.

5 Benefits of Softwall Cleanrooms

5 Benefits of Softwall Cleanrooms

by | Feb 10, 2020 | Softwall Cleanrooms

You may already be familiar with traditional HardWall cleanrooms. They are what most of us think of when we imagine the typical industrial cleanroom setting. Have you considered the possibility of an alternative cleanroom style that maintains the quality and capabilities of a HardWall cleanroom with the additional benefits of an economic package? It might be time to start thinking about SoftWall cleanrooms.

 

What is a SoftWall Cleanroom?

SoftWall cleanrooms are made using a simple framework and clear panels that offer a more flexible alternative to heavy and industrial HardWall cleanrooms. Their lightweight construction makes them more cost-effective, easier to set up, reconfigure and customize, all while capable of meeting a large variety of class standards. 

 

5 Benefits of Softwall Cleanrooms

A SoftWall cleanroom is a better choice for some projects. A HardWall cleanroom will be more of an investment and its walls make it less flexible. The right fit matters, and while a Hardwall cleanroom is more complicated to install and takes up more real estate — a Softwall cleanroom is more streamlined and minimalistic, possibly making a better fit for the space and your business’s needs. Still not convinced? Here are 5 benefits to building your cleanroom with something a little softer:

 

Affordable

Softer walls are softer on the wallet — when compared to HardWall or RigidWall cleanrooms. Their minimalist design requires fewer materials and tools to build. Fewer workers are needed to get your cleanroom up and running, so you can get back to doing what you do best. 

Still very customizable, these cleanrooms can be built to your exact specifications so you aren’t compromising on quality. Despite their low cost, SoftWall cleanrooms can meet class specifications from 10 to 100,000. They are perfect for a business that is starting with a limited budget, but needs room to grow.

 

Easy to Assemble

This type of cleanroom can be installed much more quickly than others — think a few hours instead of a few days. Due to their simple and lightweight design, SoftWalls can be moved and arranged to your preferences with little effort. Additionally, many of the panels can be prefabricated, further reducing the time required to assemble. 

If you don’t feel comfortable building the cleanroom yourself, an experienced crew can set it up for you. SoftWall cleanrooms are ideal for projects that are developing, as they can be expanded and reconfigured with ease to meet your facility’s needs.

 

Durable

The SoftWall frame is made of sturdy aluminum alloy, finished with a powder-baked enamel. You can choose the curtain material that best suits your needs, whether it’s PVC, polyethylene or anti-static vinyl. Unlike some panels that will release contaminates with aging or damage, the frosted or clear sheets are easy to clean and maintain. 

SoftWalls might be for you if your facility is looking for something reliable and efficient, but isn’t hindered by stringent requirements of temperature and humidity control.

 

Customizable

SoftWall cleanrooms are the most versatile of all cleanroom types because they can be built to comply with whatever customizations your facility demands. They are capable of meeting most classification standards and are compatible with HEPA or ULPA filters as well as a variety of door types. 

Your SoftWall cleanroom can be configured in various ways, either suspended from the existing structure or freestanding. Its versatility is perfect for a business that needs a cleanroom that is multifunctional, or one that is highly specialized.

 

Space-saving

Limited space requires a compact and flexible cleanroom. The adaptability of the SoftWall design means it can fit almost anywhere. Don’t let a small space limit your facility’s goals. No matter the size of your facility, SoftWall cleanrooms are easy to accommodate. When you’re ready to grow or expand your processes, your cleanroom can grow with you.

 

There’s a reason SoftWall cleanrooms are such a popular choice. They work with any budget, are easy to configure and maintain, and can be designed to work in whatever space your facility has available. 

Think a softwall cleanroom might be right for your application? Get in touch with the team at Angstrom for more information about designing and installing the ideal softwall cleanroom for you. 

Designing a Cleanroom on a Budget

Designing a Cleanroom on a Budget

by | Jan 15, 2020 | Cleanroom Design

Designing a cleanroom is already a challenge. Add onto that the challenge of limited funds, and your cleanroom design project may seem almost impossible. But even with budget constraints or limitations, you can still design an efficient and effective cleanroom for your application. Here’s everything you need to know about designing a cleanroom on a budget:

 

How to Determine Your Cleanroom Design Budget

Before you can even begin designing, you need to determine your cleanroom design budget. This blog post breaks down how to do that and what factors you need to consider when making that budget, including cleanroom classification, construction type, and more.

 

Hidden Cost Benefits to Modular Construction

Anyone who’s pinching pennies on their cleanroom design should look into the possibility of a modular cleanroom. This post outlines the cost benefits to modular construction, from lower sticker price to tax benefits from quicker depreciation, that you may not have considered when writing your initial cleanroom design budget.

 

Everything You Need to Know About Cleanroom Design

This post has all the information you’ll need to begin your cleanroom design project, from understanding ISO classifications to that all-important consideration: budget.

 

Cutting Cleanroom Costs

A tight budget doesn’t just affect your cleanroom design project, it can affect the day-to-day operations of your cleanroom as well. And with expensive, state-of-the-art equipment, constant purification and filtration of the air, temperature and humidity controls, and necessary personal protective equipment and cleanroom apparel, operating a cleanroom isn’t cheap. This post outlines a few of the ways you can reduce cleanroom costs during the operation and design phases.

 

How Does Cleanroom Classification Affect Your Cleanroom Budget?

Your required cleanroom classification has a huge effect on the budget for your cleanroom, both in terms of design and operation of the cleanroom. For many reasons, the more stringent your classification, the more you’ll need to allocate to your cleanroom budget. This post outlines why that is and what it means for your cleanroom and budget.

 

Designing a cleanroom on a tight budget? A modular cleanroom may be the right solution! Contact Angstrom Technology to discuss how our cleanroom offerings can work for you.