Luckily, there are a lot of people out there willing to help you so you don’t have to take on the cleanroom design process alone, including the team at Angstrom Technology. Below, we’ve put together some information on what to expect from the cleanroom design process, and how working with a team of cleanroom design experts can help you better accomplish your goal.
For starters, there are many components to consider before you even start preliminary cleanroom designs. You need to have a good understanding of what your application requires so that you know the basics of what you’re looking for from a cleanroom.
Below are ten key considerations you’ll have to make at the start of the cleanroom design process. A cleanroom design and installation company can definitely help you figure out specifics, but they’re good things to be aware of before you even walk into the initial consultation.
Of course, the most prominent characteristic of a cleanroom is that it’s clean. Every cleanroom has an ISO classification, which is based on the maximum number of allowed particles, air change rate, and airflow velocity within it. If you’re not sure what classification your cleanroom needs to meet, it’s best to look at what’s common within your industry.
Your cleanroom needs to have enough space to accommodate the equipment, personnel, materials, and any other additional features you need to include within it. Therefore, it’s important to accurately measure the dimensions of the space in which you plan to install your cleanroom. Make sure to account for any structural components that could affect the length, width, or height of the space.
The location in which your cleanroom is installed will affect your design process. For example, you’ll need to know whether you’ll be building a standalone cleanroom, or if you’ll be utilizing the existing building structure to support the cleanroom. In addition, you’ll need to be aware of and mindful about how much overhead clearance you have. For the majority of cleanroom applications, an overhead clearance of 12 feet is standard to ensure the fan filter units above can do their jobs effectively, and that you have the clearance for a ceiling plenum to recirculate air.
This consideration may also provoke you to think about things like access to utilities, water sources, and power, how level your ground is, how to bring materials in and out of the facility, etc.
Depending on your cleanroom application, you may or may not need temperature and humidity specifications. Most standard designs allow for 68°F with ± of 5°F and 60% relative humidity (RH). However, if your application requires something different or more stringent controls, you may need to include a more robust air handling unit, controls, and technologies within it.
Some cleanroom applications, such as electronics manufacturing, could be disrupted by higher levels of electrostatic discharge (ESD). If ESD could disrupt your production, damage your products, and/or cause harm to your cleanroom operators, you may need to consider installing a static elimination ceiling system to keep it under stricter control or standard operating procedures to protect personnel.
If your cleanroom application deals with very small objects, you may need a brighter lighting option to effectively complete tasks. Or, if your cleanroom application and process are sensitive to lighting, you may need to account for different lighting fixtures.
How will your personnel and products go about entering the cleanroom, exiting the cleanroom, and everything in between? The process flow within your cleanroom is an important factor to keep in mind, so you can ensure your designs allow for proper furniture and equipment placements, and enough space for material storage, personnel operations, etc.
Cleanrooms are available with three different wall types: HardWall, SoftWall, and RigidWall. You should become familiar with each type, as well as any windows, viewing panels, pass-through chambers, or equipment you may need to install within them.
Additionally, although it’s a frequently forgotten cleanroom component, there are three different flooring types: perforated raised flooring, seamless vinyl, and epoxy paint on concrete.
Depending on your application, your cleanroom must meet a certain fire rating. In particular industries, fire safety and defense are incredibly important, and it’s critical to take all precautionary measures needed to protect your property, products, and people.
In fact, depending on the type and size of cleanroom you choose to install, your local municipality and their codes may play a significant role in whether or not you need a fire suppression or sprinkler system implemented as well.
Every cleanroom application requires unique equipment to get the job done efficiently, accurately, and safely. If you know the list of specific equipment and cleanroom furniture you need, it’s easier to account for them early on, avoiding any disruptions or pauses in the design process.
It can be challenging to ensure all this information is appropriate and accurate on your own — and it’s just as difficult to bring it all to fruition! That’s why it’s beneficial to talk to a team of cleanroom design experts, letting them take the introductory information you provide them and run with it.
Experienced cleanroom designers will be able to provide you with various cleanroom design options to get what you need, so that you can narrow them down to what will work best for you based on your facility’s goals and budget. They’ll educate you on different design aspects before you make a decision, so you can be sure you’re making the right one.
The bottom line? Cleanroom designers will guide you through each component you need to consider, provide informed recommendations that help take the stress out of decision-making, and streamline the design process so your cleanroom is constructed according to your project timeline.
Hoping to design and install a cleanroom within your facility? Let the experts at Angstrom Technology help! Our team is experienced in all aspects of cleanroom design, and we’ve successfully completed countless projects for clients in various industries. We’ll listen to your needs, guide you through each step of the process, and deliver a spectacular cleanroom that allows you to complete your work safely, efficiently, and effectively. To get started working with us, contact our team online.
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