Puhdastilaa

Puhdastilaa, meaning "cleanroom" in Finnish, refers to a controlled environment with a low level of contaminants such as dust, airborne microbes, and aerosol particles. These environments are meticulously designed and maintained to prevent contamination of products or processes. The level of cleanliness in a cleanroom is specified by standards, such as ISO 14644, which classifies cleanrooms based on the number of particles per cubic meter at a specified particle size.

Cleanrooms are crucial in industries where contamination can have significant consequences, including semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and aerospace. In these sectors, even microscopic particles can cause defects in electronic components, compromise the sterility of medical products, or affect the integrity of scientific experiments.

The design of a cleanroom involves specialized construction materials, air filtration systems (like HEPA or ULPA filters), airlocks, and strict operational protocols. Personnel working in cleanrooms are required to wear special protective clothing, often referred to as "bunny suits," to minimize the introduction of contaminants from their bodies. Airflow is carefully managed, typically with a unidirectional flow from ceiling to floor, to sweep particles away from critical areas and out through exhaust vents. Regular monitoring and validation are essential to ensure the cleanroom maintains its specified cleanliness levels.