cleanroom

A cleanroom is a controlled environment that maintains low levels of airborne particles, dust, and other contaminants. It also regulates temperature, humidity, and pressure to minimize particle generation. Cleanrooms are used in manufacturing and scientific research where even microscopic contamination can affect product quality or experimental results.

Standards include ISO 14644-1 for air cleanliness classification and ISO 14644-2 for operational requirements. Classes are defined by maximum allowable particle concentrations per cubic meter for specified sizes; ISO 5 corresponds to the traditional Class 100, ISO 7 to Class 10,000, and so on.

Ventilation and filtration rely on high-efficiency filtration (HEPA or ULPA) and controlled airflow to achieve the required cleanliness. Air may be supplied as laminar flow or as a mixed turbulent distribution. Cleanrooms maintain differential pressures to protect products (positive pressure) or to contain hazards (negative pressure).

Architecture emphasizes cleanable surfaces, seamless joints, and materials that shed few particles. Gowning is required and includes caps, masks, gowns, gloves, and shoe covers. Access is restricted, with anterooms and pass-through chambers to minimize contamination during material transfer.

Ongoing monitoring, including particle counting, microbial testing, and environmental controls, ensures compliance with standards. Cleanrooms are central to semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, medical device assembly, and certain food and beverage processes.