Small Clean Room

Small Clean Room- A Complete Guide Presented by Sunnyda.

A Small Clean Room is an isolated environment considerably smaller in size that allows 100% cleanliness for procedures that need a sterile environment for maximum productivity.

This environment is created by using positive pressure, filtration, and other techniques to keep it contamination-free.

There are a few applications such as medical research, semiconductor industries, pharmaceutical laboratories that cannot have any contamination otherwise the productivity would be compromised.

The sterile environment created can be helpful to avoid the introduction of contamination as well as the removal of the contaminants that have already entered the isolated environment.

A Small Clean Room has various unique features and is useful for a wide range of applications like a medical clean room. With good maintenance and the right accessories, you can obtain much greater efficiency. This buying guide contains all the information you require. So let’s get started.

What is a Small Clean Room?

A Small Clean Room is a controlled environment with minimum contamination with airborne particles, dust, chemical contaminants, and atmospheric aerosols, etc.

The contamination level is determined by the class of the cleanroom. Also, it is smaller than a regular cleanroom.

The classification is based on the number and size of the contaminants in a cubic meter of the environment.

The contaminant particles can have a huge effect on the manufacturing processes of industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and medical laboratories, etc.

Biotech, life sciences, and medical device manufacturing also need a 100% contamination-free environment.

Other conditions like humidity, temperature, and airflow can also be regulated within a narrow range in a Small Clean Room.

The efficiency can be enhanced by using accessories such as a pass-through box or an air shower room which further reduce the chance of contamination.

HEPA or ULPA filtration systems are used for trapping contaminant particles and the efficiency of these systems affects the overall decontamination performance.

There is a special protocol for entering and working in the cleanroom which must be followed to obtain the best results.

Sunnyda Small Clean Room

What are the Unique Features of a Small Clean Room?

The unique features of a Small Clean Room which can increase your productivity are listed below:

• It has a supreme quality custom-made top deck and high technology walls.

• There is an option of a pass-through window.

• HEPA and ULPA filtration are available. You can choose one according to your requirements.

• There is efficient lighting for better visibility.

• The doors and ceiling are manufactured by keeping the application in mind.

• Interlocking technology is to prevent cross-contamination and make it safe to be used.

• Intercoms are installed for enhanced communication and better results.

• Process piping also enables better efficiency.

• The sprinklers and humidifiers add to the decontamination process by maintaining the conditions at a certain level.

• Electric sliding door helps in the maintenance of the indoor conditions.

• Smoke detectors help in making their use safe and reliable.

• Electric heaters help in the regulation and maintenance of optimum temperature ideal for best function.

• Blowers and fans add to the temperature regulation.

• Small Clean Room comes with easy installation and maintenance.

Small Clean Room Electric Sliding Door

What is the Function of a Small Clean Room?

A Small Clean Room serves the function of decontamination and maintenance of other environmental factors necessary for the manufacturing of products in industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, aerospace, and semiconductors.

It reduces the introduction of contaminant particles by a specialized airflow and maintenance of positive pressure inside the Small Clean Room.

Due to the pressure gradient, the contaminants cannot enter in the first place. An air shower aids in this function by knocking off any contaminants from the surface of people and materials entering the cleanroom.

The filtration systems filter the air and various sizes of contaminant particles depending upon their capacity.

Any contamination in the above-mentioned conditions can be dangerous.

For example, insufficient cleanliness in a medical cleanroom will lead to the spread of infectious diseases that can affect the patients as well as hospital staff.

What are the Air Flow Principles in a Small Clean Room?

With laminar and turbulent airflow principles, a Small Clean Room maintains a contaminant-free environment, using HEPA or ULPA filters.

Laminar flow is characterized by a streamlined, unidirectional flow of air particles that follow a downward stream.

The particles follow the path of the particles ahead of them and keep a constant velocity.

This type of flow is mostly seen close to the ceiling. ISO 1 cleanroom to ISO 4 cleanroom mainly employs this system.

On the contrary, turbulent flow is the haphazard movement of particles with different energy levels and directions.

There should be sufficient and efficient air distribution systems with downstream air returns so that high efficiency can be obtained.

You can also opt between vertical flow rooms and horizontal flow rooms.

In vertical flow rooms, the low wall air returns around the perimeter. However, in the other type, the air returns are downstream.

Small Clean Room HEPA Filtration System

What are the Classifications of Small Clean Room?

A Small Clean Room is classified according to the Federal standard as well as ISO classification of cleanrooms. The former is not currently implemented and is vastly replaced by the ISO classification system.

The basis of classification is the number of particles, and size of particles in cubic meters of air.

Class 1 is said to be the cleanest one and class 9 cleanroom is termed as the dirtiest one of all other classifications.

Every class has its specifications and is best for different applications.

The size of particles shall be equal to or greater than 0.5-micron meter.

The domestically used standard is Federal Standard 209E and it is still widely accepted.

Class 100 cleanroom or class 1000 cleanroom refers to the number of 0.5-micrometer particles which are permitted in one cubic foot of air.

Lesser contamination, better filtration, and better decontamination. Therefore Class 100 is more efficient than Class 1000 but each one has its applications.

What are the Industrial Applications of Small Clean Room?

A Small Clean Room has applications in the following industries:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Aerospace

• Semiconductors

• Electronics

• Computer Chips and Devices

• Medical Equipment and Devices

• Sterilization Units

• Research Laboratories

• Medical Laboratories

• Intensive Care Units

• Surgical Units

Small Clean Room for Research Laboratories

What are the Air Handlers of a Small Clean Room?

It is crucial to select the best cooling, ventilation, and heating mechanism for better operation of your Small Clean Room.

It requires a well-integrated HVAC system which takes time and investment to be installed.

You need to provide accurate and sufficient airflow to the cleanroom so that the filtration process keeps running without any interruptions.

There should be enough supply of clean air so that an appropriate volume of air is obtained that too with moderate humidity and temperature.

The air management system of the cleanroom requires special-purpose air handlers specialized for air handling within a narrow setting.

A wide network of air handling units such as hot water coils, electric heat, air fans with cooling coils, and recirculating air fans are there to control the air conditions in the cleanroom.

Humidifiers and bypass dampers also perform this function.

What are the Ceiling Grid Specifications of a Small Clean Room?

The ceiling grid of a Small Clean Room is constructed with anodized aluminum in the form of gaskets.

The anodized aluminum is tied together with the help of bent tab clips which are again made up of aluminum.

The ceiling however is suspended from the ceiling times, top deck, or HEPA filters.

You can also request a corrosion-resistant stainless steel ceiling grid. Chemical resistance is also offered. Other construction materials include fiberglass which is much more convenient and reliable.

The type and construction of ceiling grids depend upon the application and the classification of the cleanroom. The most commonly used ones are vinyl-coated and embossed with aluminum liner.

It is bonded with mineral fiber and sealed edges. The most preferred thickness is 5/ 8 inches.

Small Clean Room Ceiling Grid

What is the Purpose of the Central Vacuum System in your Small Clean Room?

A Small Clean Room is equipped with a central vacuum system which enhances its performance no matter which class it belongs to and what application it serves.

It consists of two vacuum piping made up of 2 inches of metal. This piping system is connected to the wall ports and wall panels.

These ports are covered with spring tension covers for added safety and protection.

They can be auto-activated with a 24-volt plenum cable which is initially wired to the system.

For convenience and safety, the motor and canister are placed outside the Small Clean Room.

This also makes it easier to maintain and clean. There is a 25ft vacuum hose that comes with the system.

Other accessories include a brush kit and extensions.

What are Necessary Features of a Small Clean Room Flooring?

The use of the Small Clean Room and its location determine the specification of the flooring.

It is intricately designed to meet the requirements of the application you are about to serve.

There are many options regarding the flooring and you can select the type, construction, and size of the cleanroom panel while placing the order.

You can either choose a heat-welded sheet or tiles for the flooring of your cleanroom.

The most common construction material for the floor is SDT abbreviated as static dissipative tile.

It is preferred because it helps to build a shield against static electricity which can be harmful especially in electronic manufacturing industries.

It not only creates a safe environment to work in but also enhances performance.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers preferably use inlaid vinyl sheet floor or homogeneous flooring because it offers antibacterial properties.

Any contamination in such industries can lead to the spread of nosocomial infections. A patient is already having low immunity therefore, you have to be extra careful with the medication.

However, compromising on cleanliness can lead to health deteriorating effects to both patients and the hospital staff such as nurses and doctors.

For general purpose flooring in a Small Clean Room, epoxy flooring is used. It has a universal function and can be acceptable for a wide array of applications. Also, it requires less maintenance and cleaning.

Small Clean Room Epoxy Flooring

What is the Importance of VFDs in a Small Clean Room?

VFDs stand for variable frequency drive and it is used to set the frequency of the fans.

This frequency determines the speed of the fans and thus controls the airflow in the Small Clean Room.

There are certain recirculation air handling units abbreviated as RAHU that determine the classification of the cleanroom calculated by using the airflow statistics.

The functions of VFD include the following:

• Shut down the system when smoke is detected in the system.

• Detect any fault in the cleanroom panel and motor to give indicators whenever anything goes wrong.

• Protect the fans from receiving more current than the requirement.

• It has an easy interface that is convenient to use. It can also be controlled from a remote location.

• The control panel is located on the drive and it can be set on a definitive value.

• The program parameters can be prevented from tampering by using VFDs.

• The overall operation of the cleanroom becomes much safer.

• It is good for the security of the personnel working there as well as the machinery being used.

What are the Important Controls in a Small Clean Room?

There is a dire need of controlling the factors like humidity, temperature, and airflow in a Small Clean Room.

These factors are regulated with the help of different control options that you can choose according to your convenience.

Meeting the right temperature and humidity criteria is necessary for the maximum performance of a system. Also, the control system should be user-friendly and must have an easy interface.

It can either be a single unit or be an integrated system that is distributed throughout the cleanroom.

Several parts of the system come together to produce the best control for maximum efficiency.

A single control system is also known as a stand-alone cleanroom control system that has separate humidity and temperature controllers.

Small Clean Room also consists of pressure monitoring gauges which are mounted on an enclosure panel.

It is located outside the cleanroom where the gowning room is situated. It helps in the detection of the status of the cleanroom.

Also, it enables the personnel to operate it from the outside environment thus preventing the hassle of growing and risk of contamination.

However, an integrated system is directly connected to the HEPA filter box and control system of the building in which the cleanroom is installed.

It can be controlled through a local computerized station or it can also be operated online.

Small Clean Room Pressure Monitoring Gauge

What is the Significance of Sprinklers and Humidifiers in a Small Clean Room?

Fire protection is a crucial factor in a Small Clean Room. The sprinklers are installed for fire protection and control.

It consists of a pendant-shaped sprinkler that is not visible from the outside. Its head is concealed by using a cleanroom ceiling tile so that the pressure built up in the cleanroom is not affected.

The humidifiers are installed for maintenance and regulations of optimum humidity levels in the cleanroom.

There are different humidity specifications in each classification and design.

By using the signals from the control system, the humidifier works by producing steam which is distributed in the cleanroom. The distribution is done by using a supply duct system.

The specific indicators help in achieving the optimum level and produce a signal when the desired level is obtained.

What are the Properties of Small Clean Room Walls?

Small Clean Rooms walls must be designed and constructed to meet the needs of the application.

The following properties must be present in the walls:

• Fire protection technology must be present.

• The construction material should be sturdy and long-lasting.

• The cleanroom walls should offer anti-corrosion properties.

• The surfaces should be smooth and resistant to any chemicals.

• The cleanroom walls shall be lined with metal such as aluminum. This leads to better endurance and damage resistance.

• The material should be non-shedding and stain-resistant. Scratch resistance shall also be considered.

• The wall panels shall be mounted side by side and they shall be locked together by using cam acting, tek screws, or hook latch fasteners.

• All the panels shall be reduced in premade configuration so that the installation time and effort are reduced. It will also save you from the hassle of calling for professional help.

• There are various options in terms of sizes and configurations.

• There should be built-in outlets and pipeline networks lined by metal coating on the interior.

• Adjustable air grilles are necessary for obtaining optimum function.

• Other features include built-in electrical outlets, double pane flush windows, process piping, and metallic lining.

• There are two main types of cleanroom wall configurations. One is load-bearing air return panels and the other type is non-load bearing air return panels.

Soft Wall Small Clean Room Wall Material

What are the Design Specifications of a Small Clean Room?

The design specifications for a Small Clean Room are stated below:

• The application and control features must be kept in mind.

• The control panel shall be adjusted and located based on the singularity or the distribution of the control units.

• The pass-through door and the gowning room shall be located accordingly.

• There shall be adequate space for the personnel and the equipment in the cleanroom.

• The gowning room must be located outside the cleanroom.

• There should be an adequate arrangement for the airflow.

• The filters shall be adjusted such that the airflow is directed downwards. Therefore the location close to the floor is preferred.

• The type of filtration system, whether HEPA or ULPA shall be decided beforehand.

• An interlocking system is a must because it ensures safe operation and prevents cross-contamination.

• Intercoms shall also be considered because it is a great way to avoid decontamination and regulate communication between two rooms.

• The adjustment of the central vacuum system is necessary.

Small Clean Room Design View

What are the Pressure Requirements of a Small Clean Room?

A Small Clean Room requires a maintained positive pressure. This is to create a pressure difference so that the contaminant particles cannot enter the room.

The movement of particles is spontaneous from higher pressure to the location of lower pressure.

However, to move the particles from a lower pressure location to a higher pressure, you need to use energy.

Therefore, the positive pressure inside the room prevents the entry of contaminants unless an external force is applied.

What to Expect from the Manufacturer of your Small Clean Room?

The manufacturer of your Small Clean Room must offer the following things:

Application Compliance

It shall be designed exactly according to the needs of your application and your cleanroom equipment. The design, size, and model shall comply with the features of the system.

Factory Testing

It is important to run the cleanroom through some factory tests to see the function under controlled conditions. The effect of change in the factors can also be assessed closely.

Customization

The manufacturer must follow the customization requested by you.

Advanced Features

Advanced features such as the latest filtration system, precise control panel, and finest temperature regulation must be offered.

Maintenance of Conditions

The manufacturer should make sure that the conditions obtained shall be sustainable for a long period.

Quality

There shall be no compromise on the quality of raw materials. The better the quality, the higher will be the efficiency. It will also lead to higher reliability and durability.

Instruction Manual

There shall be an elaborate instruction manual for the user. It shall cover all the cleanroom-related queries from installation to maintenance.

Services

There shall be quality installation and maintenance services that can be obtained at any hour of the day.

How to Obtain 100% Decontamination in your Small Clean Room?

To obtain 100% decontamination in your Small Clean Room, go for the following things:

Sterilization

Use UV radiation to obtain complete sterilization. These radiations disrupt the molecular structure of the microorganisms thus killing them directly.

Sterilization is necessary for the prevention of infectious diseases, especially in medical setups.

High Precision Filtration System

Depending on your needs, install either HEPA or ULPA filtration systems but it shall be highly precise. HEPA offers 99.99% cleanliness whereas ULPA offers 99.9995% cleanliness which is more effective.

By using prefilters, you can increase the filtration precision even more thus increasing the chance of 100% decontamination.

Small Clean Room ULPA Filters

Airflow Handlers

The airflow handlers such as heaters and fans must be of high quality so that they can control the air supply and quality within a narrow range.

Pass-Through Box

A pass box deals with the transfer of materials from one room to another. It reduces the exposure of these items to the outside environment thus decreasing the chance of contamination.

Gowning Room

There must be a gowning room that shall be located outside the cleanroom. It shall be equipped with all the facilities to accommodate the personnel and their needs.

Protocols

All the protocols of your Small Clean Room shall be followed precisely. Some of these are listed below:

1. Avoid eating and drinking in the cleanroom.
2. Always wear comfortable attire and avoid the use of cosmetics and jewelry.
3. No more than 8 people shall be allowed to enter the cleanroom and work there.
4. If a person is already suffering from cough or flu, he or she shall not be allowed to enter.
5. Cover your face and wear a mask when coughing or sneezing.
6. Wear gloves, shoe covers, coveralls, gowns, and safety goggles before entering.

Autoclave

100% decontamination is not possible without getting rid of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

The autoclave is a process that kills the bacteria along with their spores thus eliminating the chance of regrowth.

What are the Safety Options and Maintenance Tips for your Small Clean Room?

The safety options offered by a Small Clean Room are as follows:

Fire Alarm

A cleanroom comes with fire detectors that indicate danger whenever there is an exceptional rise in temperature.

This is a life-saving feature as it gives you the time to evacuate the place.

Sprinklers

The sprinklers spray streams of water when everything there is a fire or there is a high temperature due to any fault in the control system. The water from the sprinklers lowers the temperature.

Safety Rails

It is to ensure safe working in the Clean Rooms. These rails greatly reduce the incidence of falling and tripping.

Safety Ladders

With the use of safety ladders, you can make sure that there is enough protection for the people working in the isolated environment.

Interlocking Technology

Doors with interlocking technology enable you to make sure if the cleanroom is being used or not. This technology is also implied in the pass box and gowning room.

Lighting

Good lighting allows better visibility and therefore less chance of unwanted incidents. Therefore, clean room lighting is important.

20. Conclusion.

A Small Clean Room though smaller in size but well equipped with various advanced features that make its operation easy and convenient.

It is not just accurate but also saves a lot of time and money which would otherwise be required to carry out these processes under controlled conditions.

You can obtain higher productivity and efficiency by paying due attention to the maintenance and cleanliness of your Small Clean Room.

100% QC Passed Small Clean Room