Nanotechnology Cleanrooms

Nanotechnology Cleanrooms

Nanotechnology covers various industries and applications including semiconductor, optics, medical devices, and pharmaceutical delivery systems. These highly sensitive applications require extremely clean environments free of particles, gases, and other contaminants that can adhere to component surfaces and impact product quality and the reliability of tests.

Cleanrooms are ultra-clean environments designed to protect testing and fabrication processes from contaminants. These rooms feature high-efficiency filters that trap and remove microscopic airborne particles as air circulates through the ventilation system. There are two types of cleanrooms: permanent and modular structures. Modular cleanrooms provide the same functional benefits of a permanent structure, but in a more flexible and cost-effective design.

There are several considerations that go into nanotechnology cleanroom design, some of which include:

• Airflow and air exchange rate
• Requirements for softwall or hardwall cleanroom construction
• Filtration needs, including filter type and system size
• Cleaning and disinfecting requirements

 

Learn more about the basics of Modular Cleanroom Systems and how to determine the appropriate clean room classification for your nanotechnology application.

Designing Nanotechnology Cleanrooms

The first step in cleanroom design is to consider the number and type of processes involved in your application, as this determines the size and layout of your cleanroom. It is important to remember that some processes require cleaner areas than others, so you may need to include separate rooms or working areas for some of your applications.

Start by mapping out all your processes and determining regulatory requirements for the maximum allowable concentration of airborne contaminants. Once you have this information, you can determine the cleanroom square footage you require and begin considering filtration requirements.

Air and Filtration Requirements for Cleanroom Design

Nanotechnology cleanrooms come in a range of classifications for ISO 5 (Class 100), ISO 6 (Class 1000), ISO 7 (Class 10,000), and ISO 8 (Class 100,000). Air exchange rate (ACR) and filtration are determining factors in clean room classification. An ISO 5 cleanroom, for example, requires more filtration and higher air flow rates than an ISO 8 cleanroom.

Many nanotechnology applications are also sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. All our modular cleanrooms include temperature and humidity controls to maintain an ideal operating environment.

Modular Nanotechnology Cleanrooms Designed to Your Specifications

Cleanrooms By United offer modular cleanroom design and construction services for nanotechnology and other applications. Our prefabricated panels are easy to install and reconfigure as your needs change. Create a single clean room or link multiple cleanrooms together to create separate areas for gowning and different testing or manufacturing processes.

Modular Cleanroom Design Features

Our modular nanotechnology cleanrooms meet ISO 14644-1 requirements and are available in ISO Class 5 through ISO Class 9 classifications. All modular nanotechnology cleanrooms include a grid ceiling with hard-sided or soft-sided walls. Our hard wall cleanrooms come with the option to add windows, doors, and pass-throughs based on your design.

Other available standard features include:

• 4” insulated vinyl walls for thermal insulation and easy cleaning (hard wall only)
• Non-outgassing materials for compliance with cleanroom standards
• Temperature and humidity control
• HEPA or ULPA filtration
• Single-pass or recirculating airflow system
• Monitoring systems

Minimizing Contamination in Clean Rooms for Nanotechnology

Clothing, shoes, skin, and hair are the primary sources of contamination in a cleanroom environment. Filters remove a significant portion of particles, but to maximize their efficiency, you must remove as many contaminants as possible before entering a cleanroom.

Incorporating a separate gowning area into your design is recommended for applications requiring higher clean levels. We can also integrate airlocks and air showers, which remove any remaining particulates from gowns before entering the cleanroom. Pass-throughs also help limit contamination by allowing people to transfer items without physically entering a specific area.

Contact Us to Discuss Clean Rooms for Nanotechnology

Cleanrooms By United offers modular cleanrooms in clean levels from Class 100 to Class 100,000. We understand the importance of meeting strict criteria and design and build all our nanotechnology cleanrooms in compliance with ISO 14644-1 standards.

Contact us to learn more, request a quote or give us a call at 800-959-0878 to discuss your modular cleanroom requirements.