According to a report by Market Research Future, the cleanroom technology market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030.
Valued at USD 4.7 billion in 2021, the market is projected to reach USD 6.89 billion by 2030. The growth in the market can be attributed to several factors, including the need for controlled environments in various industries and regulatory guidelines regarding environmental conditions.
A modular cleanroom is a great way to start or expand your facility. It’s fast, easy, and affordable. But there are plenty of different options out there, and not all of them are created equal.
To help you choose the right one for your needs, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through the process of evaluating and selecting exactly what you need to get started on building the perfect modular cleanroom.
Determine Your Cleanroom Classification
Before you can choose a modular cleanroom for your business, it’s important to understand the different classifications of cleanrooms.
Cleanrooms are classified based on their ability to control the size of particles present in them. The smaller the particle size, the more difficult it is for those particles to pass through filters and get into your product or process.
According to Cleanroom Technology, cleanroom classification ratings are determined based on the number and size of particles allowed per air volume. It typically ranges from 1 to 100,000.
Facilities that focus on manufacturing semiconductors, microelectronics, and medical devices/pharmaceuticals often require the most stringent standards. These facilities must employ specialized processes to minimize all potential sources of contamination and use products specifically designed to meet rigorous cleanliness standards within the cleanroom environment.
Evaluate Your Facility’s Space
Once you have determined the type of modular cleanroom that meets your needs, it’s time to check your facility’s space. The first thing to do is check the size of the room and make sure there is enough space for cleanroom assembly and installation. Next, consider how much room will be left for equipment maintenance, storage, and movement.
Often when companies move into new facilities or renovate existing ones, they forget about these factors and others like ceiling height or location within a building, which can affect installation requirements such as ventilation systems and HVAC units.
Cleanroom manufacturers like American Cleanroom Systems can provide tailor-made single doors, double doors, and motorized roll-up doors to facilitate the hassle-free movement of equipment into the cleanroom after its construction. These solutions are suitable for facilities with space constraints.
Choose the Right Size
When choosing the right size for your cleanroom, consider your facility and how it will be used. You can choose a cleanroom that is too small, but you cannot choose one that is too big. The best way to determine the correct size for your business is by looking at the space available in your facility and determining what type of modular cleanroom would fit best within that space.
If there isn’t enough room for an entire modular unit, consider using only part of one or even just one section of it. This allows businesses that need smaller spaces (like those that don’t produce food) access to these types of facilities without taking up too much valuable square footage on their property.
Select the Right Materials
When selecting the right materials for your modular cleanroom, you’ll want to consider the following:
- The classification of your cleanroom and what processes are used within it. Different types of construction materials are more or less appropriate for different classifications. For example, plastic may be suitable for an ISO 5 environment but not an ISO 8 level one (where metal would be required).
- How long do you expect your modular cleanroom to last before needing repairs or replacement parts? This will affect how much weight you want on its walls and floors. Metal is more durable than plastic but also heavier, glass has great longevity but is heavy as well, and foam board offers moderate durability at an economical price point.
Consider the HVAC System
The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system plays a critical role in maintaining the appropriate temperature, humidity, and air pressure levels within the modular cleanroom. It’s important to select an HVAC system that can provide the necessary level of control and stability to meet the cleanroom classification requirements.
Additionally, energy efficiency is a critical consideration to reduce operating costs and ensure sustainability. A well-designed HVAC system can ensure optimal performance, reduce energy consumption, and provide long-term cost savings while maintaining the desired cleanroom conditions.
Evaluate the Filtration System
For a cleanroom to be effective, it must have a filtration system that can maintain the required air quality levels. The type of filtration system you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
When evaluating a filtration system, look at:
- How much airflow is needed?
- What kinds of contaminants do you want to remove from the air?
- How often should filters be replaced? (Some companies may require monthly replacements, while others might only need annual replacements.)
Assess Lighting and Electrical Requirements
Lighting and electrical systems in a modular cleanroom must be able to meet your production needs and safety requirements.
According to Semiconductor Digest, in the United States, the unit of lighting brightness is the foot candle, which is equivalent to 1 lumen per square foot. Lumens are employed to measure the light output, also known as luminous flux, of a source.
The need for high foot-candle levels in cleanrooms can be attributed to the precision requirements or the tiny size of objects that necessitate attention. Illumination levels differ across various process areas within the cleanroom. As such, it is advisable for the lighting designer or engineer to evaluate each process area in the cleanroom to ascertain the type of task to be performed and the desired illumination levels.
Consider Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Regular maintenance and support are crucial for the optimal performance of a modular cleanroom, as well as to meet regulatory requirements. It’s important to evaluate ongoing maintenance and support requirements before selecting a modular cleanroom.
This includes identifying specific needs for maintenance and support, such as routine cleaning, filter replacement, and repair services. Proper maintenance and support can help extend the lifespan of the cleanroom, prevent downtime, and ensure that it continues to meet regulatory requirements.
A reliable and experienced modular cleanroom manufacturer can provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure that your cleanroom remains fully operational and meets your production needs.
Conclusion
With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which modular cleanroom is right for your business. But by following this guide and considering the factors that matter most to you and your operation, you’ll be able to find a solution that fits perfectly into your workflow.
