FAQ
Below are some common FAQs we typically hear from our customers.
What is a cleanroom?
A cleanroom is a controlled environment that limits the concentration of airborne particles to specification. It is designed and constructed to minimize the ability of particles to enter, proliferate, or exist within that space. Within the cleanroom, other parameters can also be controlled, including temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Why do I need a cleanroom?
Cleanrooms are necessary for many processes across a variety of industries as well as in research and development and medicine. In the aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, electronic, and semiconductor industries, the manufacturing of very small or highly sensitive components requires a contamination free environment. This means a cleanroom constructed to meet specific cleanliness requirements is crucial.
What is a modular cleanroom?
Traditionally, cleanrooms have been stick-built, using boards and drywall. Modular cleanrooms are constructed of prefabricated panels and framing and are designed to be assembled or disassembled in the field. This makes them simple to construct, expand, remove, repurpose, or relocate as necessary – without sacrificing any cleanliness or functionality.
Can I redesign my cleanroom if my needs change?
Yes, this is the wonderful thing about modular cleanrooms. Every company’s needs will change over time. Because modular cleanrooms can be expanded, contracted, altered, relocated, and repurposed easily, they are ideal for companies that need flexibility in their cleanroom design.
What kind of cleanroom do I need?
Your specific needs will determine the kind of cleanroom that will be best suited for your organization – both now and in the future. If you have questions about the features of modular or custom designed cleanrooms, we can discuss your options and find the perfect cleanroom fit for you.
Can you install a modular cleanroom in my existing building structure?
Rigidwall and softwall cleanrooms are custom designed to meet your needs. Because they are modular, they can easily be installed within existing environments. Our cleanrooms can even be built on casters for more flexibility.
How does a modular cleanroom compare to a traditional cleanroom in terms of cost?
Modular cleanrooms are less expensive than traditional cleanrooms and are much quicker, and therefore cheaper, to install. They can also be depreciated up to five times faster than traditional cleanrooms, providing owners with considerable tax advantages.
Do I need to hire an engineer or architect to design my cleanroom?
No. Technical Air Products has over 25 years experience designing cleanrooms and other clean air solutions. Our engineering team can assist you in designing custom clean air products to meet your exact needs. Contact us today and let our design experts go to work for you.
How soon can I use my cleanroom?
Our modular cleanrooms are manufactured off site and delivered with most of their parts pre-assembled and ready to be installed. A rigidwall cleanroom can be completely installed in a few days to a few weeks, depending on its size. A softwall cleanroom will take even less time to set up and become operational. Once the cleanroom is installed, it may require testing and certification before it can be used.
How much will installation disrupt my facility?
Any type of installation can cause some mess and disruption to your operations. However, Technical Air Products cleanrooms use prefabricated components that should not require any cutting or drilling on sight, creating far less debris than traditional, or stick-built cleanrooms. Also, the quicker a cleanroom can be installed, the less disruptive it will be. Our cleanrooms use a proprietary system of aluminum extrusion and prewired electrical components that allow for quick and easy installation compared to other types of cleanrooms.
Will I need a permit to install a cleanroom?
Large cleanrooms may require a permit to build, but installing modular cleanrooms within a plant or existing structure typically does not require one. You should consult your local government’s building codes to be sure you know what will be required before you begin.
What if I need to replace components for my cleanroom?
Technical Air Products offers a 3-year warranty on our cleanrooms and related products. Besides consumables, such as HEPA/ULPA filters, or preventative maintenance items, there shouldn’t be many parts that will need to be replaced on your cleanroom. Whatever your need may be, we can help keep your cleanroom working for you.
How often do I need to replace my HEPA/ULPA filter?
On average, in a relatively clean working environment, if the prefilters on your fan filter units (FFU’s) are changed regularly, you should get 3-5 years out of your HEPA/ULPA filters. However, every operating environment is different. To be safe, you should monitor the pressure in your cleanroom, or your FFU’s, to make sure you are changing your filters when they load up and the pressures change.
Have more common questions about modular cleanrooms? We have answers for you! Contact us at (800) 595-0020 or request a quote.
