Clean room Construction In Existing Structure

WHERE CAN YOU CONSTRUCT A CLEANROOM?

Cleanroom construction can happen in a variety of spaces, depending on the application and its requirements. The type of cleanroom for each space may differ, as well as the capabilities each may have. Let’s take a look at three examples.

Cleanroom construction can happen in a variety of spaces, depending on the application and its requirements. The type of cleanroom for each space may differ, as well as the capabilities each may have. Let’s take a look at three examples.

CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION IN A LARGE INDUSTRIAL SPACE

If you’d like to construct a cleanroom in a large space, you have many options when it comes to the square footage and layout of your cleanroom. Although you have plenty of space and flexibility, it’s important to only build the cleanroom as large as it needs to be. This will not only save you money on materials during cleanroom construction, but will also cut down energy usage and utilities expenses once the cleanroom is in operation.

In a large space, you can suspend modular cleanroom panels from a strong ceiling grid or build a freestanding cleanroom. Your cleanroom can also be built to include existing walls, utilize light from existing windows, and even connect to the utilities of the building — as long as they meet your cleanroom classification requirements. In a large space, any type of modular cleanroom will do, so you can choose between a HardWall, SoftWall, or RigidWall cleanroom — whatever will be best for your application.

CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION IN SMALL SPACES

Although large spaces offer plenty of room to spread out, don’t discount smaller spaces for cleanroom construction. Using a more flexible modular cleanroom type — such as SoftWall cleanrooms — can be just as effective in a tighter space. SoftWall modular cleanroom panels can be arranged into more condensed layouts than their HardWall or RigidWall counterparts, while still able to cater to a wide variety of cleanroom classifications (ISO Classes 4-8).

With high customization options and project versatility, SoftWall cleanrooms are ideal for applications that need to be set up in small spaces. Additionally, their minimalist and lightweight design means they can be set up quickly, easily reconfigured or taken down and stored, and moved virtually anywhere you need a cleanroom.

OFFICE SPACE TO CLEANROOM CONVERSION

When looking for space to put a new cleanroom, unused office space presents a great opportunity. Cleanroom construction can use many elements of the existing structure in the new cleanroom design. Depending on your cleanroom’s requirements, you may be able to make use of an existing ceiling grid, walls, and windows, or even connect with the building’s HVAC system. However, if your cleanroom has stringent requirements it may need a dedicated cleanroom HVAC.

To convert the office space into a cleanroom, modular furring panels are attached to the walls of the space, creating a flush, non particle-shedding structure. Office space conversions can even be outfitted with the capabilities of HardWall cleanrooms — offering a high level control over environmental conditions within the space. The retrofit cleanroom design might also include antistatic flooring, a grid lighting system, and an airflow pattern that works with the customized space.

RETROFIT CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

The process of retrofit cleanroom construction in every space will look a bit different, as it’s highly customized to each application. It involves four main steps, of which the first two are the most critical. Those include assessment, design, construction, and installation.

CLEANROOM ASSESSMENT

Cleanroom construction in an existing structure relies more on the planning stages to make sure your space can support the cleanroom you need, before any work begins. A cleanroom expert must first assess the space to determine it will accommodate the necessary equipment, furniture, and personnel. They’ll also examine the quality of the room’s air to determine filtration needs, and look at what systems can be adapted or replaced.

If the HVAC system in the current building can be utilized, it may need to be upgraded to meet your classification requirements. Or, if it’s not powerful enough to achieve the desired level of control, it will need to be replaced with a more efficient system.

CLEANROOM DESIGN

When planning for cleanroom construction in an existing structure, there are many components that must be carefully considered in the retrofit cleanroom design. When designing your retrofit cleanroom layout, the cleanroom designer will need to factor in the space they have to work with, and how it influences the design of other systems in the cleanroom space — particularly the airflow pattern.

A cleanroom design expert uses computational fluid dynamics to map out the airflow pattern for your application and layout. They’ll also decide where furniture and equipment will be installed, and the wiring and insulation needed in each modular panel.

CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION

With design complete, it’s time to move on to cleanroom construction. With modular cleanrooms, the modular panels are built out to meet the specification of the design and the classification standards of the cleanroom. They are pre-wired and pre-insulated so they can be quickly assembled and installed in the existing building once they arrive.

CLEANROOM INSTALLATION

Finally, the cleanroom is ready to be installed in your existing structure. Having spent more time planning and designing the cleanroom to work in your space, the installation process will be straightforward — simply a matter of putting the pieces together where they belong:  Modular panels will be attached to existing walls, set up freestanding, or suspended. Lighting systems will be integrated and the cleanroom HVAC system connected. HEPA filters will be installed and checked, so they can start cleaning the air as soon as possible.

Cleanroom construction in an existing structure requires extra care and attention. Due to the critical nature of the cleanroom, it’s recommended to have a team of experts install the cleanroom into your space to ensure a flawless end product. Cleanroom experts dedicate their livelihoods to providing this service, so you get the right cleanroom for your application and your space every time.