HOW TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF ISO OF A CLEANROOM

When designing a controlled environment it is important to clearly understand what the application of a cleanroom will be and how you can increase the level of ISO of a cleanroom. In this blog post, we will share insights you have first evaluate when designing a controlled environment with insulated panels. Firstly, we will give you a definition of what is a cleanroom. Secondly, we will give a quick overview of what is cleanroom classification. Finally, we will shed light on why stainless steel insulated panels are best for clean-room use and how it helps improve ISO of cleanroom.

WHAT IS CLEANROOM?

Typically used in manufacturing or scientific research, a cleanroom is a controlled environment that has a low level of pollutants. Such as dust, airborne microbes, aerosol particles, and chemical vapors. To be exact, a cleanroom has a controlled level of contamination that is specified by the number of particles per cubic meter at a specified particle size.

WHAT IS CLEANROOM CLASSIFICATION?

Cleanrooms are classified according to the cleanliness level of the air inside them. The cleanroom class is the level of cleanliness the room complies with, according to the quantity and size of particles per volume of air. The primary authority in the US and Canada is the ISO classification system ISO 14644-1. This standard includes the cleanroom classes from ISO 1 to ISO 9. ISO 1 being the “cleanest” and ISO 9 the “dirtiest” class (but still cleaner than a regular room). The most common classes are ISO 7 and ISO 8.

WHAT WILL BE THE APPLICATION OF A CLEANROOM?

The processes taking place in a cleanroom determine functional characteristics. For instance, static sensitivity or chemical processing dictates specific types of construction materials. Perhaps you need a soft wall cleanroom that features full-view plastic panels. Or maybe you need an all-steel modular cleanroom for ultimate cleanliness.

WHAT GRADE OF STAINLESS STEEL IS THE BEST FOR THE APPLICATION IN THE CLEANROOM?

Stainless steel equipment and furniture are the best choices for cleanroom environments because they can meet the stringent hygiene requirements. Stainless steel is known to be robust and able to withstand the most rigorous cleaning processes. It is also versatile when it comes to design, which allows steel furniture providers to help their customers comply with regulatory criteria by working with them to deliver tailor-made solutions when necessary.

In our blog previous blog post we have discussed When to use stainless steel insulated panels?  and what is the 304 stainless steel type?

WHY USE 304 STAINLESS STEEL TYPE?

Austenitic stainless steels, like 304-grade steel, provide excellent corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning and disinfecting. They also operate well in harsh environments.

Among the features of stainless steel, one of the most important in a clean-room is its anti-static property. It prevents dust and particles from build-up.

STAINLESS STEEL INSULATED PANELS IMPROVE ISO OF THE CLEANROOM

Stainless steel, such as 304-grade steel, not only provides excellent resistance to corrosion but they are also easy to clean and disinfect without loss of their properties and their robustness for operating in a harsh environment. The ability to clean 304-grade stainless steel is often compared to that of glass. In other words, it has no pores or cracks that might collect dirt, grime, or bacteria. And it can often be cleaned with soap and water, then disinfected.

It is important to note, that operating with stainless steel in an acid or alkali environment can damage the surfaces of the handling area. Specifically, this type of environment often creates surface pitting that retains bacteria and contaminants. Grade 304 stainless steel is basically inert to most acids and alkali. As such, it avoids the risk of corrosion creating contamination traps.

Furniture and equipment made from type 304 steel can withstand the most rigorous cleaning without corroding, whether by high bar pressure cleaning, thermal high temperature, or chemical detergent cleaning. Further, it maintains structural integrity even at 870°C and chloride content up to 200/mg/l.

If more extreme conditions exist, it is common to use austenitic 316-grade steel. It includes more nickel and molybdenum, which offer more stringent corrosion resistance effective against rigorous cleaning routines, including chloride contents up to 500/mg/l.

CONCLUSION

Stainless steel insulated panels improve the ISO of the cleanroom. Therefore the use of stainless steel insulated panels is highly recommended in the building of a clean-room for its anti-static property, resistance to aggressive environment and for the easiness of cleaning.