When we unbox the latest smartphone model, delighting in its appearance and speed, when we confidently use advanced medical devices during a doctor’s visit, or even when we see the announcement of another groundbreaking space mission, we rarely consider the processes behind these developments. Even less often do we realize that one of the key elements enabling the development and production of such complex and precise devices are cleanrooms, specialized rooms with controlled cleanliness.
Cleanrooms, crucial for production and research processes in many industries, are known by various names—clean zones, cleanrooms, or internationally recognized as “cleanrooms.” Their essence remains unchanged: they provide an indispensable environment for fields where even the smallest contamination can ruin months of work and resources.
To maintain the appropriate air quality level inside these rooms, specific procedures must be followed, including the attire of employees, as they are the source of 90% of contaminants in these environments. This ensures the repeatability of production processes necessary in diverse and demanding sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and the automotive industry.
The technology behind cleanrooms
The development and maintenance of cleanrooms require advanced technologies and strictly defined procedures. Their functionality relies not only on proper design and construction but also on ongoing cleanliness maintenance and monitoring, as specified in ISO 14644-1. This ISO standard covers cleanroom classes, where ISO 1 is the “cleanest” class, and ISO 9 is the “least clean” class. However, it should be noted that ISO 9 cleanrooms are still cleaner than the spaces we typically occupy daily.
Contamination measurement is conducted by counting particles of a specified size per cubic meter. This standard provides a global benchmark defining air cleanliness levels and measurement methodologies, ensuring uniform criteria across various industrial sectors. HEPA filters, which eliminate 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 micrometers or larger, are among the most critical elements of a cleanroom’s filtration system.
Materials and objects approved for use in cleanrooms are carefully selected to minimize contamination risks. Items such as paper, natural fabrics, and even certain types of pens can be sources of contamination, so they are replaced with materials specifically designed for cleanroom use.
Protection against contaminants extends beyond air and materials. Special procedures also apply to personnel, who must undergo several decontamination processes—and in some industries, disinfection procedures—before entering the cleanroom. Protective clothing, masks, footwear, and even disinfectants used by workers must meet stringent standards. Airlocks with air showers provide an additional barrier, preventing the introduction of external contaminants.
Cleanroom design and construction
Cleanrooms, essential for many advanced production and research processes, must be designed and built considering specific requirements. Their construction involves using materials that are smooth, non-shedding, easily washable, and resistant to various chemicals and cleaning agents. This ensures a high level of cleanliness critical for maintaining the precision and efficiency of the processes conducted within them.
To isolate cleanrooms from external contaminants, they are separated by specialized structural elements. The air supplied to these rooms is purified through advanced HVAC units or filter fans, which remove contaminants and maintain positive air pressure relative to dirty areas, preventing contamination infiltration.
Cleanroom design also includes aspects beyond cleanliness maintenance. Special lighting, such as yellow lighting, is used to protect light-sensitive materials, while systems controlling humidity and electrostatic charges ensure stable conditions for sensitive processes.
Cleanrooms can be configured in various ways: as single large rooms, portable modules creating clean zones within ordinary rooms, or laminar flow hoods. This approach allows broad customization to meet the specific needs and requirements of a given production or research process, promoting innovation and efficiency in managing clean spaces.
Modular solutions
Traditional cleanroom construction methods, while effective, often involve challenges such as lengthy construction processes, high investment costs, and difficulties adapting to changing production or research requirements. In response to these limitations, the industry has shifted towards modular solutions that offer speed and flexibility in installation and the ability to easily expand or reconfigure according to current needs.
These solutions, using prefabricated components like modular wall panels and mounting systems, provide quick and efficient construction and easy customization to the specific requirements of each project. The flexibility of modular cleanrooms makes them suitable for many sectors, from advanced technology production to the pharmaceutical industry and medical laboratories. The ability to quickly adapt to new projects or changing operational requirements is invaluable, allowing efficient use of space and resources.
Cleanboxes, as smaller and even more modular solutions, offer additional configuration flexibility, enabling quick adaptation to changing needs without significant investment in expansion or changes to the existing cleanroom infrastructure. Their mobility and ease of configuration make them ideal for tasks requiring high air cleanliness and sterility in confined spaces. Cleanboxes can also enhance the existing air cleanliness class in a cleanroom, allowing even greater control over sanitary conditions.
Cleanroom solutions and cleanboxes offered by RENEX Group
The ability to quickly configure a cleanroom addresses challenges related to costs, implementation time, and the need for flexibility while supporting innovation and development across various industrial sectors. RENEX Group, with its range of cleanroom solutions, stands out in the market. Offering comprehensive cleanrooms and customized Cleanboxes, the company provides solutions tailored to the most demanding applications in diverse industries.
RENEX Group also delivers custom products and offers a full range of services related to cleanroom construction, maintenance, cleaning, and inspection. Their offerings include pass-through windows, personnel airlocks, filter fans, and specialized cleanroom clothing. This comprehensive approach allows for thorough customer support, from concept to implementation and long-term operation, ensuring continuity and high quality in both production processes and research.
Technical and Commercial Advisors at RENEX Group are available to provide support at every stage of cleanroom design and implementation. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to delivering top-quality services, RENEX Group is the ideal partner for projects requiring reliability, efficiency, and adherence to the highest cleanliness standards. Their dedication to offering solutions tailored to individual customer needs, combined with the ability to execute special orders, underscores the uniqueness and competitive advantage of RENEX Group’s market offering.