Clean rooms are essential environments for industries that require controlled levels of contamination, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and electronics manufacturing. One critical factor in maintaining the cleanliness of these rooms is the number of air changes per hour (ACH), which refers to how many times the air within a clean room is replaced with filtered air in an hour. This rate can vary significantly depending on the ISO class of the clean room.
What Are ISO Clean Room Levels?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) classifies clean rooms based on the concentration of airborne particles. The standard ranges from ISO 1 to ISO 9, with ISO 1 being the cleanest. Each level has specific requirements for particle count, size, and air changes per hour.
Air Changes Per Hour in Different ISO Levels
- ISO 1: The cleanest level, requiring over 480 ACH. This is necessary for ultra-sensitive applications such as semiconductor or nanotechnology manufacturing.
- ISO 2-3: These levels require 240-480 ACH, suitable for environments like aerospace assembly or critical laboratory work.
- ISO 4-5: Typically used in pharmaceutical compounding or medical device assembly, these levels need 60-240 ACH.
- ISO 6-7: With 30-60 ACH, these levels are common in less critical pharmaceutical or biotech processes.
- ISO 8-9: These are the least strict levels, requiring 10-30 ACH, and are often used in general manufacturing or packaging areas.
The Role of Filtration in Achieving Desired ACH
To achieve the required ACH, clean rooms use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filters paired with a blower system that is capable of overcoming the restrictive nature of filters that capture very fine particles. These filters ensure that the air circulating in the room meets the cleanliness standards. There is a balancing act between the air supply system and the filters in place to keep the ACH at the desired levels while mitigating energy costs.
How Frankal Innovations Can Help
At Frankal Innovations, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal ACH in clean rooms. We offer a range of high-quality air filters designed to meet the stringent requirements of various ISO levels. Our team can assist in evaluating your current filtration system and recommend solutions to ensure your clean room operates efficiently and complies with the necessary standards.
Conclusion
The number of air changes per hour is a crucial aspect of clean room design and operation. By adhering to the requirements of the ISO classification and utilizing effective filtration solutions, industries can ensure that their clean rooms provide the necessary environment for their sensitive processes. With Frankal Innovations, you can achieve the optimal balance of cleanliness and efficiency in your clean room operations.