Cleanroom Airflow

Airflow is the movement of air from one area to another. Pressure gradients are the primary cause of airflow. Air behaves in a fluid manner, which means that particles naturally flow from areas of higher pressure to those where the pressure is lower.

Cleanrooms are graded depending on how clean the air is in the facility. The most significant characteristic associated with cleanrooms is strict airflow control. One of the things that keeps a cleanroom particle-free is the air filter system. Cleanrooms employ different types of filters, including HEPA and ULPA filters, but two standard airflow patterns (Laminar or Unidirectional Flow and Non-unidirectional or Turbulent Flow) are consistently used.

At Total Clean Air, we offer the most suitable combination of parameters to guarantee best results and optimal security. Technologies such as CFD airflow modelling and point cloud surveys are just some of the tools that we use to plan and ensure performance and accuracy.

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Quick Assembly Time
Versatility
Reconfiguration
Airflow Control
Inexpensive Modifications

Laminar or Unidirectional Airflow

Laminar airflow refers to air that flows in a straight, unimpeded path. Laminar flow systems direct filtered air downward or in horizontal direction in a constant stream towards filters located on walls near the cleanroom floor or through raised perforated floor panels to be recirculated.

Laminar flow occurs when air can flow smoothly, and exhibits a parabolic velocity profile. It is maintained in cleanrooms through the use of laminar airflow hoods that direct air jets downward in a straight path, as well as cleanroom architecture that ensures turbulence is lessened.

It utilises HEPA filters to filter and clean all air entering the environment. Laminar filters are often composed of stainless steel or other non-shed materials to ensure the amount of particles that enter the facility remains low. Cleanrooms with laminar airflow are called unidirectional airflow cleanrooms.

Cleanroom Design, Build & Validation

Budgeting and planning
Engineering, design & layout
Airflow and filtration design
Construction and Installation
Full Certification of our product
Industry-specific equipment installation
Validation

Non-unidirectional or Turbulent Airflow

Non-unidirectional airflow cleanrooms use turbulent airflow systems to clean particulate air and maintain a clean environment. It occurs when there is an irregularity such as a disruption in the surface across which the fluid is flowing, which alters the direction of movement. Turbulent flow exhibits a flat velocity profile.

Turbulent or non-unidirectional airflow uses both laminar airflow hoods and nonspecific velocity filters to keep the air in a cleanroom in constant motion. The rough air seeks to trap particles and drive them towards the floor, where they enter filters and leave the cleanroom environment. The air in the cleanroom goes through the HVAC system, is purified and flows back into the room.

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Airflow Principles in Cleanrooms

Uncontaminated air is maintained in cleanrooms through the use of ULPA or HEPA filters which adopt the turbulent or laminar airflow principles. In laminar (unidirectional) airflow systems, filtered air is directed downwards from the ceiling in the form of layers. These layers of air hit the floor and are absorbed by the floor level grilles where they are purified.

Turbulent (non-unidirectional) airflow systems keep air in motion, though not in the same direction, by employing both nonspecific velocity filters and laminar airflow hoods.

A standard cleanroom design covers the whole air distribution system. This includes provisions for suitable downstream air returns, and this means employing low wall air returns for vertical rooms in the perimeter of the zone. In horizontal flow systems, however, the downstream boundary of the airflow process requires the use of air returns. Using ceiling-mounted air returns contradict a standard cleanroom design.

At Total Clean Air, we employ innovative airflow technologies for cleanrooms. Advancements in cleanroom technology are available to reduce contamination risks and improve process control in an active cleanroom environment.

Cleanroom Features

Total Clean Air for a Guaranteed Secure Environment for Your Critical Processes

At Total Clean Air, your contamination control requirements are our priority. We are able to provide state-of-the-art airflow technology to your UK cleanroom facility in order to protect critical processes and add value to your operations.

Our friendly, professional sales staff are ready to take your call and start your project with you.