To fully achieve a controlled environment, many different systems are installed and applied – one of which is air showers.
Air showers are enclosed spaces through which users of Cleanrooms must pass through before gaining access to the controlled area in question. This enclosure makes use of high-intensity HEPA to remove air particles, dust and micro-organisms that latch onto personnel or objects being brought into the room. Air showers are placed between the gowning area and Cleanroom and are used upon entry or exit.
As with other systems which contribute to the overall cleanliness of the room, air showers must be used properly to achieve the desired results. This would require following certain guidelines, including:
Modular Cleanroom Benefits
- Modular Construction
- Quick Assembly Time
- Versatility
- Reconfiguration
- Airflow Control
- Inexpensive Modifications
Spend adequate time in air showers
The use of air showers is defeated if those accessing the Cleanroom breeze in and out of the enclosure. A considerable amount of time should be spent in the Cleanroom, so that it can pick up all particles – even those nestled in gowns. Somewhere around 30 – 120 seconds is ideal to achieve the best results, although this is not a standard. Total Clean Air showers come equipped with door interlocks and timers that should be used to make the process seamless. Just preset a timeframe that applies to all personnel.
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
Avoid gowns made of synthetic fibre
Using air showers can create a static charge, which attracts particles. This would require regular cleaning of the chamber’s interior, due to a build-up of particles. The main factor responsible for this is the kind of outer garments/gown worn by personnel. Gowns made of natural fibres are less permeable than those of synthetic fibre; also, gowns with stitching provide more penetration points. In a nutshell, gowns should be carefully selected to enable air showers to function optimally. Gowns with less stitching and those made of synthetic fibre are therefore better options.
Modular Cleanroom Services
- Design & Build
- Free Site Survey
- Free Design Service
- Cleanroom Planning
- Construction and Installation
- CNC Engineered
- Training & Support
- Discounted Service Contracts
- Remedial Works
- Panel Repairs
- Alternations
- BMS Management
- Cleanroom Certification
- Differential Pressure Qualification
- Servicing Testing Validation
- Smoke Testing
- DOP Testing
Regular training sessions on the use of air showers
It’s important to regularly train personnel on how to use the Cleanroom and take necessary precautions to avoid complications, such as air contamination, which could affect process requirements. One of the subjects to cover would include the use of air showers. Total Clean Air have a highly qualified team of professionals to deliver this.
The need for such training from time to time cannot be over-emphasised, as it helps refresh the memory of existing staff, as well as orientate new staff with regards these processes. It also serves to introduce new, improved methods and standards of operation.
Cleanroom Features
- GMP
- ISO 4-9
- ISO 14644
- Low Power Consumption
- Environmentally Friendly
- HEPA Filters
- Air Filtration
- Fan Filter Units
- Cleanroom Ceiling System
- Temperature Control
- Access Control
- Inter Lock Door Systems
- Air Showers
- Unidirectional Airflow
- Desiccator Cabinets
- Horizontal Flow Wall Modules
- Horizontal Laminar Flow Clean Benches
- Laminar flow cabinets
- Laminar Flow Canopy
Maintenance
Air showers require regular maintenance to ensure everything still works as it should. The longer they go unchecked, the more productivity wanes over time. This, is also part of what we do in addition to planning, developing, installing Cleanrooms, and training personnel.
Design and use
Air showers are fitted with filters, jet nozzles and electronically-powered blowers. They are made of Cleanroom-compatible steel or plastic materials. The air produced is channelled within the air shower, where there is constant re-circulation. The air goes through an electronic filter module into a plenum, and then into the shower via the jet nozzles. Personnel inside the enclosed area should lift their arms and turn around to allow the air stream full access.
Contact us for your air shower units Do you want Total Clean Air to install a Cleanroom or provide air shower units? Give us a call today!