Clean rooms are used in a variety of industries to control the level of airborne contaminants and protect workers and products from external contaminants. However, not all businesses can afford a dedicated clean room or may require a portable solution. This is where portable clean rooms come in, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, and aerospace. In this article, we will delve into the importance and benefits of portable clean rooms and how they can help ensure safe and controlled environments.

1. What is a Portable Clean Room?

A portable clean room is a temporary or semi-permanent structure designed to maintain a controlled environment with a low level of airborne contaminants. It is a self-contained unit that is constructed with modular panels, doors, and ceiling systems that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Portable clean rooms can be customized to fit the specific needs of different industries and applications. They come in different sizes, shapes, and configurations, ranging from small benchtop units to large multi-room structures.

2. Benefits of Portable Clean Rooms

Enhanced Flexibility

Portable clean rooms offer enhanced flexibility as they can be installed and relocated with ease. This is particularly beneficial for industries that require frequent changes in the production process or have limited space. Portable clean rooms can be easily reconfigured to meet the changing needs of a business, such as accommodating new equipment, processes, or products.

Cost-Effective

Portable clean rooms are a cost-effective solution compared to building a dedicated clean room. They are generally less expensive to purchase, install, and maintain than permanent clean rooms. Portable clean rooms also require less energy and resources to operate, making them more environmentally friendly.

Easy to Install and Relocate

Portable clean rooms are easy to install and relocate. They do not require extensive construction or renovation work, which saves time and minimizes disruption to the business. They can be assembled and disassembled quickly, allowing businesses to set up a temporary clean room when needed.

Versatility

Portable clean rooms are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. They can be used for different levels of cleanliness, from ISO Class 5 to ISO Class 8. They can also be customized to meet specific industry requirements, such as ESD protection or explosion-proofing.

3. Applications of Portable Clean Rooms

Portable clean rooms are widely used in industries that require a controlled environment with low levels of airborne contaminants. Some of the most common applications of portable clean rooms include:

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical companies use portable clean rooms to manufacture drugs, vaccines, and other medical products that require a sterile environment. Portable clean rooms can be used for different stages of the production process, such as compounding, filling, and packaging.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology companies use portable clean rooms to conduct research and development, as well as produce biologics, gene therapies, and other products that require a controlled environment. Portable clean rooms can be used for cell culture, fermentation, purification, and packaging.

Electronics

The electronics industry uses portable clean rooms to manufacture electronic components, such as microchips and circuit boards, that require a dust-free environment. Portable clean rooms can be used for wafer fabrication, device assembly, and testing.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry uses portable clean rooms to assemble and test spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace components that require a clean environment. Portable clean rooms can be used for assembly, testing, and launch preparation.

4. Components of a Portable Clean Room

Portable clean rooms consist of several components that work together to maintain a controlled environment. These components include:

HEPA Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are used to remove airborne particles from the air in the clean room HEPA filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%.

Positive Pressure System

A positive pressure system is used to maintain a higher pressure inside the clean room than outside. This helps prevent external contaminants from entering the clean room.

Negative Pressure System

A negative pressure system is used to maintain a lower pressure inside the clean room than outside. This helps prevent internal contaminants from leaving the clean room.

Airlocks

Airlocks are used to prevent the entry of contaminants into the clean room. They provide a buffer zone between the clean room and the outside environment.

Flooring

The flooring of a clean room is designed to minimize the generation and accumulation of particles. It is typically made of materials that are easy to clean and maintain, such as vinyl or epoxy.

5. How to Choose the Right Portable Clean Room

When choosing a portable clean room, businesses should consider the following factors:

Application

The clean room should be designed to meet the specific needs of the industry and application. This includes the level of cleanliness required, the size and configuration of the clean room, and any special requirements, such as ESD protection or explosion-proofing.

Size

The size of the clean room should be appropriate for the intended application. It should be large enough to accommodate the equipment, processes, and personnel required for the application.

Mobility

The clean room should be easy to move and relocate, if necessary. This includes the weight, size, and configuration of the clean room, as well as any special requirements for transportation.

Cost

The cost of the clean room should be evaluated based on the initial purchase price, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance and operation costs. Businesses should also consider the return on investment (ROI) of the clean room in terms of increased productivity, improved product quality, and reduced risk of contamination.

6. Maintaining a Portable Clean Room

To maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of a portable clean room, businesses should follow best practices for clean room operation and maintenance. This includes:

Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment

Regular testing and monitoring of air quality and particle counts

Proper gowning and personal protective equipment (PPE) for personnel

Training and certification of personnel in clean room procedures and protocols

Regular maintenance and replacement of clean room components, such as HEPA filters and airlocks.

7. Common Myths about Portable Clean Rooms

There are several common myths about portable clean rooms that should be addressed:

They are not as effective as permanent clean rooms

Portable clean rooms can be just as effective as permanent clean rooms when designed and maintained correctly. They can provide the same level of cleanliness and control as permanent clean rooms, but with added flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

They are not suitable for all industries

Portable clean rooms can be designed to meet the specific needs of any industry, from pharmaceuticals to electronics to aerospace. With the right design and components, portable clean rooms can provide a controlled environment for a wide range of applications.

They are too expensive

While the initial purchase price of a portable clean room may be higher than that of a traditional clean room, the overall cost can be much lower due to the added flexibility and mobility. Portable clean rooms also have a lower cost of ownership over time, with less maintenance and lower energy costs.

They are difficult to maintain

Portable clean rooms require regular maintenance and cleaning, just like permanent clean rooms. However, they can be easier to maintain due to their modular design and easy access to components. With proper training and protocols, maintaining a portable clean room can be just as easy as maintaining a permanent clean room.

8. Conclusion

Portable clean rooms offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses that require a controlled environment for their processes and products. By understanding the components of a portable clean room and following best practices for operation and maintenance, businesses can achieve the same level of cleanliness and control as a permanent clean room, with added mobility and flexibility.

9. FAQs

Can portable clean rooms be customized for specific applications?

Yes, portable clean rooms can be designed and customized to meet the specific needs of any industry and application.

Are portable clean rooms more expensive than permanent clean rooms?

While the initial purchase price may be higher, portable clean rooms can have a lower overall cost due to their added flexibility and mobility.

What industries use portable clean rooms?

Portable clean rooms can be used in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace, and more.

How often should a portable clean room be cleaned and maintained?

Portable clean rooms should be regularly cleaned and maintained according to best practices and manufacturer recommendations.

Can portable clean rooms provide the same level of control as permanent clean rooms?

Yes, with the right design and components, portable clean rooms can provide the same level of cleanliness and control as permanent clean rooms.

Kwang Cleanroom is proud to offer examples of a variety of our cleanroom projects below.  ISO 8 Clean Room,  Cleanroom Workshop,  Cleanroom ISO Standards,  Clean Room in Pharmaceutical Industry,  Cleanroom Workshop Maintenance,  Hospital Operating Clean Room,  Clean Room for Physics Laboratory.