
Cleanliness levels of a cleanroom
The lower the number in the cleanroom classification, the cleaner the environment in terms of particle contamination.
Clean
10000
clean room
(14.9 x 10.6m)
Maximum of 10,000 particles per cubic foot of air.
Less stringent than Cleanroom 1,000.
Clean
1000
clean room
(14.9 x 3.9m)
Maximum of 1,000 particles per cubic foot of air.
More stringent and cleaner environment.
Comparison of Cleanroom
Feature | Cleanroom 10,000 (ISO Class 7) | Cleanroom 1,000 (ISO Class 6) |
---|---|---|
Maximum Particles (0.5µm) | 10,000 per cubic foot (352,000/m³) | 1,000 per cubic foot (35,200/m³) |
Applications | Moderate contamination control industries (e.g., electronics assembly, pharmaceuticals) | High-precision applications (e.g., semiconductor, optics, research) |
Air Quality | Moderate cleanliness, can handle slight contamination | Ultra-low contamination, high control |
Airflow and Filtration | HEPA filters, laminar or turbulent flow | HEPA/ULPA filters, strict laminar flow |
Capabilities
Controlled environment designed to minimize the presence
Presence of airborne particles, dust, and contaminants. Used in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing.
Contamination Control
Cleanrooms are designed to control and limit the number of airborne contaminants (like dust, microorganisms, and chemical vapors).
Air filtration systems (such as HEPA filters) are used to purify the air and maintain a specific particle count.
Controlled Environmental Conditions
Temperature and humidity are often controlled to prevent product defects or degradation in sensitive processes.
Cleanrooms often have constant air flow and pressure to prevent the infiltration of outside air and contaminants.
Particle Monitoring
Particle counters are continuously used to monitor the number of airborne particles of a specific size in the room.
Cleanrooms are rated according to the maximum number of particles (per volume of air) allowed, such as Cleanroom 10,000 (ISO Class 7) and Cleanroom 1,000 (ISO Class 6).
Preventive Measures
Cleanroom personnel must follow strict protocols, such as wearing protective clothing (e.g., gowns, gloves, masks, hairnets), to minimize shedding particles or contaminants.
These rooms may also be subject to regular cleaning routines to maintain air quality and cleanliness.
Airflow and Ventilation Systems
Cleanrooms use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filters to keep the air as free from particles as possible.
The air is typically directed in a laminar flow pattern to ensure that air travels in one direction and contaminants are pushed out of the room.