People are one of the biggest threats to a controlled cleanroom environment. Even the smallest particles carried in on clothing or equipment can compromise operations.
An effective tool for safeguarding cleanroom integrity is an air shower, a system that acts as the final checkpoint and ensures personnel and material meet standards for contamination control before entry. This article explains how air showers function, what design and construction options there are, and why they’re a key component of many cleanrooms.
An air shower is a specialized entry system designed to remove loose particles from personnel or materials before they enter a cleanroom. Using high-velocity, HEPA-filtered air jets, these systems reduce the risk of particle contamination. They are most frequently used in more stringent cleanroom environments, like those held to ISO Class 5 and 6 standards.
Before personnel or materials ever reach the cleanroom, air showers create a controlled transition zone that strips away unwanted particles. Here’s how.
Not all cleanrooms have the same requirements. That’s why manufacturers offer a range of air shower systems to fit different facility layouts and applications.
Air showers can be built from a variety of materials and with a number of unique features, depending on the level of functionality, compliance, and durability you are looking for.
Common construction materials are:
Beyond base construction, facilities can integrate advanced safety and performance features, such as:
Air showers are used in many industries, but there are some where eliminating contaminants is of even more importance. Some of these industries include semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and medical device manufacturing.
By reducing the contamination load at the entry point, an air shower can help your facility maintain ISO standards, improve product quality, and reduce the likelihood of downtime caused by contamination events.
The effectiveness of a cleanroom depends on its ability to control contamination, and cleanroom air showers are a frontline defense in achieving that goal. By removing particles before personnel and materials enter, air shower systems protect cleanroom integrity and compliance with ISO standards. With a number of configurations, construction materials, and features available, they can be tailored to meet the demands of any industry.
At Encompass Cleanrooms, we specialize in designing and building custom cleanroom solutions, including the installation of an air shower system. Contact us to start your project today.