HVAC systems are arguably the most critical aspect of cleanroom design. These systems influence nearly every factor within a contamination-controlled environment, including temperature, humidity, airflow, and particulate removal for cleanliness.
Not only is it important, but cleanroom HVAC design and installation is often the most complex aspect of the process. It requires a high degree of customization to suit the unique needs of your cleanroom—from room size and layout to specific process and manufacturing requirements.
Unlike conventional HVAC systems used in commercial settings, cleanroom HVAC systems must meet stringent cleanliness standards and undergo advanced engineering to achieve precise environmental control and particulate filtration.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. While it’s a broad term, in cleanroom applications, HVAC systems vary greatly depending on the specific environmental controls critical to your operation’s contamination-sensitive needs.
In general, cleanroom HVAC systems help maintain the required level of airborne particulate cleanliness by constantly filtering and cycling air. The exact design of your cleanroom HVAC varies depending on your facility’s industry, compliance requirements, operational processes, environmental variables, and more.
In some scenarios, an existing HVAC system is sufficient for the level of contamination control needed. A cleanroom can be designed to integrate with this existing system. Similarly, your existing system can be upgraded or enhanced if necessary to meet contamination control standards. In other cases, a purpose-built system must be installed to meet stringent requirements. Regardless, your HVAC must be capable of maintaining tight control over temperature, humidity, airflow, and cleanliness.
Cleanroom HVAC systems differ significantly from traditional commercial HVAC units. While standard systems typically operate with 2-4 air changes per hour, cleanroom environments can require up to 250 or more air changes per hour. Additionally, cleanroom HVAC systems continuously circulate filtered air and can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns—something conventional HVAC systems are not designed to do. These cleanroom-specific demands make expert design and engineering essential.
A cleanroom HVAC system is composed of multiple interdependent components working together to maintain strict environmental control. The three main components include the air filtration system, air flow system, and temperature and humidity controls.
Cleanroom HVAC systems are built with advanced filtration capabilities to capture airborne contaminants, including tiny particles and microorganisms. The most common filters used in cleanroom environments include:
These filters serve as the foundation for particle control, ensuring air entering and recirculating through the cleanroom meets cleanliness standards. The filtration system may also include:
The airflow system is responsible for creating a consistent and unidirectional flow of filtered air that keeps harmful particles out of your contamination-free environment. This is achieved through supply and exhaust ducts, air diffusers and grilles, and specific airflow designs.
Cleanrooms can utilize either positive or negative pressure systems:
To support effective airflow management, cleanroom HVAC systems often incorporate:
Temperature and humidity directly affect particle behavior and microbial growth, making their control critical. These elements can work together to provide a stable, contamination-resistant climate tailored to your cleanroom’s operational needs:
Cleanroom HVAC systems are integral to achieving ISO and regulatory compliance. The cleanroom’s classification determines the required air cleanliness level, typically defined by ISO 14644-1 standards.
Manufacturing cleanrooms are often designed to meet ISO Class 7 or 8 standards, where airflow, temperature, and particulate control are moderate. HVAC systems in these environments don’t require extremely strict temperature or humidity control but must support adequate air filtration and circulation.
Pharmaceutical cleanrooms require tighter control to comply with USP and FDA regulations. ISO Class 7 or cleaner is usually mandated. These environments need precise temperature and humidity control to ensure product stability, especially in regions with wide temperature fluctuations.
Medical device and laboratory cleanroom environments also demand strict particulate control. HVAC systems must be capable of frequent air changes and high-efficiency filtration to meet ISO 14644 classifications, ensuring no contaminants compromise sensitive operations.
In these industries and others, HVAC design plays a pivotal role in maintaining compliance. Whether your space needs 30 air changes per hour or 250, the HVAC system must be built to meet those exacting standards. The Encompass Cleanrooms experts are well-versed across industries and can recommend customizations to suit your regulatory requirements.
Maintenance is key to ensuring your HVAC system continues to perform at optimal levels. Regular inspections, cleanings, and component replacements help maintain cleanliness and compliance over time.
Best practices include:
These practices ensure your HVAC system continues to meet the cleanroom's environmental and cleanliness requirements, minimizing operational risks and maximizing system lifespan. The Encompass Cleanrooms team can also assist with maintenance needs.
Cleanroom HVAC systems require precision design, expert installation, and diligent maintenance to perform at required levels across industries. At Encompass Cleanrooms, our expertise goes beyond cleanroom construction—we are deeply skilled in the engineering and technical implementation of cleanroom HVAC systems.
Our team is equipped to assess and evaluate your existing HVAC infrastructure, recommend system modifications to improve performance and compliance, and design and install fully customized cleanroom HVAC systems tailored to your environment. Whether you’re building a new cleanroom or upgrading an existing one, get in touch with us today for your HVAC needs.