Cleanroom
A cleanroom is designed to either keep out particles and microorganisms that threaten the integrity of the process conducted within the room or to contain potentially dangerous particles such as biohazards from escaping the room
Many of us are familiar with the white garments and helmets worn in a cleanroom environment. Cleanroom suits are made of specialized synthetic material that is free of particulates, fibers and biological contaminants. They retain volatile organics and dry particulates that shed from human tissue. In addition to the cleanroom suits, the atmosphere within the room is controlled including the humidity level and temperature. Laminar flow ceilings and HEPA filters may be used to provide frequent exchanges of purified air.
Cleaning
Within the cleanroom, all surfaces and equipment might be subject to cleaning via chemicals and water at high-pressure. When wet cleaning is not feasible, vigorous sanitizing is achieved via alternate, dry methods. Every effort is made to keep the cleanroom free of any particulates or organisms that would compromise the integrity of whatever procedure is taking place. These procedures range from sensitive technology to pharmacologic testing and production. Examples might include the production of semiconductors, contact lenses or the development of new medicines and vaccines. Even the tiniest contaminate could cause production to shut down or an experiment to be discarded.
Cleanroom classifications
Cleanroom classifications indicate the level of contaminates allowed in the room. Formerly, Federal Standard 209E defined these from Class 1, or one micron sized particle per cubic foot, to Class 100,000, or 100,000 micron sized particles per cubic foot. The equivalent classes in the new, more stringent ISO-14644-1 are classes 1 through 9. The facility where the level of cleanliness matters most will be ISO class 1. The owner of the facility chooses the class required based on the process that takes place in the cleanroom. There will be times that only the class, not the specific process, is revealed.
Lighting Requirements
The cleanroom environment requires luminaires that minimize opportunities for contamination. While there are many styles of luminaires for cleanrooms, certain features are generally expected. The units should be sealed, not allowing contaminants either into or out of the luminaire. In addition, each protrusion into the cleanroom or the plenum above provides a potential area for collection of particulates or colonization of microorganisms and must be kept to a minimum. This is done with silicone caulking, lapped and welded seams, multiple gaskets, flush head fasteners, concealed hinges, flattened knockouts and the absence of holes in the unit.
Specifications
While there are no specific labels associated with cleanroom luminaires, there are specific tests associated with the certification of a specific cleanroom space. Each of our cleanroom luminaires met or exceeded requirements for a class 100 cleanroom (ISO-1466-1 class 5).
Morlite manufactures luminaires to meet the critical criteria for cleanroom classification. Click on the buttons to go to the cut sheets. Please contact your local Rep (see Rep Locator), or call us for more information.