Used Clean Rooms
Countless industries and applications utilize clean rooms to carry out highly sensitive manufacturing processes. Clean rooms can be designed with specific features to make sure the needs of the application are met. They enable operators to control specific environmental aspects in a certain area, such as the regulation of temperature and humidity and the elimination of particles in the air. Furthermore, they provide a sterile environment for various procedures. There are some clean room manufacturers that offer the option of used clean rooms, or clean rooms that have been previously used and renovated. Used clean rooms are a satisfactory and more affordable option, as opposed to clean rooms designed from the ground up.
Quick links to Used Clean Rooms Information
Clean Room Design
Clean rooms were initially designed with the purpose of minimizing air contamination during the manufacturing or testing of certain products by regulating the air flow within a specific area. Ever since their inception, the manufacturing process of clean rooms has drastically evolved. Today, clean rooms are used as a regulator for temperature and contaminants in the air for a wide variety of applications that have little to no tolerance for contamination, such as laboratory experiments and manufacturing microchips. A more specific example is manufacturing microchips in the computer manufacturing industry. Even a slight change in air temperature can be detrimental to a product’s overall functionality. A second example is the manufacturing of components for the aerospace industry. Bacteria, airborne spores, molecular contaminants such as silicones and hydrocarbons, and a variety of other contaminants can be hazardous to the manufacturing of sensitive hardware. Therefore, clean rooms can be equipped with filtration systems that successfully eliminate this risk, such as High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. Clean rooms are designed to meet strict requirements. The materials used to construct clean rooms must not contribute to air contamination in any way. Recommended materials used to construct a clean room must be non-corrosive, non-fibrous, and must not conduct static electricity. Even stainless steel, which is a highly reputable material due to its sterile properties, is sometimes avoided due to its tendency to corrode when exposed to bleach.
Standards and Specifications for Cleanrooms
In order to measure cleanliness, there are two main standards that are set for all clean rooms manufactured in the U.S.
- ISO Standards, which is a system of standards set by the International Organization for Standardization
- US FED STD 209E, a system of standards set by the United States federal government
Other systems used are the European Union’s EMP EU standards, and BS 5295 standards, which are used in Britain.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Used Cleanroom
In addition to the development of new filtration and temperature control features, various other clean room technologies have been rapidly advancing, leading older clean room models to be left behind in favor of newer models. Even though these older clean room models may not have the same updated features and cutting-edge technology as their newer counterparts, they still have an adequate level of functionality. When manufacturers make the decision of investing in a used clean room, they sacrifice the updated features of a newer model for a cost that is easier on the company’s budget. However, if these new features are not necessary for the intended application, purchasing a used clean room is a wiser financial decision. In purchasing a clean room, there are other things to consider, however. First, there is the possibility of complications arising due to the prolonged usage of a used clean room, and second, a used model may lack the features necessary for the desired application.
It is important to carefully analyze all of the requirements of the application when investing in a used clean room in order to avoid the problem of realizing too late that the clean room does not meet all of the criteria. One way to avoid this problem is weighing the options of any used clean room that you may potentially purchase, in order to prevent spending money later down the line on additional expenses such as repairs and replacing damaged parts.
Consulting a Cleanroom Manufacturer
Clean rooms are available with various combinations of features. Therefore, it is best to consult with a used clean room manufacturer and supplier rather than making a final decision on your own, as manufacturers and suppliers can provide insight and additional suggestions that will better assist you in finding a suitable used clean room for all of your desired applications. Used clean rooms are available in custom designed clean rooms, used clean rooms can be moved or reconfigured, depending on the model. There are many manufacturers that offer services such as in-house pre-assembly, or assembly on-site.