When renovating a cleanroom, or creating one from non-cleanroom space, understanding the details — of the site, building, planned research, and equipment — is essential. A cleanroom can be used for many things: semiconductor fabrication, microelectronics assembly, aeronautical assembly and testing, pharmaceutical research or manufacturing, or geochemistry. One size definitely does not fit all.
Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts:
DO
• Clearly identify requirements for maintaining operations during construction.
• Clearly establish the purpose and functions of the space. Use a recognized standard such as ISO 14644 to set the class of cleanliness as well as criteria such as temperature and humidity setpoints.
• Establish requirements for vibration performance based on specific tools and processes.
• Check vertical clearance for sufficient height to allow adequate space for mechanical systems.
• Investigate hazardous materials use, and confirm that the building can accommodate a Hazardous occupancy if required.
• Check clearances for equipment to be moved. Elevators can be tricky!
• Confirm that there is sufficient vertical shaft space for exhaust ducts from the cleanroom to the roof, and that shafts are accessible.
• Confirm the list of utilities, capacities, and quality required based on tools and processes used.
• Confirm that there will be sufficient power, with allowance for growth and change.
• Budget the project with a contingency for unforeseen conditions in the existing building (10 percent is a good starting point).
• Budget for atypical line items (cleanroom construction protocols and supervision; cleanroom certification; temporary gown room; temporary clean-pipe fabrication shop).
DON’T
• Locate the cleanroom on an exterior wall if it can be avoided.
• Locate the cleanroom below wet laboratories if it can be avoided. Ideally, the cleanroom should be located with a dedicated mechanical room directly above.
• Assume that users have fully considered their requirements. Test and confirm all assumptions.
• Assume your design team has experience in cleanroom design. Verify!
• Assume that the work can be completed by a contractor who doesn’t have experience building cleanrooms.
• Assume that the contractor will understand the requirements of “building clean” (starting the project out correctly, getting the space clean, and keeping it that way). Spell it out and get it in writing.
• Locate air intakes above a loading dock or service yard.
• Locate exhausts at grade level or in building side walls.
• Underestimate the size and space required for support equipment.
This Cleanroom Tip was taken from “Everything Old Is New Again” by Jack Paul, which appeared in the February 2013 issue of Controlled Environments.
