What is a Cleanroom Air Shower?
An air shower is a structure specially designed to remove contaminants and particles from individuals entering a controlled environment, such as a cleanroom, laboratory, or sensitive manufacturing area. The purpose of a cleanroom air shower is to minimize the introduction of external contaminants into the controlled space by thoroughly removing particles from the surfaces of individuals’ clothing and bodies.
Main Components of Air Showers
Some main components of an air shower include:
Entrance/Exit Doors
Air showers have two sets of doors – one for entry and another for exit. These doors are interlocked to prevent both sets from being open simultaneously, ensuring that the controlled environment is not compromised.
Air Circulation System
The heart of an air shower is its air circulation system, which consists of powerful fans, filters, and ductwork. The air circulation system generates high-velocity, filtered air that is directed towards the individual from all sides, effectively blowing off loose particles.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
HEPA filters are high-performance air filters capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter with a high efficiency. The air shower employs these filters to clean the air before it enters the chamber. This ensures that the air blown onto the person is clean and particle-free.
Nozzles / Vents
Strategically positioned nozzles or vents in the walls, ceiling, and floor of the air shower direct the filtered air towards the person from all directions – this helps dislodge and remove particles adhering to the person’s clothing and body.
Control System
The control system manages the operations of the air shower, including door interlocking, fan activation, timer settings, and overall system monitoring. It ensures that the air shower functions properly and efficiently.
Floor Grates / Grills
Air shower floors often features grates or grills through which air is expelled. This air helps maintain a controlled downward airflow that prevents particles from being re-entrained into the air and keeps the area clean.
Lighting
Adequate, bright lighting is essential in the interior air shower to ensure visibility & safety for operators.
Pressure Differential Monitoring
Pressure differential sensors are installed to monitor the pressure difference between the air shower and the cleanroom or controlled environment. This helps ensure that the air shower is functioning correctly and maintaining the desired air cleanliness.
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