Modular designing has gained significant importance in the construction industry in the recent past. These designs have become a serious consideration for organizations looking to build or expand, including companies designing new cleanrooms. Wondering what a modular cleanroom is? Let’s find out. This guide will discuss a modular cleanroom and the most important considerations when building a modular cleanroom.
What is A Modular Design?
To understand what a modular cleanroom is, we must first understand what a modular design is. Modular design is an approach that separates a system into smaller and self-contained units which can be created individually and then combined in different ways to create a whole system.
What is A Modular Cleanroom?
A modular cleanroom is a cleanroom that is built of prefabricated, manufactured components. These components are assembled to the client’s specifications on-site. The prefabricated components include wall and ceiling panels and unique features such as pass-thru chamber panels and airlocks.
4 Things to Consider When Building a Modular Cleanroom
The following are a few essential things that must be considered when building a modular cleanroom.
· Flooring
Starting from the base, applying a leveled and nonporous floor is essential for the room’s integrity. Usually, poured epoxy surface is installed because it is highly durable and easy to clean. Also, it is crucial to include horizontal floor coving as it provides a simple and neat finish. Another viable flooring option is seamless vinyl, which ensures compliance with relevant regulations.
· Walls
Although the modular-wall cleanroom system may include cladding existing walls; however, the planning and installation process does not complete here. You have the option to choose solid walls, half-glass panels, or walls with windows to improve aesthetics while maintaining cleanroom integrity. Also, it is beneficial to have horizontal and vertical coving as it allows for a smooth finish and offers easier implementation of appropriate cleaning procedures for the walls, ceiling, and floor.
This simple design feature removes all 90-degree angles with the modular-wall system and facilitates all cleaning protocols, reducing the risk of unsanitary conditions.
· Seals and Room Pressure
Usually, nonsterile cleanrooms are designed to maintain a negative-pressure environment as it helps prevent aerosolized powders or fumes from escaping. Once the project ends, the installers must use pharmaceutical-grade silicone along all the wall seams and coving. This will help maintain the integrity of the room’s pressure.
If we talk about the sterile perspective, proper sealing can offer a positive-pressure environment that does not allow ambient air to enter the facility. Hence, sterile air stays there and protects all products attached to that particular area.
· Ceiling
The last step of completing your cleanroom is preparing the ceiling. You can use a T-grid ceiling that is stabilized from your current structure. This type of ceiling allows for panels to be removed easily for maintenance and adjusted for needs.
Furthermore, a completely customizable ceiling allows the organization to choose the desired height of each modular chamber. The panels must be seamless and integrated within a complete LED lighting system, providing a brightly lit area with a long life span.
Another advantage of the T-grid system is that the ceiling tiles within this system can be fully customized for all HVAC accommodations with specific air-return grills or HEPA filters if needed.
Concluding Remarks
To renovate your facility, you must consider a modular cleanroom design. Modular wall system offers various advantages. These designs offer peace of mind, are made of high-quality materials, and are flexible to meet your needs. However, you must consult a financial advisor before getting a modular cleanroom designed, as it is a fixed asset and may depreciate over time.
