cleanroom panel

Types of Cleanroom Panel

A cleanroom panel is used in environments where cleanliness is crucial, such as laboratories or manufacturing facilities for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. These panels are designed to control environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and particulate contamination. Cleanroom panels come in various types depending on the requirements of the cleanroom, such as:

• Sandwich Panels:

  This type of cleanroom panel is made up of three layers; two steel sheets and one core layer. The core layer can be made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or honeycomb cardboard. Sandwich panels are versatile and can be used in cleanrooms, warehouses, and industrial buildings. They are also cost-effective and have good thermal insulation. However, their suitability depends on the core material. For instance, they offer less insulation than dedicated cleanroom panels when a honeycomb core is used.

• Mineral Core Panels:

  These panels consist of two sheets of steel with a mineral-based core in between. The core is usually made of rock wool or glass wool. Mineral core panels have a non-combustible core material that meets fire safety regulations. They also offer good thermal insulation and are resistant to moisture. Unfortunately, they are heavier than other panel types, and their mineral core may not provide the same level of cleanliness as foam cores.

• Paper Honeycomb Panels:

  This type of cleanroom panel has a core made of paper honeycomb structures that are sandwiched between two metal sheets. They are lightweight and have a low environmental impact since they are made of paper. Additionally, they are cost-effective and provide decent structural integrity. However, they have poor thermal insulation, are not moisture-resistant, and are also not suitable for high-level cleanroom standards.

• Polyurethane and Polystyrene Panels:

  Polyurethane panels have a core of foam that provides insulation. They are lightweight, have high insulation value, and are suitable for temperatures above freezing. On the other hand, polystyrene panels are made of a foam core that is also lightweight. They are cheaper and suitable for non-freezing temperatures. These two panels are also rigid and provide sound insulation. Nevertheless, they have low fire resistance and are not suitable for areas with high humidity.

• Foam Core Panels:

  They have a foam core, for instance, polyethylene foam, that provides insulation between two metal sheets. Foam core panels are lightweight, have a high insulation value, and are cheaper than mineral core panels. Nonetheless, they have low structural integrity, are not suitable for high cleanliness levels, and have low fire ratings.

• Steel Stamped Panels:

  These panels are made of steel and are stamped to create a core structure. The stamping process steel panels improves stiffness and insulation. The panels are durable, have high structural integrity, and are corrosion-resistant. However, they are heavier, more expensive and produce more noise compared to other panels.

Features and Functions of Cleanroom Panels

Cleanroom panels are prefabricated walls composed of various materials, including metals, plastics, and glass. They provide structural integrity, durability, and flexibility. Below are the features and functions of cleanroom panels.

Features of Cleanroom Panels

• Non-porous

  The cleanroom panels are non-porous, which means they have no openings or spaces that can absorb liquids, air, or contaminants. This feature is important to prevent the infiltration of contaminants and facilitate easy cleaning.

• Seamless joints

  The cleanroom panels are interlocked to form seamless joints. This creates a smooth and continuous surface, reducing the chances of collecting dirt or contaminants in cracks and crevices.

• Insulation

  Insulated cleanroom panels have internal cores made of materials like polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, or honeycomb structure. These materials provide insulation and stability.

• Modularity

  Modularity is an important feature of cleanroom panels. It allows the panels to be connected and rearranged in different layouts. This helps to design cleanrooms of different sizes and shapes.

• High-strength material

  The cleanroom panels are made of high-strength materials such as metals, reinforced plastics, and specialized composites. This ensures durability and stability of the cleanroom.

• Prefabrication

  Cleanroom panels are prefabricated. This means the panels are constructed beforehand based on the specifications provided. They are assembled on-site, which reduces construction time and improves precision.

Functions of Cleanroom Panels

• Structural support

  The panels provide structural support to the cleanroom. They bear weight and loads from the roof, lights, and other equipment. This ensures stability and safety.

• Contamination control

  Contamination control is an important function of cleanroom panels. The non-porous panels and seamless joints are designed to prevent the entry of contaminants such as dust, bacteria, and viruses. This creates a controlled environment that meets the required cleanliness standards.

• Insulation

  Some cleanroom panels are insulated. They regulate temperature and maintain a stable environment for sensitive manufacturing and research processes. Insulated panels prevent heat transfer and maintain the required temperatures.

• Customization

  The cleanroom panels are easily customizable. They come in different sizes, colors, and materials that can be tailored to meet the requirements of the cleanroom. This flexibility improves efficiency and productivity.

Scenarios of cleanroom panels

As mentioned above, cleanroom panels are widely used in various industries. Below are some of their application scenarios.

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

  Panel clean rooms are essential in the pharmaceutical industry. They ensure the safety and integrity of drug production and research. These clean rooms control particulate contamination. This allows the sterile manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, and biologics. In these clean rooms, strict air filtration and cleanliness regulations are followed. This protects sensitive compounds and clinical samples. It prevents contamination in drug development processes and clinical trials.

• Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing

  Cleanroom panels are used in the semiconductor industry. They produce integrated circuits and electronic components. The clean environments protect delicate microstructures from particles. Even tiny particles can cause malfunctions in electronic devices. In these clean rooms, contamination control is crucial. It allows the manufacturing of advanced microchips for smartphones and computers.

• Aerospace and Defense

  Panel clean rooms are important in the aerospace industry. They are used in the manufacturing and assembly of satellite and spacecraft components. These clean rooms ensure that optical instruments, such as telescopes, are free from particles that could obstruct their functionality. The clean environments are also used to assemble and test sensitive electronics used in defense systems.

• Medical Device Manufacturing

  Cleanroom panels provide controlled environments for the production of medical devices. They ensure the devices are free from harmful microorganisms. This is especially important for devices that come into direct contact with the body or are used in sterile procedures. Examples are surgical instruments and implantable devices.

• Food and Dairy Industry

  Some dairy and food processing facilities use cleanroom panels. They ensure the sterility and safety of their products. These clean rooms help reduce microbial contamination. This is important for products that require a sterile packaging process. For example, yogurt and ready-to-eat meals.

• Biological Research and Laboratories

  Some research institutions and laboratories use cleanroom panels. They support microbiology, virology, and immunology research. These clean rooms help create controlled environments for experiments. This is especially important for studies involving pathogens or sensitive biological samples.

How to Choose Cleanroom Panel

• Material

  Before purchasing cleanroom panels, consider the material used to make them. Panels are made of different materials, such as metal, fiber glass, and plastic. Each material has different characteristics, so choose a material that meets the requirements of the cleanroom.

• Cost

  The cost of the cleanroom panels varies depending on the manufacturer and materials used. It is important to set a budget to avoid overspending. When choosing a panel, consider the long-term costs and benefits rather than the initial cost. This will ensure you get a panel that is durable and suitable for the cleanroom.

• Insulation

  Insulation is an important factor when choosing a cleanroom panel. Some types of cleanroom sandwich panels have insulated cores that provide different R-values. Choose a panel with an insulated core that meets the cleanroom temperature and humidity requirements.

• Regulatory compliance

  It is important to ensure that the cleanroom wall panels comply with industry regulations and standards. This will ensure the cleanroom is safe and functional. Different types of cleanrooms have different regulatory requirements, so consider the required regulations when choosing a panel.

• Ease of installation

  Some cleanroom panels are easy to install, while others require a professional contractor. If the owner is doing the installation, it is important to choose panels that are easy to install to save time and money.

• Maintenance

  Another important factor to consider when choosing a cleanroom panel is maintenance. Some panels require regular maintenance, while others are low-maintenance. Choose a panel that requires low maintenance to reduce the overall cost.

cleanroom panel Q & A

Q1: Can someone use cleanroom panels for non-cleanroom applications?

A1: Yes, it is possible to use cleanroom panels for non-cleanroom applications. For instance, they can be used to construct sustainable, energy-efficient, and modern building designs. Also, they can be used to create prefabricated structures and walls.

Q2: What is the lifespan of cleanroom panels?

A2: The lifespan of cleanroom panels varies depending on the type and material used. For instance, fiberglass reinforced panels last between 10 to 15 years, while PVC cleanroom panels last up to 20 years. However, proper maintenance and cleaning can extend their lifespan.

Q3: Are cleanroom panels environmentally friendly?

A3: This depends on the type of material used to manufacture the cleanroom panels. Some materials, like aluminum, are recyclable, while others are not. As such, aluminum cleanroom panels are more eco-friendly than others.

Q4: Do cleanroom panels require special maintenance?

A4: Yes, cleanroom panels require special maintenance to preserve their sterile and clean properties. They should be cleaned using approved antimicrobial and anti-static cleaners. Also, they should be inspected regularly for signs of damage.

Q5: Are cleanroom panels customizable?

A5: Yes, cleanroom panels are customizable. They can be manufactured in different sizes, thicknesses, and finishes to meet specific requirements and standards. Also, they can be designed to fit various cleanroom configurations and layouts.