FAQs About Fan Filter Units
What is a Fan Filter Unit (FFU)?
A Fan Filter Unit (FFU) is a self-contained motorized unit that combines a fan (blower) and a HEPA or ULPA filter in a single housing. FFUs are installed in cleanroom ceilings to provide a continuous supply of HEPA-filtered, laminar flow air into the cleanroom — creating an air circulation system with superior filtering and minimal maintenance requirements. Clean Air Products manufactures two primary FFU models: the CAP119 Motorized Ceiling FFU and the CAP116 Vertical Flow FFU, both available in standard and custom configurations.
What FFU models does Clean Air Products offer?
Clean Air Products offers two primary fan filter unit models:- CAP119 Motorized Ceiling Fan Filter Unit — energy-efficient, self-powered modules with integral backward-curved blower/motor assemblies. Designed for T-bar ceiling grid systems; low-profile for limited overhead space. Available in a range of sizes; suited for Class 100,000 to Class 10 cleanrooms. Standard specs: galvanized steel housing, 120V/60Hz/1.9FLA, aluminum-framed HEPA filter (99.99% @ 0.3 microns), fiberglass prefilter, variable speed control.
- CAP116 Vertical Flow Fan Filter Unit — designed to be suspended from a ceiling or mounted on a frame. Filter, blower, and lights are all serviceable from the front — ideal for applications where ceiling access is unavailable. Prefilters can be positioned on the top or front. Available in 16 size options from 30" x 50.5" to 54" x 98.5".
What is the difference between HEPA and ULPA filters in a fan filter unit?
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the standard for most cleanroom applications — capturing 99.99% of particles at 0.3 microns or larger. ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filters offer higher efficiency, capturing 99.999% of particles at 0.12 microns or larger, and are used for the most demanding cleanliness requirements such as advanced semiconductor fabrication and nanotechnology research. Clean Air Products' standard CAP119 and CAP116 FFUs come with HEPA filtration. ULPA filters are available as an upgrade option on the CAP116.What ISO classes are Clean Air Products' fan filter units suited for?
The CAP119 Motorized Ceiling FFU is available in a range of sizes and efficiencies suited for Class 100,000 (ISO 8) through Class 10 (ISO 4) cleanrooms. The CAP116 Vertical Flow FFU with optional ULPA filtration can support the most demanding ISO cleanliness requirements. Both units are designed to seamlessly integrate into Clean Air Products' hardwall and softwall cleanroom systems. Contact our engineering team for FFU layout and quantity recommendations for your target ISO class and room dimensions.How many fan filter units do I need for my cleanroom?
The number of FFUs required depends on your target ISO classification and the floor area of the cleanroom. Higher ISO classes (cleaner rooms) require higher air change rates, meaning more FFUs per square foot of ceiling area. As a general reference, ISO Class 5 cleanrooms typically require 35–70% ceiling coverage with FFUs, while ISO Class 7 cleanrooms may require 15–20%. Clean Air Products' engineering team will calculate the correct FFU layout for your cleanroom size and ISO class — contact us or request a quote to discuss your requirements.What options are available for the CAP116 fan filter unit?
The CAP116 Vertical Flow FFU is available with numerous upgrade options:- ULPA filter (99.999% efficiency at 0.12 microns)
- Power cord • Front and/or rear-mounted prefilters
- Light diffuser grill
- Stainless steel housing or painted steel housing
- 220V 50Hz power (for international applications)
- 16 size options from 30" x 50.5" to 54" x 98.5"
