Air showers are designed to quickly and effectively remove particulate prior to entering a cleanroom. The air shower selection criteria allow for high air-flow volume combined with high nozzle velocity, providing optimal operational power and force.
Air Shower Design & Functionality Qualities
Air showers are self-contained air recirculation systems installed at entrances to cleanrooms and other controlled environments. Since people and products are the main sources of cleanroom contamination, these cleanroom entry systems quickly and efficiently remove particulate contaminants before they enter a clean space.
How an Air Shower Works
Air showers operate similarly to automated car wash pressure washer systems, utilizing multiple steps throughout the decontamination process. The following cleanroom air shower specifications process details the operational aspects of a cleanroom air shower.
The worker passes through the entry door and a sensor activates interlock magnets, which lock the air shower and cleanroom doors.
Numerous adjustable nozzles blow high-velocity streams of Class 100 filtered air onto the worker.
The high-velocity air creates a flapping effect on clothing which produces a scrubbing action, removing particulates from cleanroom garments.
To ensure all particulates are removed, workers raise their arms and rotate in place.
Indicator lights signal the end of the cleaning cycle, and the cleanroom door opens.
Additionally, it takes four to eight seconds of cleaning time and another two to four seconds for the air shower to purge contaminated air before the worker can exit. Computerized microprocessors control the cleaning and wait times associated with the air shower decontamination process.
Air Shower Design Preparation Procedures
Air showers are the final cleaning step before entering a cleanroom. Prior to entering the air shower, workers put on appropriate cleanroom clothing in a gowning room—either a suit (which covers nearly the entire body) or a gown and cap or hood. Since people are the main source of cleanroom contamination, workers must follow a series of procedures before entering a cleanroom.
This “gowning” process disturbs and releases contaminants from street clothes that can settle onto cleanroom garments. Air showers remove the contaminants. This procedure helps to maintain cleanroom standards and helps to lower operating costs. The decontamination procedure in the air shower means cleaner air enters the cleanroom, reducing product defects and increasing production yields.
High-Efficiency Cleanroom Air Shower Specifications Increase Productivity While Reducing Operating Costs
Air showers blow high-velocity jets of HEPA-filtered air to remove loose particles from people and products before they enter a cleanroom. This decontamination process means cleaner air enters the cleanroom, reducing product defects and increasing production yields. Additional advantages include longer-lasting cleanroom HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters because contaminant loads are lower. The pre-cleaning air shower process also reduces the contamination load of the main cleanroom filtration system, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
Air Shower Selection Criteria Application Guide
Whether the goal is high semiconductor yields or a flawless paint finish, controlled environments are integral to manufacturing processes. Air showers are vital to maintaining the clean environment; they help protect operations from the constant threat of air contamination.
Some of the industries that directly benefit from proactive air shower design concepts include:
How to Select an Air Shower for Decontamination Purposes?
Decontamination air showers are usually used for cleaning gowned personnel before entering a clean environment. However, they are also used to remove particulates from workers as they leave hazardous work areas and mingle with the general public. Further, an exit decontamination air shower can prevent cross-contamination when moving from one workspace to another.
Cleanroom Air Shower Specification Standards
Important factors to consider when specifying an air shower include effectiveness (power and capacity) and air filtration.
