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Humidity Control in Cleanrooms: Why it Matters

In cleanrooms and other controlled environments, small fluctuations in humidity can create a disaster for manufacturers. Whether through ruined batches of pharmaceuticals or damaged electronic parts, the consequences of poor humidity control are both serious and costly. For many businesses and researchers, mastering humidity control is a necessary part of successful operations. In this article, we’ll cover why humidity control matters in cleanrooms, how it’s managed, its benefits, and more.

Why Humidity Control Matters

As we mentioned already, humidity plays an important role in cleanrooms. While the focus of cleanrooms is generally on controlling particle contamination, controlling humidity is also important to product integrity, employee comfort, and successful results.

In some industries, such as electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, excessive humidity can cause corrosion, rust, and condensation, the latter of which can create short circuits and other serious malfunctions. On the other hand, low humidity levels can create unwanted static electricity; this is a problem because electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronics. Keeping the humidity at balanced levels is important in this industry and many others.

For pharmaceuticals, high humidity levels can alter the chemical composition of drugs, reduce their effectiveness, or even make them unsafe. High levels of humidity also can create mold and the growth of microorganisms, which makes it extra important to control moisture.

Each industry, and each individual process, may have very specific humidity requirements, which are often outlined in regulations. For example, semiconductor cleanrooms typically maintain relative humidity between 30% and 50%, while pharmaceutical cleanrooms may require an even narrower range depending on the products involved. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to product failure, financial loss, and serious reputational damage.

Methods for Humidity Control in Cleanrooms

Keeping the right humidity levels in cleanrooms involves a combination of technologies and control methods. Here’s are some of the most common strategies used:

HVAC Systems with Humidity Control

Cleanroom HVAC systems control both temperature and humidity in cleanrooms. They often use sensors to continuously monitor the environment and make real-time adjustments to keep humidity within a certain range. Within the system, cooling coils remove excess moisture from the air, while steam injection adds humidity when needed.

Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, and Desiccants

In addition to HVAC systems, cleanrooms may also use humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and desiccants:

  • Humidifiers: Just as they sound, these devices add moisture to the air when humidity levels drop too low.
  • Dehumidifiers: Conversely, these units remove excess moisture to prevent condensation.
  • Desiccants: These are materials used to absorb moisture from the air, so they are used in applications that require extremely low levels of humidity, such as dry rooms.

Keep in mind that all these tools are not mutually exclusive. Cleanrooms may use a mixture of these elements to achieve the right humidity levels.

Benefits of Humidity Control in Cleanrooms

Though we’ve mentioned a few of them already, controlling humidity in cleanrooms has several important benefits:

  • Product Quality: Whether in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, or food processing, the proper humidity levels help prevent defects and improve the safety of final products.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many industries that use cleanrooms have to follow strict regulations regarding environmental conditions. Humidity control helps them meet these requirements.
  • Equipment Protection: Humidity is known to cause corrosion and rust, so controlling it may help machinery and electrical devices from moisture-related damage.

The Bottom Line

Humidity control is an important condition managed in cleanroom environments. It helps businesses protect their products, comply with regulations, and improve the chances of success in their operations. It also helps keep products consistent, avoids damage to equipment, and keeps everything running smoothly.

Need to control humidity at your facilities? Contact Allied Cleanrooms today for a free quote on cleanroom solutions.

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