27 Sep Modular Cleanroom Systems: Types, Benefits, and Applications

What if after you built a cleanroom, you could take it with you? What if you could expand it, downsize it, and reconfigure it without needing to knock down walls? Modular cleanroom systems turn this into a reality and give businesses all the flexibility they need to change course. Whether you need to modify the layout of your cleanroom, move it to a new site, or upgrade some of its features, these systems are a future-proof solution. In this article, we’ll cover what modular cleanroom systems are, their advantages, applications, and more.

What are Modular Cleanroom Systems?

Modular cleanroom systems are prefabricated cleanrooms that are made with modular parts. Each of these parts is built within a controlled environment (essentially a factory) that quickens the overall building process. Then, these parts or “modules,” are delivered and assembled on-site.

Modular cleanroom systems are much easier to expand, downsize, and move than other more traditional options. And similar to any other cleanroom, they are made to reduce airborne particles and meet relevant regulatory standards (such as ISO, cGMP/GMP, and USP 797/800).

In the modern era, there are many industries that use modular cleanroom technology, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, semiconductors, aerospace, and more.

What are the Different Types of Modular Cleanrooms?

After deciding that you need a cleanroom, you’ll have to choose between a couple of types. The choice for each will depend on various factors, including cost, required ISO/cleanliness levels, air circulation needs, whether the cleanroom needs to be mobile (on wheels), and more. Let’s take a look at the two main types of cleanrooms.

Softwall Cleanrooms

Softwall cleanrooms are made with lightweight vinyl curtains that are usually translucent. If you’ve ever entered a large refrigerated space at a grocery store, you have likely passed through the same kind of curtains. These curtains are not exactly “soft,” but they are softer than a wall, which is why they are called “softwall” cleanrooms.

Softwall spaces are usually much cheaper than the alternatives, though they also are not as efficient at removing particles of a certain size. As a result, they are usually used as either ISO 7 or ISO 8 environments. Similarly, the air from the HVAC system typically only allows one pass through, as opposed to having a recirculating system.

In many applications, softwall cleanrooms are put on wheels (casters), which make them much more mobile than hardwall cleanrooms.

Hardwall Cleanrooms

Hardwall cleanrooms, on the other hand, use prefabricated panels that are made from materials like aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and vinyl, among others. These cleanrooms are much better at controlling the environmental conditions, as you might expect. Managing pressure and temperature is much more straightforward in them.

What are the Advantages of Choosing Modular Cleanroom Systems?

Modular cleanrooms have several advantages over the traditional options that make them the first choice among many businesses. Here are a few of the top reasons to use them at your location.

Low Cost

Modular cleanrooms usually cost much less to build than traditional ones. The use of prefabricated parts lowers material wastage and labor costs (because much of the work is done within a factory).

Highly Customizable

As we’ve touched on already, modular systems are very flexible. They can be quickly and easily reconfigured to fit various standards, or expanded or downsized as company needs inevitably change. This gives businesses a lot of choices, as well as a huge return on their investment.

Quick Installation

Another big advantage of modular cleanroom systems is their quick installation times. Projects can get off the ground faster because most of the work is done off-site, and the work that does need to be done on-site can happen simultaneously. Unlike traditional cleanrooms, which can take years to complete, modular cleanrooms can be set up in just a few months or even weeks.

What Industries Use Modular Cleanroom Systems?

Modular cleanroom systems can be used in a very wide range of industries, almost too many to name here. But generally speaking, they can be used in any industry that more traditional cleanrooms can be used in. Here are a few of the most common industries we see at Allied Cleanrooms:

Pharmaceuticals

Cleanrooms are a necessary part in any drug production operation. The purpose of them, of course, is to keep medicines sterile and safe. Modular cleanrooms in this industry can be designed to adhere to FDA regulations, cGMP/GMP, USP 797/800, and more.

Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing

Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with electronics, even a single particle can damage products. As a consequence of this, cleanrooms have become the backbone of successful product outcomes in this industry.

Aerospace

Similar to electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace often requires very low particle levels in order to avoid malfunctions. If important parts such as GPS systems have problems while in space, it can be dangerous for missions and astronauts. As a result, cleanrooms are used in many different aerospace manufacturing processes.

Modular Cleanroom Systems: The Bottom Line

Simply put, modular cleanroom systems are prefabricated buildings that are flexible, low cost, and quick. Whether your business needs to expand, downsize, or relocate to a new location altogether, they can change with your business, rather than get in the way. From pharmaceuticals to aerospace, modular cleanroom technology will continue to help companies stay compliant without the headaches of traditional construction.

Ready to add a new modular cleanroom to your space? Contact the experts at Allied Cleanrooms to get a free quote today.

FAQs About Modular Cleanroom Systems

1. What types of materials are used in modular cleanrooms?

They are typically constructed using materials such as anodized aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and vinyl. The material choice depends on whether you need a softwall or hardwall cleanroom, and other factors like strength, moisture resistance, chemical resistance, or impact resistance. Cost considerations may also be a factor.

2. Can modular cleanrooms be integrated within existing buildings?

Yes, absolutely. Many of our customers need them added to existing facilities like warehouses or factories. They can either stand alone or be connected to other structures.

3. How long do modular cleanrooms last?

When they are properly taken care of, they can last just as long or even longer than traditional buildings.