2026-03-11
In cleanroom design, Fan Filter Units (FFUs) and HEPA Boxes are two common types of terminal air supply devices. Based on actual product specifications, this article provides a concise comparison and clear tables to help you quickly understand the differences between the two and make an appropriate choice based on your project requirements.
An FFU is a modular filtration unit with an integrated fan that can be installed directly into the cleanroom ceiling grid without the need for external ductwork.
|
Model |
Module Size (mm) |
Air Volume (m³/h) |
Average Air Velocity (m/s) |
Power (W) |
Filtration Efficiency |
|
GCC-FFU-500 |
575*575*230 |
500 |
0.3–0.5 |
120 |
99.99% @ 0.3μm |
|
GCC-FFU-600 |
615*615*230 |
600 |
0.3–0.5 |
120 |
99.99% @ 0.3μm |
|
GCC-FFU-900 |
920*615*230 |
900 |
0.3–0.5 |
200 |
99.99% @ 0.3μm |
|
GCC-FFU-1000 |
1175*575*230 |
1000 |
0.3–0.5 |
120 |
99.99% @ 0.3μm |
|
GCC-FFU-1200 |
1225*615*230 |
1200 |
0.3–0.5 |
200 |
99.99% @ 0.3μm |
|
GCC-FFU-2000 |
1175*1175*260 |
2000 |
0.3–0.5 |
230 |
99.99% @ 0.3μm |
✅ Integrated fan, no external ductwork required
✅ Stepless speed control for precise airflow adjustment
✅ Low vibration and low noise operation
✅ Suitable for ISO Class 5-8 cleanrooms
✅ Centralized control for multiple FFUs
✅ Modular design for flexible installation
A HEPA Box is a terminal filtration device that does not contain an integrated fan and requires connection to a central AHU with ducted air supply.
Mini-Pleated HEPA Filter Specifications
|
Cabinet Size (mm) |
Filter Size (mm) |
Flange Size (mm) |
Rated Airflow (m³/h) |
|
534*534*380 |
484*484*96 |
320*200 |
1000 |
|
660*660*380 |
610*610*96 |
400*200 |
1500 |
|
915*610*380 |
915*610*96 |
500*200 |
2000 |
|
1220*610*380 |
1220*610*96 |
500*300 |
3000 |
HEPA Filter with Clapboard Specifications
|
Cabinet Size (mm) |
Filter Size (mm) |
Flange Size (mm) |
Rated Airflow (m³/h) |
|
534*534*380 |
484*484*220 |
320*200 |
1000 |
|
660*660*380 |
610*610*220 |
400*200 |
1500 |
|
915*610*500 |
915*610*220 |
500*200 |
2000 |
|
1220*610*500 |
1220*610*220 |
500*300 |
3000 |
✅ No built-in fan, relies on central AHU for air supply
✅ Room-side replaceable filter
✅ Welded structure for excellent airtightness
✅ Adjustable butterfly damper for airflow balancing
✅ Suitable for pharmaceutical, semiconductor GMP cleanrooms
✅ Optional vertical or horizontal airflow patterns
|
Comparison Item |
FFU |
HEPA Box |
|
Built-in Fan |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
|
Central AHU Required |
❌ No (optional for makeup air) |
✅ Yes |
|
Ductwork Required |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Installation Method |
Drop into ceiling grid |
Install after duct connection |
|
Cabinet Height |
230-260mm (low profile) |
380-500mm (taller) |
|
Control Method |
Individual or centralized control |
Relies on AHU and damper control |
|
Filter Replacement |
Room-side replacement |
Room-side replacement |
|
Max Airflow per Unit |
2000 m³/h |
3000 m³/h |
|
Applicable Classes |
ISO 5-8 |
ISO 5-8 |
|
Typical Applications |
Modular cleanrooms, clean booths |
Large pharmaceutical, semiconductor cleanrooms |
Retrofit project with limited plenum space
Using modular cleanroom construction
Need independent zone control
Anticipating frequent layout changes
Cleanroom is small to medium in size
Existing central AHU system available
Sufficient plenum height
Layout is long-term stable, no frequent changes
Energy efficiency is a priority (central fans are more efficient)
Many projects adopt a FFU + Central AHU hybrid approach:
FFUs handle internal recirculation
Central AHU provides makeup air
Balances flexibility and energy efficiency
|
Dimension |
FFU |
HEPA Box |
|
Flexibility |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
|
Installation Ease |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
|
Space Requirement |
Low plenum acceptable |
Requires higher plenum |
|
Initial Cost |
Higher equipment cost, lower installation cost |
Lower equipment cost, higher installation cost |
|
Operating Cost |
Higher energy (multiple fans) |
Lower energy (central fans) |
|
Maintenance Convenience |
Independent maintenance, units don't affect each other |
AHU failure affects all |
|
Suitable Scenarios |
Retrofit, modular, small-medium projects |
New large construction, stable layout projects |
There is no absolute right or wrong—only what is suitable for your project.