Selecting the right FFU (Fan Filter Unit) fan is essential for achieving stable airflow, low particle counts, and long-term reliability in ISO-class cleanrooms. Whether you are designing a new cleanroom or upgrading an existing facility, understanding how to evaluate FFU fans will help ensure compliance with ISO 14644 standards while optimizing performance and energy use.
As a professional cleanroom engineering company, Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd. offers guidance and high-quality FFU solutions tailored to different cleanroom environments.

1. Understand Your ISO Cleanroom Requirements

Each ISO class—from Class 8 to Class 3—has strict limits on airborne particle concentration. These requirements determine:

• Airflow volume (CFM or m³/h)
• Air changes per hour (ACH)
• Target face velocity (typically 0.36–0.45 m/s)
• Filter type (HEPA vs. ULPA)

For higher-class cleanrooms (ISO 5 and above), stable and uniform airflow is critical, making FFUs with advanced EC motors and high-efficiency filters the preferred choice.

2. Choose the Right Filter Grade: HEPA or ULPA

Filter performance directly influences cleanroom compliance.

HEPA Filters (H13/H14)

Efficiency: 99.95%–99.995%

Suitable for ISO 6–8 cleanrooms

Cost-effective and widely used

ULPA Filters (U15–U17)

Efficiency: 99.9995% and above

Ideal for ISO 3–5 cleanrooms where ultra-low particles are required

Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd. offers both HEPA and ULPA FFU fans and can recommend the best filter based on your project’s ISO targets.

3. Evaluate Motor Type: EC vs. AC

EC Motor FFUs

• Higher energy efficiency
• Lower noise
• Longer lifespan
• Supports intelligent control (speed, pressure monitoring)
• Ideal for GMP and high-end semiconductor facilities

AC Motor FFUs

• Lower cost
• Stable performance
• Suitable for standard cleanrooms

For long-term operational cost savings, EC FFUs are now the industry standard.

4. Check Airflow Performance and Static Pressure

A good FFU fan should deliver stable airflow even when the filter becomes loaded.

Key parameters to review:

• Air volume output
• Static pressure capability
• Airflow uniformity across the face

High-quality FFUs maintain consistent performance over time, improving cleanroom stability and filter lifespan.

5. Consider Noise Level and Working Environment

In cleanrooms where operators work for long hours—such as pharmaceutical labs and electronics assembly lines—noise becomes important.

Look for FFUs with:

• Optimized fan blade design
• EC motors
• Vibration-reduction structure

A good noise level range is ≤48–55 dB(A) depending on operating speed.

6. Verify Materials and Construction Quality

FFU housing materials impact durability and cleanliness:

• Stainless Steel (SS304/SS201): corrosion-resistant, ideal for pharma and labs
• Aluminum Alloy: lightweight, strong
• Powder-Coated Steel: cost-effective for general-purpose cleanrooms

Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd. provides a variety of material options suitable for different industry environments.

7. Ensure Compliance With Industry Standards

FFU fans should comply with:

• ISO 14644
• CE Certification
• RoHS
• UL/ETL Standards (if required)
• GMP requirements for pharma cleanrooms

A certified FFU ensures stable long-term operation and easier project approval.

8. Evaluate Maintenance and Filter Replacement

Choose FFUs designed for:

• Easy filter replacement
• Tool-free access panels
• Long-life motors
• Monitoring interfaces (for EC types)

This minimizes downtime and reduces operational costs over the cleanroom’s lifecycle.

9. Work With a Reliable Manufacturer or Engineering Partner

Choosing the right FFU fan goes beyond specifications. You also need a trustworthy partner who understands cleanroom engineering.

Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd. provides:

• Professional cleanroom design and airflow calculation
• ISO-class cleanroom construction
• High-quality FFU manufacturing
• One-stop project support
• Customizable FFU sizes, materials, and motor types

With more than 15 years of cleanroom engineering experience, the company delivers reliable and compliant FFU solutions for pharmaceutical, semiconductor, biotechnology, and electronics facilities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right FFU fan for an ISO-class cleanroom requires careful evaluation of airflow performance, motor type, filter grade, noise level, materials, and industry compliance. By working with an experienced cleanroom engineering provider like Guangzhou Cleanroom Construction Co., Ltd., you can ensure that your cleanroom meets ISO standards while maintaining long-term stability and efficiency.