Cleanroom Enclosure (洁净棚): Working Principle, Structure, Applications, and Maintenance

A Comprehensive Guide for Engineering Companies and Cleanroom Professionals

I. Definition and Overview

A Cleanroom Enclosure (洁净棚), also known as a Modular Clean Booth, is an enclosed structure designed to provide a localized clean environment within a larger facility. It utilizes HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) or ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filters to achieve controlled air cleanliness, complying with international cleanroom standards such as ISO 14644-1: Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments. This modular solution is widely adopted in industries requiring high contamination control, offering flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) requirements.

II. Working Principle

The cleanroom enclosure operates based on controlled air circulation and filtration:

• Air Circulation System: Clean air is supplied from the top via HEPA/ULPA filters, creating a vertical or horizontal laminar airflow.
• Filtration System: Particles are removed through multi-stage filters, ensuring air cleanliness levels up to ISO Class 5–8.
• Anti-Cross Contamination Design: Pressure differentials and airflow direction prevent contaminants from migrating between zones.
• Automatic Control System: Optional PLC or touch-screen control panels manage fan speed, lighting, and pressure monitoring in real time.

III. Main Functions and Role

The cleanroom enclosure serves multiple purposes:

• Minimizing cross-contamination between production processes.
• Providing a localized clean air environment without building a full cleanroom.
• Enhancing production efficiency with modular, easy-to-install structures.
• Ensuring compliance with international cleanroom standards such as ISO 14644 and GMP.

IV. Structural Features and Materials

The structure of a cleanroom enclosure is designed for durability and easy maintenance:

• Frame: Stainless steel (SS304/SS316), powder-coated steel, or aluminum alloy.
• Panels: Transparent tempered glass, acrylic panels, or PVC curtains for flexibility.
• Ceiling: Integrated with HEPA/ULPA filter modules and LED lighting.
• Flooring: Compatible with epoxy resin, anti-static vinyl, or cleanroom-grade raised flooring.

V. Classification and Technical Parameters

Cleanroom enclosures can be classified by airflow type (vertical vs. horizontal), filter class, and modular configuration. Typical technical parameters are listed below:

VI. Typical Application Industries

Cleanroom enclosures are widely used across engineering and technology fields:

• Cleanroom Engineering
• Medical Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Laboratory Engineering
• Laboratory Equipment Manufacturing
• Medical Devices & Instruments
• Environmental Technology
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Production

VII. Installation and Operational Considerations

For proper installation and operation, the following must be observed:

• Compliance with ISO 14644-1 and GMP cleanroom standards.
• Ensure airtight sealing between panels and filter modules.
• Install in areas with stable flooring and adequate ceiling clearance.
• Calibrate monitoring instruments regularly (e.g., particle counters, pressure gauges).

VIII. Maintenance and Care

To maintain performance and extend service life:

• Regularly clean and disinfect internal and external surfaces.
• Replace HEPA/ULPA filters according to differential pressure indicators.
• Check fan motors, lighting systems, and electronic controls periodically.
• Perform annual compliance tests to verify ISO classification.

IX. Advantages of Cleanroom Enclosures

• Cost-effective alternative to permanent cleanrooms.
• Quick installation and modular expansion capability.
• High flexibility for industries with evolving production needs.
• Ensures controlled contamination levels in compliance with global standards.

X. Conclusion

Cleanroom enclosures provide a highly adaptable and efficient solution for contamination control across multiple industries. By combining advanced filtration, modular construction, and compliance with international standards, they help engineering companies and laboratories maintain productivity while ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance.