Cleanrooms are designed to insure the area meets the necessary requirements of the clean production process. But what happens when the product changes and a different manufacturing process must be put in place along with new cleanroom requirements? A similar dilemma can occur if production needs require that the clean manufacturing space double or triple because of product demand. Such needs can be addressed by modular cleanroom constructions that allow revision or expansion to meet the evolving prerequisites.
In
relation to this subject Bryan Sanderford has written an interesting article
for Controlled Environments magazine.
Here
is an extract:
“Choosing
the right door interlock system can involve both construction limitations and
building code requirements. Some locations may not allow any doors to be locked
to permit free egress at any time. While this unlocked scenario provides for
personnel safety, door violations may become a common occurrence. This has been
addressed with the use of red/green traffic lights mounted on either side of
the doors to indicate when access is allowed. Adding a built-in sounder which
annunciates an improper opening can minimize such actions.
Some
cleanrooms require a pressurized air system to maintain the sterile
environment. This may force doors to utilize a timed delay before the second
door can be opened. This re-pressurization of the interlock could be a simple
timer or may incorporate a monitored pressure switch. While the air is
pressurized, traffic indicator lights might be employed to provide user
feedback.”
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle