Evolving cleanrooms: a sustainable alternative
Do you know what the pharmaceutical, food, microelectronics, cosmetics, watchmaking, semiconductor industries have in common? At some point in their production process, all these sectors require the use of cleanrooms. These rooms are designed to protect the activities they house from external contamination, thanks to airtight and impenetrable barriers. The concentration of particles and germs suspended in the air must be extremely low. To guarantee these industries the appropriate level of protection, the facilities must comply with very strict specifications, fixed by the type of operations carried out there, but also by international norms and standards, which may change over time.
Rigorous classification and strict control
Cleanrooms are classified based on the concentration of particles and germs suspended in the air. Federal Standard 209E (FS 209E) classifies cleanrooms from Class 1 (the cleanest) to Class 100,000. The international standard ISO 14644, on the other hand, varies from ISO 1 (the cleanest) to ISO 9. Several criteria are rigorously measured to define the classification of a cleanroom, including pressure, temperature, brightness, acoustics and humidity, to ensure full compliance with the relevant standards. The ISO classification for a cleanroom depends on the sector of activity and the specific cleanliness requirements of each project. Controls are also carried out according to the Biosafety Level of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These regulations are ordered by the European Medicines Agency to regulate the production, verification and validation of manufactured products. This process ensures that they are effective and safe for distribution on the market.
Their construction must be rigorous
To create controlled environments where contamination is minimised, cleanrooms must be built with precision and great care. Many technical factors must be taken into account at this stage. Thoughtful scheduling and smart design are essential to meet cleanliness requirements and to and optimise the performance of the installation -whether it involves the structure, partitions and ceilings, windows and doors, flooring, or equipment such as air filtration, temperature and humidity controls, etc. air treatment systems, for example, plays a central role in keeping required cleanliness levels under control. These systems deliver the right volume of clean air while removing particles and impurities. Depending on the industry, tolerance levels differ and define the necessary air renewal rate and recommended atmospheric pressure needed in each area.
Setting up a cleanroom is therefore a complex operation that requires a clear understanding of user needs, the functions to be integrated within each space, and solid knowledge of the rules and standards that must be respected before commissioning can start.
Modular construction for faster cleanroom building
Today, there are two main methods for building cleanrooms. The conventional approach allows greater freedom in design, as materials are processed and assembled directly on site. While work can start almost right away, completion takes more time. In contrast, the modular approach relies on standardized designs with prefabricated elements produced in the factory according to precise specifications. These components can then be quickly assembled on site, significantly reducing construction time.
When setting up a controlled environment, companies can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the wide range of options available, especially since they do not always have the necessary visibility to make the right decision. In addition, once the cleanroom has been built, they must also adapt more and more quickly to external constraints and evolving industry practices, which often requires regular modifications of their installations.
To avoid mistakes, adjust production conditions in a secure environment as quickly as possible, and reduce the costs linked to building a new cleanroom, they can opt for this evolving construction. This approach makes it easy to adapt or reconfigure a cleanroom when needed.
Clestra provides solutions that make it easy to upgrade these environments by combining modular construction systems with digital processes. This ensures that facilities maintain the highest level of quality, meet strict safety requirements, while extending their life cycle.
The highest standards at every stage
In Clestra’s certified factories, every stage of the manufacturing process is rigorously controlled to meet the most demanding health standards. Specific integrations and fittings are prepared in advance at the factory to minimize installation time on site. This approach combines customization—thanks to a wide range of options—with the efficiency of standardized products on site.
Clestra systems are manufactured from high-quality electro-galvanized steel, ensuring maximum resistance to chemical cleaning agents. They are also designed to achieve an exceptionally low leakage flow, simplifying the installation of silicone seals on site.
Cleaning of surfaces is also made easier by using flush glazing, limited overlaps and interlockings, a reduced number of junctions, etc. In short, every detail is carefully designed to deliver cleanrooms that meet the highest standards of quality and safety, both during production and throughout their use.
Experience a Clestra cleanroom environment through the virtual visit above.
