Air showers are a critical component in cleanroom facilities, providing a "wash down" of personnel entering controlled environments. This article reviews leading air shower manufacturers and key considerations when selecting these systems.

What are Air Showers and How Do They Work?

Air showers are modules installed at cleanroom entrances to remove contaminants from people and equipment. They function by:

Creating Downward Laminar Airflow

Powerful fan filter units release a uniform downward stream of HEPA or ULPA filtered air. This air "washes" particles off surfaces.

Removing Particles

As personnel walk through, airborne particles are captured and the laminar flow whisks away debris. Reduce particle transfer into the cleanroom.

Protecting Cleanroom Integrity

Proper air showers maintain cleanroom ISO class by minimizing introduction of dust, skin cells, hair, and microbes with each entry.

Key Considerations When Selecting Air Showers

Choosing suitable air showers involves assessing:

Cleanroom Classification

Match air shower filtration efficiency to cleanroom ISO class. Higher classes may need ULPA filters.

Required Filtration Level

Consider HEPA or ULPA filters based on particles that must be excluded. ISO 5 may use HEPA while ISO 3 needs ULPA.

Airflow Velocity and Patterns

Optimize laminar airflow speed and direction for maximum particle removal.

Size and Dimensions

Footprint and height should facilitate workflows and accommodate personnel.

Interlocking Door Systems

Doors only open on correct air shower cycle completion to avoid contamination.

Integration with Cleanroom

Smooth interfaces allowing seamless entry into the controlled space.

Top Air Shower Manufacturers

Leading air shower companies include:

AES Clean Technology

Over 50 years experience in cleanrooms

Custom air showers for hygiene, pharma, microelectronics

HEPEX model with high-capacity airflow

Clean Air Products

Modular systems made in the USA

Easily reconfigurable layouts

Aerospace and medical device clients

Esco Technologies

Reliable systems for 30+ years

Streamline model optimizes space

Effimax filters combining HEPA and ULPA

Evaluating and Selecting the Right Air Shower

To choose the optimal air shower:

Assess cleanroom ISO class, humidity, and temperature specifications

Consider required filter efficiency, airflows, and process needs

Select an experienced manufacturer that can customize

Validate interlocking doors, lighting, alarms etc.

Integrating Air Showers into Cleanroom Projects

Proper installation and integration ensures seamless cleanroom entry including:

Smooth personnel workflow from gowning to air shower to cleanroom

Tight seals between air shower and cleanroom wall

Certification via particle count testing before operation

Training personnel on proper air shower usage

Conclusion

Choosing the right air shower from a reputable manufacturer is crucial for cleanroom integrity. Assessing requirements and seamless integration with the cleanroom project are key to maximizing efficiency.

FAQs

How often should air shower filters be replaced?

HEPA filters should be changed every 9-12 months. ULPA filters may need replacement every 6 months.

What design factors affect the cost of air showers?

Size, filtration system, controls, materials, and compatibility with the cleanroom influence cost.

How are personnel airflow patterns optimized in air showers?

Sensors track movement and adjust airflows for maximum particle removal from all surfaces.

What validation is required for air showers?

Particle count testing, airflow visualization, filter integrity tests, pressure differential monitoring.

How do interlocking door systems work on air showers?

Doors only open when the correct wash-down cycle time has completed to prevent contamination.