What is the HVAC System in a Cleanroom?

What is the HVAC System in a Cleanroom?

A cleanroom HVAC system is a special air-handling system. It is made to control contamination. This system regulates air cleanliness, airflow, pressure, temperature, and humidity in a specific area.

Unlike comfort HVAC, cleanroom HVAC is process-critical—it directly affects product quality, compliance, and safety.

Core Objectives of Cleanroom HVAC

1. Control airborne particles (dust, microbes)

2. Maintain pressure differentials between rooms

3. Provide uniform, controlled airflow

4. Hold tight temperature & humidity limits

5. Prevent cross-contamination

Key Components of a Cleanroom HVAC System

1️⃣ Air Handling Unit (AHU)

Cleanroom AHUs are engineered for:

• High air change rates

• Tight temperature & RH control

• Multistage filtration (pre-filter → fine filter)

What’s special:
Leak-tight casing, smooth internal surfaces, easy cleaning access.

2️⃣ HEPA / ULPA Filtration

• HEPA: ≥99.97% efficiency at 0.3 µm

• ULPA (where required): higher efficiency

Installed at:

• AHU outlet (terminal housings), or

• Ceiling terminals in critical zones

Purpose: Deliver ultra-clean air directly to the process area.

3️⃣ Airflow Pattern (How Air Moves)

• Laminar (Unidirectional) Flow
  Used in critical zones (e.g., filling lines). Air moves uniformly downward, sweeping particles away.

• Turbulent (Non-unidirectional) Flow
  Used in background areas with controlled mixing.

Correct airflow = correct cleanliness.

4️⃣ Pressure Cascade

Cleanrooms use pressure differentials to block contamination.

• Positive pressure: Cleaner area → dirtier area

• Negative pressure: For hazardous/potent processes

Typical differential: 5–15 Pa between adjacent rooms.

5️⃣ Temperature & Humidity Control

Common pharma ranges:

• Temperature: 20–25 °C

• Relative Humidity: process-specific (often 40–60%)

Why it matters:
Product stability, operator comfort, and electrostatic control.

6️⃣ Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

Cleanrooms use very high air change rates to dilute and remove contaminants.

Typical ranges (indicative):

• ISO 8 / Grade C: 20–30 ACH

• ISO 7 / Grade B: 40–60 ACH

• ISO 5 / Grade A: 200+ ACH (laminar zones)

Cleanroom HVAC vs Comfort HVAC (Quick Comparison)

Where Cleanroom HVAC Is Used

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Biotechnology & laboratories

• Medical device production

• Semiconductor & electronics

• Food & nutraceutical facilities

Why Execution & Commissioning Matter

In cleanrooms:

• A small air leak can fail validation

• Poor balancing can break pressure cascade

• Incorrect HEPA installation can invalidate the room

That’s why cleanroom HVAC systems require:

• Precise installation

• Thorough testing

• Documented commissioning & validation support

In Simple Words

A cleanroom HVAC system is a contamination-control machine—not just an air conditioner.
It creates a clean, stable, and controlled environment where sensitive products can be safely manufactured.

Get a Future-Ready HVAC System in a Cleanroom Today

Planning a large commercial or institutional project? Get in touch with Vipul HVAC House, Gujarat’s trusted HVAC Site Works (SITC) contractor.

📞 Call: +91 9825636606
📧 Email: vipulaircondition@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: www.vipulac.in

Vipul AC – Gujarat’s Expert in HVAC System in a Cleanroom.