How to choose the right cleanroom door

In a cleanroom, airflow management is critical. That’s because the slightest leak or imperfection can create contamination issues, and even very small amounts of dust and particles can have a significant impact on production processes. Cleanrooms are engineered environments with controlled levels of dirt, moisture, and particles. They are typically used in situations where there is potential for contamination by substances that would not normally be found at such concentrations. These may include laboratory workbenches, pharmaceutical production areas and fabrication sites for microelectronics. A cleanroom door plays an important role in keeping the air inside a cleanroom as well as keeping contaminants out of a cleanroom. If you’re looking to build or upgrade your facility with a cleanroom, here’s everything you need to know about cleanroom doors:

Types of Cleanroom Doors

There are three main types of cleanroom doors: - Sliding Doors - These are commonly used in open-front cleanrooms, where a door opening is not required. They have some disadvantages compared to hinged doors, such as needing to be operated manually and also having a shorter life span. If a sliding door is your chosen choice, be sure to check that it’s corrosion-resistant (because it will be in direct contact with the outside environment). - Hinged Doors - These are the other common type of cleanroom door type. Hinged cleanroom doors are permanently closed — unlike sliding doors — and are therefore less prone to air circulation and air quality issues. - Automated Doors - If your cleanroom features an automated door, it’s an expensive, but surefire way to make sure it’s operating at optimal levels. Automated doors typically use sensors to detect when a person walks past the door, and then automatically opens and closes

Determining your door type requirements

Sliding doors are easy to install and can fit any size opening. They can be installed in either a single or double door configuration. They are often used in cleanroom environments where entry and exit are required on either side of the door. They are also used in laboratories where a hood or canopy will be placed above the doors to contain the contamination. Hinged doors have several advantages over sliding doors, including a longer life span, better air seal, and ability to close off a room completely. They have a larger aesthetic appeal compared to sliding doors, which typically have a small viewing window and no aesthetic appeal. Hinged doors can be both manually operated or automated.

Sliding Doors

- Advantage - Easy to install - Sliding doors are easy to install and can fit any size opening. They can be installed in either a single or double door configuration. They are often used in cleanroom environments where entry and exit are required on either side of the door. They are also used in laboratories where a hood or canopy will be placed above the doors to contain the contamination. - Disadvantage - Slide tracks become a source for contamination - Slide tracks are a major source of contamination and can be difficult to clean. - Requirement - A well-sealed track is crucial - Sealant is usually applied to the track to provide a good seal. - Requirement - The door must be able to withstand frequent operation - Doors must be able to withstand frequent operation.

Hinged Doors

- Advantage - Hinged doors have many advantages over sliding doors, including a longer life span, better air seal, and ability to close off a room completely. They have a larger aesthetic appeal compared to sliding doors, which typically have a small viewing window and no aesthetic appeal. Hinged doors can be both manually operated or automated. - Disadvantage - Hinged doors are heavier than sliding doors and require more head room to operate. - Requirement - Hinged doors need room to swing - Requirement - The hinges must be able to withstand frequent operation - Requirement - The door must be able to withstand frequent operation

Automated Doors

- Advantage - Automated doors are the most expensive type of cleanroom doors, but they’re also the most efficient. They typically use sensors to detect when a person walks past the door, and then automatically opens and closes. This is extremely useful in situations where there are multiple personnel entering and exiting a room. - Disadvantage - Automated doors are extremely expensive and require a lot of power. - Requirement - The door must be able to withstand frequent operation

Incorporating Automation with Cleanroom Doors

- Limit door size - Doors must be limited to 6’ to 8’ in width to allow for automation. - Place the door at the correct distance from the ceiling - The equipment that lowers and raises the door must have room to operate without hitting the ceiling. - Place the door away from walls - Wall mounted equipment must have room to operate. - Keep the door off the floor - The equipment that opens and closes the door must have room to move. - Be sure the door is corrosion-resistant - Corrosion is a major problem with automated doors.

Conclusion

Cleanroom doors play an important role in keeping air inside a cleanroom as well as keeping contaminants out of a cleanroom. If you’re looking to build or upgrade your facility with a cleanroom, here’s everything you need to know about cleanroom doors. First, you’ll want to decide whether you want a hinged door or a sliding door. Then, you’ll need to consider how big your door is and what type of automation it has. No matter which type of cleanroom door you choose, you’ll want to ensure it has the functionality and durability you need for your facility.