CONTROL & DESIGN STANDARDS: OUTSIDE AIR

Before we discuss actual design, keep in mind that, as far as the cleanroom is concerned, normal outside air is incredibly contaminated. For example, in a typical city, a single cubic foot of air contains up to five million particles. Capable of remaining airborne for long periods of time, particles continually settle on just about every exposed surface.

The majority of airborne contaminants fall into one of three categories: particles, metallic ions, and gases. Of the three types, particles, or particulate contaminants as they’re known, are our greatest concern.

Example of the three types of airborne contaminants.
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