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Although the idea of a cleanroom may seem right out of science fiction, clean and controlled environments are actually used by a wide range of industries. From their more obvious uses in medical facilities to their necessity in integrated circuit manufacture, cleanrooms provide an essential role in modern production and research.



At its most basic level, a cleanroom is just what it sounds like: an area kept free of contaminants. These contaminants can range from dust and chemical gases to airborne microorganisms. In some cleanrooms, certain contaminants may not be problematic, while other rooms may be kept clean of every possible pollutant. Low-level cleanroooms, for instance, merely keep out dust and airborne particulate. Class 100,000 rooms, which are among the most contaminant-free, attempt to keep out virtually every intrusive particle, substance and influence.



Cleanrooms are classed from ISO 1 to ISO 9, or from FED STD 209E Class 1 to Class 100,000. All air entering a cleanroom is treated by one or more filters. These filters can include single pass or re-circulating systems with various airflow options. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filters are the most common filters, although a variety of other devices may be necessary for other cleanroom applications.



Those entering a high-level cleanroom are required to wear cleanroom suits and pass through an airlock. The equipment used inside a clean room is often specialized as well. Specialty manufacturers design and produce sterilized, contaminant-free items made specifically for cleanroom use. These items include glass wear, handling equipment and a full range of manufacturing, research and design tools. Certain clean rooms may also require specific light levels, acoustic dampening or custom electronic equipment.



Industries that use clean rooms include biotechnology, pharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, military and telecommunications. Cleanrooms are particularly important to the semiconductor industry. Various companies provide cleanroom design and construction, whether modular or facility-wide. Some clean “rooms” can even span an entire factory.