A clean room is a controlled environment subject to strict measures in place to minimise the presence of airborne particles. In a clean room, it is essential to regularly monitor different variables to ensure that cleanliness standards are maintained and that the environment is safe for its intended use.
Variables to monitor
There are several key variables that must be monitored to maintain high cleanliness standards in clean rooms. Let us take a look at them.
Particle concentration: The concentration of particles in the air must be continuously monitored to ensure it remains within established limits. This is usually carried out using a particle counter.
Microbiological contamination: The use of air samplers equipped with Petri dishes is a common method for this purpose. These samplers collect air samples and deposit them onto Petri dishes containing a growth medium. After a certain period of time, the plates are checked to determine whether microbial colonies are present. This provides an indication of microbiological contamination in the clean room air.
Humidity: Humidity must be maintained at stable levels to ensure product stability during production.
Temperature: Temperature must be kept at stable levels to maintain process stability.
Differential pressure: Pressure must be maintained at stable levels to prevent contamination by particles entering from outside.
Airflow: Airflow must be monitored to ensure that clean air is continuously supplied to the room and that contaminated air is continuously removed.
So why monitor these variables?
In summary, regular monitoring of these variables is essential to ensure that a clean room is safe and suitable for its intended use. Inadequate control of these parameters can lead to excessive air contamination, which may compromise the process and put product safety at risk.
