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These Environmental Control Modules address a central
cleanroom dilemma: high-technology equipment requires
smaller geometries (and more stringent environmental
standards), while the necessary cleanrooms become increasingly
expensive to construct and maintain.
The Cleanroom Dilemma
In fact, research suggests that particles in the sub
0.1 micron range, which can degrade today's most sensitive
components, are largely unaffected by cleanroom laminar
flow airstreams. The disturbing consequence of these
findings is that many submicron particles—once
they are introduced into a cleanroom—may be nearly
impossible to remove, even with sophisticated HEPA filtering
systems. At the heart of this problem are humans themselves—by
far the greatest source of contamination in a cleanroom.
Isolated controlled-air environments provide a cost-effective
solution to this problem. Once an operator is removed
from the processing or storage area, maintaining superclean
conditions becomes much easier—and much more affordable!
A Controlled Environment To
Fit Your Needs
Terra's Environmental Control Modules provide a versatile,
economical approach to this mini-environment concept.
Their design flexibility allows you to construct a
laminar flow or exhaust purification/removal system
for virtually any sized enclosure. Hoods are available
for use with two, three, or four filter/blower modules,
and several hoods of any size can be positioned together
to form as large a work station as you need. Blower/filter
modules attach securely to hoods by means of a few screws,
and gaskets ensure an air-tight seal.
Further, blower/filter modules can be wall mounted
to provide continuous filtering/recirculating, or
operated as free-standing systems to deliver a continuous
supply of Class 10 air (or purified exhaust) to a
remote benchtop or enclosure.
The low-profile filter/blower module incorporates 1200
CFM impeller blowers designed for quiet, continuous
duty. A flexible mounting system enables it to function
as a positive-pressure blower in one set of applications,
drawing air through intake baffles and directing filtered
air through an exhaust grid. In the other mounting position,
it functions as a negative-pressure ventilator, drawing
exhaust fumes through a charcoal purification filter
and then releasing them through 8"-diameter exhaust
flanges.
The polypropylene housing accommodates a variety
of filters. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)
and ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filters provide
Class 10 (and cleaner) air flows—refer to performance
graph for flow rate and particle counts. Exhaust purification
filters remove from the air stream the fumes produced
during soldering, screen printing, chemical titrations,
and other processing operations. Filters can also
be used together in the same housing to ensure a clean,
purified exhaust flow.
Modular Hoods to Fit Any Requirement
Hoods are designed to fit on a standard table when interfaced
with the filter/blower module. Hoods for vertical flow
applications are designed for tables 30" deep or deeper.
Hoods for horizontal flow applications require a 34"-
44" deep table to accommodate both the hood and filter/blower.
Both hood designs are available in three widths. All hoods
feature a segmented access shield that allows ample operator
access to the working area and also closes completely
to minimize contaminants. Stainless steel hood frames
support your choice of five different hood materials.
Uniform Laminar Flows—No
Matter How Large the System
This range of sizes gives you complete flexibility
to design a system that meets your requirements.
Double-width hoods provide ample working space for one
operator. Larger hoods maintain effective laminar/exhaust
flow rates for larger working areas and several operators.
In fact, their economical, modular design lets you
configure a bank of controlled-air enclosures as wide
as you want. Because each incorporates its own filter/blower
module, the system maintains a uniform laminar flow
across the entire work area—no matter how large
it is—with minimal noise and turbulence. Compare
this working environment with the noisy, wind-blown
processing areas in systems that rely on a single, centralized
filter/blower!
Hoods are available in five materials. Terra's light-weight,
transparent static-dissipative PVC, which features a
surface resistivity between 106 and 108
ohms/square, safely eliminates static build-ups and
the particles they attract, making surfaces clean inside
and out. Nondissipative PVC and polypropylene enclosures
are ideal for use with a wide range of caustic fumes.
All hoods feature a stainless steel reinforcement frame
for optimal strength and stability. Hoods can also be
equipped with a conduit flange to allow remote applications.
Simply specify desired location of input/exhaust when
ordering. |
