• RoHS: Compliant
The ISO 14644-3 Guidelines for Cleanrooms and Associated Controlled Environments details a list of required and optional tests performed during certification of a cleanroom. Included in the list of optional tests is the installed filter system leakage test, including criteria for aerosol challenge testing, HEPA filter leak scanning, and leak penetration testing. These tests, as evidenced below, may not be required for a given application and should be mutually selected and agreed upon by the customer and supplier prior to order placement.
Table 2 lists other tests appropriate for testing of an installation. These tests can be applied in each of the three designated occupancy states. These tests may not be all-inclusive, nor may all of the tests be required for any given certification project. Tests and test methods should be selected in a manner agreed between the customer and supplier. Selected tests can also be repeated on a regular basis as part of a routine facility monitoring program (see ISO 14644-2). Guidelines for the selection of tests and a checklist of tests are given in Annex A. Test methods are outlined in Annex B.
The test methods described in Annex B are in outline form only. Specific methods should be developed to meet the needs of the particular application.
| Optional tests | Reference in ISO 14644-3:2005 | Referenced in | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | Procedure | Apparatus | ||
| Airborne particle count for ultrafine particles | 4.2.1 | B.2 | C.2 | ISO 14644-1 |
| Airborne particle count for macroparticles | 4.2.1 | B.3 | C.3 | ISO 14644-1 |
| Airflow testa | 4.2.2 | B.4 | C.4 | ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2 |
| Air pressure difference testa | 4.2.3 | B.5 | C.5 | ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2 |
| Installed filter system leakage test | 4.2.4 | B.6 | C.6 | ISO 14644-2 |
| Airflow direction test and visualization | 4.2.5 | B.7 | C.7 | ISO 14644-2 |
| Temperature test | 4.2.6 | B.8 | C.8 | ISO 7726 |
| Humidity test | 4.2.6 | B.9 | C.9 | ISO 7726 |
| Electrostatic and ion generator test | 4.2.7 | B.10 | C.10 | - |
| Particle deposition test | 4.2.8 | B.11 | C.11 | - |
| Recovery test | 4.2.9 | B.12 | C.12 | ISO 14644-2 |
| Containment leak test | 4.2.10 | B.13 | C.13 | ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2 |
| a: This is a required test based on ISO 14644-2. These optional tests are not presented in order of importance. The order in which tests should be performed may be based upon the requirements of a specific document or after agreement between the customer and supplier. | ||||
Most cleanroom applications will necessitate the required tests, based on the ISO 14644-2 and 14644-3 guidelines: an airborne particle count test, an air flow test, and an air pressure difference test. Specific applications, such as class 10 or cleaner aseptic spaces, or industrial regulations, such as USP <797> guidelines for sterile drug compounding, stipulate additional, regularly optional tests, including, but not limited to, filter system leakage measurements.
For the majority of cleanroom applications, Terra offers a standard, roomside-replaceable HEPA-filtered fan unit, designed to meet published specifications and industry standards. For certain applications requiring filter system leakage tests, Terra offers a premium, roomside-replaceable HEPA-filtered fan unit tested and certified in accordance with the ISO 14644-2 and 14644-3 guidelines for leakage rates.
Each customer must specify either the standard filter fan unit or the leak-tested filter fan unit prior to order placement in order to ensure the appropriate units are delivered to meet the unique specifications of each application.
Terra Universal WhisperFlow® Filter Fan Units
HEPA Filters Prevent Infection
Watch Terra's Portable HEPA Filtration System Video
Most cleanroom professionals understand that HEPA and ULPA filters capture contaminants that degrade particle-sensitive samples. But they also help remove bacteria, mold spores, and many viruses that contribute to a host of infections.
Most common bacteria are contained by the 0.3-micron pore size of high-efficiency particular air (HEPA) filters. Ultra-Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filters, which are rated 99.999% efficient at retaining particles of 0.12 microns and larger in diameter, capture ultra-fine contaminants, including many large viruses and mold spores.
These filters also remove aerosol-born pathogens - germs that hitch a ride on larger particles and liquid droplets that are captured in a HEPA or ULPA filter. HEPA- or ULPA-based Fan/Filter Units (FFUs) thus can play an important role in infection prevention in surgical theaters, ICUs and other medical settings.
Additionally, HEPA filters can help filter pollen, tiny insects, bacteria, mold, and other fungal spores that might be present during plant tissue culture or cannabis production. Contaminants such as these can find a way in via personnel or normal HVAC units and can blight crops and reduce yields. HEPA Filters help increase crop yields, pass inspection/meet regulations, and reduce contamination.
Here is a list of common human pathogens that HEPA/ULPA filters capture and remove from circulation:
On a tight schedule? Choose FasTrak 24/7 Priority Service to help meet your critical schedule for Terra-manufactured products, either before or after your order is placed.*
Call for pricing. FasTrak service fees cover costs of additional services only, without additional profit.
* Terra's FasTrak services limited guarantee: to ship on the ESD or date specified OR to refund up to 100% of FasTrak charges. This guarantee covers no direct, special, consequential or other damages and is strictly limited to up to 100% of the amount paid for FasTrak service. When a specified ship date is missed due to factors outside Terra's control (vendor performance, deliveries by shipping companies, etc.) and random factors such as accidents, the credit of up to 100% of the FasTrak 24/7 may not apply. FasTrak service requested after order placement will be quoted and accepted based on available time remaining before required ship date.
