What ISO Standard is an Air Shower?

Air showers play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of high-classification cleanrooms, particularly those adhering to ISO standards such as ISO-5 (class 100) and ISO-6 (class 1000). These specialized devices are designed to remove particles from personnel before they enter the cleanroom, ensuring that the environment remains free from contaminants that could compromise the quality of the work being conducted inside.

What is an Air Shower?

An air shower is a cleaning device typically installed at the entrance of a cleanroom. It uses high-velocity jets of filtered air to remove particles, dust, and other contaminants from personnel and their clothing. As individuals step into the air shower, they are surrounded by a curtain of clean air that dislodges and removes any impurities on their bodies and clothing.

ISO Standards and Air Showers

Cleanrooms are classified according to the number of particles per cubic meter of air allowed within the space. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has established various cleanroom classification standards, with ISO-5 (class 100) and ISO-6 (class 1000) being among the most stringent.

Air showers are essential for maintaining these high-classification cleanrooms. By removing particles from personnel before they enter, air showers help to prevent contamination of the cleanroom environment. This is particularly important in industries where even the slightest particle contamination can have significant consequences, such as the semiconductor industry.

The Benefits of Air Showers

Reduced Contamination: Air showers effectively remove particles from personnel, significantly reducing the risk of contamination in cleanroom environments.

Improved Product Quality: In industries like semiconductors, where even microscopic particles can cause defects, air showers help ensure that products are manufactured in a contamination-free environment.

Increased Efficiency: By maintaining a clean environment, air showers help to reduce the need for frequent cleanroom cleaning and maintenance, saving time and resources.

Compliance with Regulations: Many industries require cleanroom environments to meet specific regulations or standards. Air showers help ensure compliance with these requirements.

Types of Air Showers

There are various types of air showers available, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. Some common types include:

Manual Air Showers: These require personnel to manually activate the jets of air by pushing a button or lever.

Automatic Air Showers: Equipped with sensors, automatic air showers activate the jets of air as soon as personnel enter the device.

Dual-Sided Air Showers: Designed for larger cleanrooms or where high traffic is expected, dual-sided air showers allow personnel to enter and exit through separate doors, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.