Cleanrooms are essential for industries that require a contaminant-free environment for their operations. However, building a traditional cleanroom can be time-consuming and costly. That’s where modular cleanrooms enter the picture.

Prefabricated modular cleanrooms offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for industries that require a controlled work environment, such as the pharmaceutical, electronics, and food industries. These modular enclosures take far less time to set up than traditional cleanroom construction. They offer extensive flexibility and a customizable design tailored to your specific clean room requirements. Check out more of our industrial storage solutions on our market page.

This article will discuss the following:

  • Benefits of modular cleanroom systems
  • Modular cleanroom features and specifications
  • Modular hardwall cleanrooms v. softwall cleanrooms
  • Modular cleanroom applications
  • Modular hardwall cleanroom installation process
  • Modular hardwall cleanroom components

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Benefits of Modular Cleanroom Systems

Reduced Construction Time

hardwall cleanroomsModular cleanrooms offer several benefits compared to traditional cleanrooms. One of the most significant advantages is the reduced construction time. Traditional cleanrooms can take months to construct, while modular cleanroom wall systems install in weeks. This time-saving feature also reduces the downtime for your facility, allowing faster operations.

Flexibility

Another benefit of modular cleanrooms is their flexibility. Prefabricated modular cleanrooms are adjustable, scalable, and reconfigurable. They can easily be moved or expanded as the needs of your facility change, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Customization

Prefabricated modular cleanrooms provide a controlled environment customized to accommodate specific processes and equipment. The temperature, humidity, and airflow can be precisely controlled, ensuring optimal conditions for your facility’s operations. Moreover, modular cleanrooms come in various sizes and configurations, allowing customization to meet specific industry requirements.

Modular Cleanroom Features and Specifications

modular cleanrooms

Modular hardwall cleanrooms comply with ISO cleanroom classifications, and they come in 20 standard sizes ranging from 8’ x 8’ to 20’ x 40’. The prefabricated modular cleanrooms can be free-standing or integrated into your existing facility structure.

Available features for modular cleanrooms include:

  • Air showers, airlocks, gowning rooms, and pass-through chambers
  • Central vacuum systems
  • HEPA filters (standard) or ULPA filters
  • Dehumidifiers and humidifiers
  • Environmental control panels
  • Smoke detectors
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Air curtains
  • Custom window and door options
  • Cleanroom-grade flooring, including epoxy and vinyl options
  • Load-bearing ceiling
  • Steel surface finish
  • Adjustable door louvers
  • Filtered air-return louvers
  • Hidden in-wall air cases
  • Intercoms
  • Stainless steel sinks
  • Alarm systems
  • Cameras
  • Gas penetration
  • Lighting
  • Speakers

Modular Hardwall Cleanrooms v. Softwall Cleanrooms

modular hardwall cleanroomsModular clean rooms come in two types: hardwall and softwall cleanrooms. Hardwall cleanrooms have a rigid frame made of steel or aluminum and will withstand high-pressure environments. They are ideal for high-tech cleanroom manufacturing and research facilities.

Softwall cleanrooms, on the other hand, have flexible walls made of vinyl or PVC curtains. Modular softwall cleanrooms are perfect for low-pressure environments and offer a cost-effective solution for industries requiring a clean environment but not a rigid structure. Visit our online store to see our industrial storage products.

Modular Cleanroom Applications

Several industries can benefit from modular cleanroom systems. The pharmaceutical industry is one such industry that requires a contaminant-free environment for its operations. The manufacturing of medical devices also requires a cleanroom environment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products.

The electronics industry also benefits from modular cleanrooms. Manufacturing microchips and other electronic components require a controlled environment to prevent contamination. The food industry also benefits from modular cleanrooms as they require a clean environment to ensure food safety.

Other industries and applications that can utilize modular cleanroom systems include:

benefits modular cleanrooms

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Biotechnology
  • Cosmetics
  • Forensic labs
  • Research labs

Modular Hardwall Cleanroom Installation Process

Modular cleanroom systems have a quick and clean installation process that will cause minimal disruption to your operations. The components are prefabricated off-site and assembled at your facility by a qualified installation crew.

modular cleanroomTo begin the process, specialists will identify your facility requirements to produce a budgetary quote. This step includes surveying factors such as layout, classification for cleanliness, pressurization, supply airflow and filtration, unforeseen variables, and mechanical system layout. Then the team will design your modular cleanroom to meet your custom specifications.

The modular cleanroom construction then takes place at the factory, prefabricating components in a controlled environment. Then, qualified installers assemble your cleanroom on-site. Finally, testing of the modular cleanroom ensures compliance and functionality.

Modular Hardwall Cleanroom Components

Wall Panels

Custom modular cleanroom freestanding wall panels are available for microelectronics, pharmaceutical, and other applications. Panel core options include expanded polystyrene, paper honeycomb, aluminum honeycomb, gypsum, isocyanurate, and mineral wool. Available surfaces include melamine, vinyl, painted steel, stainless steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-pressure laminates, and porcelainized steel. The standard fire- and sound-proof wall panel is a cost-effective, easy-to-clean option for modular cleanroom walls.

Ceilings

modular cleanroom walls

A variety of ceiling panel options are available for modular cleanrooms. Choose from three different grid options and four different ceiling tile options ranging from basic, cost-effective systems to load-bearing ceilings. All ceiling grids facilitate easy integration of wiring, lighting, and HVAC.

Windows

Cleanroom windows come in various sizes and designs that are attractive and easy to clean. Standard windows include ¼” clear tempered safety glass, but alternatives include laminated glass for sound control, insulated glass for improved thermal insulation, and break-resistant polycarbonate. Window glazing options include UV, acrylic, double glazing, film-covered, static dissipative, tempered, and tinted glass.

Doors

Modular cleanroom doors come in a wide variety of styles, including electric sliding doors, swinging doors, high-speed roll-up doors, stainless steel fire doors, and specialty doors. The doors are available in steel or glass and have several locking mechanism options.

Coving

modular cleanroom systemsCovings eliminate corners to create seamless wall-to-ceiling and wall-to-floor intersections. This feature makes it easy to clean all parts of the cleanroom.

Fan Filter Units

The modular cleanroom systems feature low-energy fan filter units that will lower your operating costs. The efficient air filtration system has a low noise level and can circulate clean air up to 800 cfm. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filters are available.

Pass-Through Chambers

Pass-through airlocks provide a sanitary opening for delivering necessary products and supplies without requiring personnel to enter or exit the cleanroom. A variety of pass-through options are available to minimize the entry of contaminants into the cleanroom.

Air Showers

Air showers are a similar solution designed to prevent contamination of the cleanroom environment. They consist of self-contained rooms with high-velocity air jets that remove particles and contaminants from personnel and objects entering the cleanroom. Air showers integrate easily into most modular cleanroom designs.

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See specifications and pricing for open & closed shelving, sliding bin shelving, shelving with drawers, and bulk rack.

Contact Us for Modular Cleanrooms

Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for prefabricated modular cleanroom systems. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.

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Industrial Testimonials

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“Working with Southwest Solutions including Matt, Susan, and especially Brad was great. They provide amazing customer service. Brad and the install team were especially great. Very professional, easy to work with, and did the work quickly and very well with very little input from us. If we need help with carousel storage moves, parts, or new equipment we will start with Southwest Solutions. ”

Ricoh
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“The team at Southwest Solutions were nothing short of fantastic. First meeting with Craig, I received a customized design, in person, based on my office needs while still maintaining an efficient layout and being cost effective. Craig explained everything clearly, allowing me to understand that as modular mill-work, I would be able to move it if I ever changed offices, but without the added sales pressure to immediately make a decision. Once I had decided, I worked with Chris who assisted in picking out the finishes and scheduling the delivery and installation. The professionalism of Craig and Chris spoke volumes and I would highly recommend anyone looking to transform or fit-out an office to contact Southwest Solutions.”

Etihad Airways
Harvey-Cleary Builders

“I want to let you know that we all really appreciated your team mentality, professionalism and dedication shown on this project. It was a pleasure working with you and your office and we look forward to many more. Please pass along my gratitude to everyone who worked on this project. Thanks! ”

Harvey-Cleary Builders
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“I just want to take a minute to let you know how good of a job your install crew did yesterday. They were quick, fast, courteous and very consensus during the install. They were awesome to say the least. Being in the service business ourselves, we know that you can never hear the words “Good Job” often enough. Please pass this along to your crew.”
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