A large cantilevered cleanroom ceiling for a large maneuvering playroom

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The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research center for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland, conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of matter and materials, human health, energy, and the environment. Through fundamental and applied research, PSI works on sustainable solutions for key questions from society, economy, and science.

For the new linear accelerator at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen AG, cavities are assembled under cleanroom conditions and subsequently baked in a furnace. The challenge was to create a freestanding cleanroom ceiling (6.5m x 4.8m) without support on the floor to allow for a large maneuvering space, and without suspension to the building ceiling, as the existing overhead crane remains operational above the cleanroom area.

The cleanroom area with ISO 6 class cleanliness is divided into two basic zones: 15 m² for the robot area, where the copper cups are assembled, and a so-called anteroom with 15 m². To ensure optimal mobility within the anteroom, it was designed as a self-supporting ceiling structure without any supports below and without suspension to the building ceiling due to the existing overhead crane installed above the cleanroom area.

A 6.5 m long double-T beam bears the entire ceiling load, including fixtures (FFUs, lighting, and ceiling panels). Movable PVC curtains allow the anteroom to be opened widely, and the passage is easily accessible for work with pallet trucks.

The extraordinary construction was assembled within a week and subsequently put into operation. Acceptance measurements documented the flawless fulfillment of the required cleanroom conditions, and the working conditions are optimal.

"Many thanks to WESCO Cleanroom Technology for the successful completion of the project. We appreciated the competent advice during the development phase and the resulting clean, well-functioning solution, which was commissioned on schedule at short notice. Thanks also to the installation team, who worked very efficiently and neatly," said Charles Zumbach, Group Leader of Design and Development, Department of Mechanical Engineering (AMI).