High-tech in the cleanroom – Measurement technology vs. cleaning

State-of-the-art measurement technology in cleanrooms and mechanical cleaning are not easily compatible. The cleanroom experts from Mikroclean and the cleanroom monitoring provider Briem Steuerungstechnik examine this area of tension.

When monitoring environmental parameters in the cleanroom, sensitive measuring devices are used. However, these must also be robust enough for mechanical cleaning. The monitoring must not be impaired by the cleaning process and must continue to operate without interruption afterward. On the other hand, cleaning the sensor technology is a challenge for the cleaning staff, requiring very precise and careful work.

Mikroclean GmbH has been a leading company in cleanroom cleaning for years and is familiar with these challenges. "Customers expect the highest standards in cleaning and at the same time reliable technical monitoring of the cleanrooms," says Timo Speck. For the managing director, it was therefore clear: "The requirements of technology and cleaning must be coordinated in the interest of the customers."

Briem is a specialist in high-quality measuring devices and develops sophisticated monitoring solutions for cleanrooms and laboratories.

"From the very beginning of developing the measuring devices, we paid attention to the requirements of cleaning," says Matthias Alber, Key Account Manager at Briem.

And Timo Speck adds: "We demonstrate how the entire system is professionally cleaned."

The Cleanroom Monitoring System

The monitoring system developed by Briem ensures continuous monitoring of various parameters in the cleanroom. These include room pressure, temperature, humidity, particle concentration, and airflow. The parameters can be monitored individually depending on the requirements of the cleanroom. Both according to the standards and guidelines and also according to the often more stringent standards of the customers.

Matthias Alber explains: "We offer comprehensive and holistic monitoring that can oversee all relevant environmental and process parameters. The seamless recording and documentation of environmental parameters is becoming increasingly important for cleanroom operators." Companies can thus demonstrate that all environmental values were within limits during production. This around-the-clock monitoring thus serves process and product safety.

To meet the different phases of the production process, cleanroom monitoring can be operated in various profiles. This also includes a profile for cleaning. This profile contains specific thresholds for cleaning to avoid unnecessary false alarms.

Hygienic Design

Decisive for cleaning is the "Hygienic Design" of the technical equipment in the cleanroom. All display instruments are integrated as smooth, surface-bonded elements into the cleanroom wall. This prevents edges, gaps, or overlaps where particles could accumulate. The bonded surfaces can be cleaned easily and efficiently.

All surfaces of the installed devices must also be resistant to cleaning and disinfectant agents. This resistance has been demonstrated by Briem through extensive tests on the devices.

Particulate counters and airflow sensors require special cleaning protection. These highly sensitive measuring devices are therefore protected by zero filters and covers. The display and control panels are also equipped with a special cleaning protection function and are thus protected against misuse. This prevents cleaning personnel from accidentally changing the settings of the measuring devices during cleaning.

Cleanroom Cleaning

"The art is to implement defined processes to clean invisible particles and microorganisms," explains Timo Speck. This includes fundamental requirements, such as ensuring that personnel work process-securely and that the products and cleaning agents used are suitable for the respective cleanroom class. The high demands on personnel regarding process safety are ensured through elaborate, regular training and practical exercises. In the practical training, employees also learn how to handle sensitive measurement technology; for this purpose, all relevant measuring devices from Briem have been installed in Mikroclean's training cleanroom.

The experiences of both companies show that sensitive measurement technology and mechanical cleaning are by no means incompatible but can be well combined. Timo Speck: "For our customers, we combine high-tech monitoring with professional cleaning standards, thereby achieving the highest process and product safety."