Making the invisible visible

Measurement engineer at STZ EURO in the cleanroom.

Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Michael Kuhn, Head of the Steinbeis Transfer Center for Energy, Environmental, and Cleanroom Technology and Lecturer for Cleanroom Technology.

VDI 2083 Sheet 3 has been completely revised and will soon be published as a draft. Sheet 3 within VDI 2083 defines the respective testing and measurement procedures. The updates compared to the 2005 guideline are of interest to cleanroom operators as well as system suppliers, planners, and construction contractors. As part of specialized seminars, including at the VDI Knowledge Forum, STZ EURO provides answers to the respective innovations.

Compared to Sheet 3 from 2005, especially the sections on airflow visualization of areas with low-turbulence displacement airflow (TAV) and cleanrooms with turbulent dilution airflow (TVS), as well as the topic of recovery time measurement, have been extensively revised.

“The modernization of VDI 2083 Sheet 3 introduces new rules that simplify, standardize, and clarify many aspects,” says Michael Kuhn, head of STZ EURO and member of the VDI 2083 Cleanroom Technology Committee. He adds: “It is also important to highlight that the client must provide the defined requirements and specifications to the contractor. This information is crucial for evaluating the measurement results. If the requirements are met, the cleanroom can be put into operation; if there is a deviation, adjustments may be necessary.”

The new version of Sheet 3 also offers a more detailed description of operating states, a better distinction between one-time or initial measurements, ongoing monitoring, and continuous monitoring, as well as between recommended and optional tests. Additionally, the procedure for determining measurement locations and target values is described more comprehensively.

To prepare those responsible for cleanroom operations for the changes, STZ EURO, among others on behalf of the VDI Knowledge Forum, offers a seminar demonstrating how this new standard can be quickly and safely applied. Furthermore, Mr. Kuhn will report on the changes in Sheet 3 at the Cleanzone in Frankfurt, during the presentation program on November 20, 2019, starting at 11:30 a.m.

The seminar within the VDI Knowledge Forum provides the fundamentals of cleanroom measurement technology, especially for GMP-regulated rooms. It also reports on the status of the revision of standards VDI 2083-3, DIN EN 14644-3, and Annex 1. The two-day seminar takes place from December 4-5, 2019, in Mannheim, from April 1-2, 2020, in Stuttgart, and from July 21-22 in Frankfurt.