Mobile control and management of cleanroom systems - Tablets and smartphones in monitoring applications

The SCHILLING CleanRoom ControlSystem CR Control® enables clear monitoring and regulation of all individual cleanroom components.

The control of the cleanroom systems can be carried out remotely and flexibly via tablet or smartphone.

Operating a cleanroom system requires continuous monitoring and recording of setpoint values, precise adjustment and coordination of all components of the cleanroom and climate technology, and above all, immediate display and correction of malfunctions. Reliable control and operation of the complex technology are therefore among the most important aspects when establishing a cleanroom. SCHILLING ENGINEERING now offers an app with the further development of the control system CR Control®, enabling mobile monitoring and control of the cleanroom via tablet and smartphone.

The regulation and monitoring of a cleanroom system include many different components, such as measuring and recording particle counts, temperature, and humidity in the cleanroom and airlocks, setting the laminar flow modules and climate technology, or monitoring door functions. Bringing together these parameters at a central location and providing a clear user interface significantly simplifies the operation of a complex cleanroom system, thereby increasing safety and productivity in sensitive manufacturing processes.

The innovative cleanroom company SCHILLING ENGINEERING has transferred the increasingly important process of centralized, intuitive user guidance to comprehensive cleanroom technology with an in-house developed control system, making it one of the first companies worldwide to do so. Now, they go one step further: the user-friendly control can be accessed and operated remotely via an app on tablets and smartphones.

The mobile application is an advancement of the control system SCHILLING CleanRoom ControlSystem CR Control®, which has been tested for several years and is offered by the cleanroom specialist to control cleanroom systems. The patented multifunctional tool simplifies regulation, control, and monitoring of cleanrooms and is operated via a central touchscreen. The control system describes only a small part of the functions provided by the CR Control System. It is an interactive regulation, control, and monitoring system that consolidates the complex processes of cleanroom technology, climate control, and monitoring into one device. All parameters are displayed clearly and recorded for monitoring, but most importantly, individual functions can also be immediately activated and regulated.

Measurements are taken with sensors that monitor pressure, humidity, and temperature and are connected to the control system via interfaces. Additional connections exist to the cleanroom modules and climate cabinets. This allows values from up to 10 cleanrooms and 60 laminar flow modules to be displayed simultaneously on one monitor, and setpoints can be conveniently adjusted. Continuous inspection of contamination levels and the performance of all installed filters is essential to anticipate replacements early and prevent downtime. A unique feature of the innovative system is the previously unmatched ability to select the very complex and separately controlled climate technology directly and clearly via the same system. Additional functions such as door control are monitored, and lighting can also be conveniently adjusted. These features are easily selected via an intuitive user interface, protected by passwords at different levels, thus preventing misuse. Additionally, customer-specific process machines, such as automation or testing equipment, can be integrated into the control system upon request. This allows all process workflows to be accessed clearly from a single point.

Special emphasis was placed during the development of the control system on creating an immediately understandable user interface. Processes requiring immediate intervention are highlighted in red or trigger an audible warning. Maintenance indicators show the level of filter contamination and maintenance intervals.

Now, for the first time in this form and entirely unique, customers are provided with an app upon system installation that allows completely flexible and location-independent control and monitoring via tablet or smartphone.

The patented SCHILLING CleanRoom ControlSystem CR Control® has been used since 2010 to control the CleanCell® cleanroom systems. The multifunctional control unit has proven itself in operation and is now installed in almost all cleanroom systems of SCHILLING ENGINEERING. The mobile tablet control now enables cleanroom managers to check and, if necessary, intervene in the cleanroom functions from anywhere in the facility or even in the field, ensuring flexible safety.