WISAG takes over cleanroom cleaning at IAF

A focused eye on the details and a steady hand are essential, as even a small mistake can cause significant damage. (Copyright: Benjamin Doerr, IAF)

Aixtron Black Magic system for the production of carbon nanotubes. (Source: Fraunhofer IAF)

In the highly complex building services engineering in cleanrooms, the WISAG specialists must proceed very precisely. (Source: Fraunhofer IAF)

Symbol image: First and foremost, caution, expertise, and a delicate touch are essential for efficient routine operation in the cleanroom. (Source: WISAG Industrie Service, 2018)

Symbol image: In cleanroom cleaning, special hygiene measures are indispensable to actively prevent contamination. (Source: WISAG Industrie Service, 2018)

Symbol image: The person carries the greatest risk of contamination. Only after an elaborate lock process are the WISAG employees allowed to work on the delicate lines of the high-tech systems. (Source: WISAG Industry Service, 2018)

Symbol image: Special cleanroom poodles made from cleanroom-compatible microfilaments are an important tool in the work of professionals. (Source: WISAG Industrie Service, 2018)

Since 2002, the WISAG Industrial Service Group has been involved in technical cleaning at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) in Freiburg – one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of modern semiconductor materials as well as single-crystal and nanocrystalline diamonds. Research focuses include modern microelectronics for 5G mobile communications. Since last October, maintenance and glass cleaning in laboratories and cleanrooms have also been part of the demanding tasks performed by qualified WISAG staff.

Installations and systems in the areas of cooling towers according to VDI 2047, ventilation systems according to VDI 6022, and cleanrooms – these are the main areas of work in technical cleaning as well as maintenance cleaning at WISAG at IAF. "Outsourcing to a service provider improves cost control and provides planning security," says Daniel Uebelacker, Group Leader of Institute Services, Department of Technical Services. IAF issued a public tender for the right partner – which WISAG successfully secured. The contract for maintenance and glass cleaning is initially set for one year.

Expertise on the latest standards and an eye for the smallest details are essential for the contract at IAF. Because a single mistake, no matter how small, can quickly cause significant damage. "Typical for a research institute is that the laboratories and cleanrooms operate systems and processes that are unique in this form," emphasizes Jorge Goncalves da Silva, Department Head at WISAG Production Service GmbH in Freiburg. The staff handling the research systems must exercise utmost caution – both during technical cleaning and in the maintenance cleaning of the highly complex cleanrooms.

"Cleanrooms are full of service technology. The risk of damaging the delicate installations is high," stresses da Silva. Therefore, the WISAG team works meticulously during technical cleaning with specially developed cloths and industrial vacuums with HEPA filters.

Special tools are also required for maintenance cleaning: cleanroom mops made from microfilaments suitable for cleanroom use and isopropanol. A challenging aspect of cleanroom cleaning according to ISO 14644-1 is the very high cleanroom class – the classification from one to nine indicates how high the concentration of airborne particles per cubic meter may be. As much as 95 percent of the cleanrooms in the semiconductor sector operate under positive pressure. This prevents the entry of particles from outside. As a result, WISAG experts must work carefully and demonstrate fine motor skills. "The lower the class, the greater the effort. While we usually like to work quickly and accomplish a lot, quick movements must be strictly avoided here," explains the project manager.

Furthermore, employees must undergo an elaborate lock-in process before entering a cleanroom. Because: "Humans pose the greatest risk of contamination. Particles settle on clothing, skin, and hair from makeup or smoking cigarettes. Therefore, each employee must wear headgear, a coverall, cleanroom shoes, and gloves."

The highest standards also apply to the cleaning and maintenance of cooling towers to prevent Legionella contamination. By cleaning the basin of the cooling towers and the interior surfaces with cleaning chemicals, active prevention of contamination is achieved. The system must be shut down before opening – in the next step, drip catchers, nozzle stoppers, spray nozzles, and the device for sealing are dismantled, soaked in cleaning chemicals, and cleaned after the contact time. Subsequently, a high-pressure cleaner is used for further cleaning. This process is repeated if necessary until the desired result is achieved. "If cleaning and maintenance are neglected, the number of germs increases significantly," emphasizes da Silva. The consequence: more aerosols are released from the system, transporting harmful germs into the atmosphere. If these settle, they can lead to serious health issues, such as severe pneumonia. "Especially for children and the elderly, this poses a great danger," says the department head. WISAG actively prevents this risk through its work at IAF.

In all tasks, maximum concentration, fine motor skills for delicate details, and the latest technical knowledge are required at all times. Therefore, the industrial service provider must carefully differentiate which employee is deployed. The right qualification is a high standard for WISAG – not only for regular staff but also for temporary workers. "Not every employee can meet the high demands of the customer. Additionally, we want to keep staff turnover as low as possible. Further training in cleanroom cleaning and especially in technology is also crucial," emphasizes the department head.

Contact person: Jorge Goncalves da Silva: +49 7663 9307 48