What is the Difference Between Air Shower and Airlock?

Air Shower: The First Line of Defense

An air shower is a device designed to remove contaminants from personnel or objects before they enter a cleanroom. It operates by using high-velocity airflow fans to create a curtain of filtered air that strips away particles from clothing, hair, and skin. This process helps to minimize the risk of contamination being introduced into the cleanroom environment.

The Air Shower is typically located at the entrance to a cleanroom, serving as the first line of defense against contaminants. It is equipped with dual locking doors to ensure that the contaminated area (outside the cleanroom) is separated from the clean area (inside the cleanroom). The doors are designed to prevent both doors from being opened simultaneously, maintaining a controlled and sealed environment.

One of the key features of an Air Shower is its ability to quickly and efficiently clean personnel and objects. The high-velocity airflow is directed at multiple angles to ensure thorough coverage. Additionally, the Air Shower may be equipped with HEPA filters to remove even the smallest particles from the airflow, ensuring that only clean air enters the cleanroom.

Airlock: The Transitional Space

An airlock, on the other hand, is a transitional space between two environments with different contamination levels. It serves as a buffer zone to prevent the direct transfer of contaminants between these environments. Unlike an Air Shower, which actively removes contaminants, an airlock relies on passive measures such as pressure differentials and airlocks to control contamination.

The airlock itself is a room with dual doors, similar to an Air Shower, but it does not utilize high-velocity airflow to clean personnel or objects. Instead, it relies on the principle of pressure differential to maintain a clean environment. The air pressure inside the airlock is typically higher than the contaminated area but lower than the cleanroom. This pressure differential helps to prevent contaminants from entering the cleanroom and ensures that air flows in the correct direction.

In an airlock, personnel or objects must pass through two doors in sequence. The first door is closed before the second door can be opened, preventing direct contact between the contaminated and clean areas. This process helps to minimize the risk of contamination being introduced into the cleanroom.

How They Work Together

While an Air Shower and an airlock serve different functions, they often work together to maintain a clean and controlled environment within a facility. The Air Shower removes contaminants from personnel or objects before they enter the airlock. The airlock then provides an additional layer of protection by creating a buffer zone between the contaminated and clean areas.

Together, these systems help to ensure that only clean personnel and objects enter the cleanroom. They are essential components of any contamination control strategy and play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of cleanroom environments.