Different Types of Cleanroom Particle Counters

The handheld particle counter is a small, portable, fully equipped device that can be easily transported for test purposes, HEPA filters, laminar flow hoods and clean benches. Detect and count physical particles of 0.3 to 10 microns. The handheld system provides the convenience of local data collection, which is displayed on an integrated screen. The price usually depends on particle size, the number of air supply channels and additional features such as temperature, Wi-Fi connections, sample size and air humidity.

The portable particle counter on the desk features a larger color touch screen, optimized user-friendly interface and pre-programmed standard mode to guide you through the measurement and certification process. Desktop models handle more air than handheld devices and offer more specific solutions for long-term monitoring and certification.

The removed particle counter is used to continuously monitor particle levels in the air in real time. It has no built-in display and is connected to the agency's data acquisition system to monitor the performance of the entire clean room.

What does a particle counter do?

Air filter leak test

Check cleanliness in real time while driving

To eliminate pollution

Filter leakage and efficiency testing

Create standardized test routines for long-term monitoring and data logging

Classification VS Monitoring

Clean room classification and clean room monitoring distinguish cleanliness factors between the two types of controlled Settings. This classification focuses on environments without human intervention or expertise. Monitoring considers the application of personnel and process changes to the clean room. Classification is a standardized procedure for using uniform or homogeneous particle Numbers in a room or area. Monitoring is a dynamic process that creates data and unique samples from areas and sample graphs as needed for quick understanding, trend information, or troubleshooting. The scope of this article focuses on clean room monitoring using handheld particle counters rather than classification specifications or third-party certification processes.

Environmental monitoring and process monitoring

For electronics manufacturers, process and environmental monitoring is not a legal requirement, but to reduce the risk that pollution will affect production and quality control. Process monitoring determines the room's willingness to perform tasks.

Pharmaceutical companies face stricter environmental and process monitoring guidelines. Handheld particle counters are generally not suitable for testing in accordance with the ISO level 5 specification required for many pharmaceutical clean room facilities. Dedicated devices for centralized particle counters (so-called "remote" air particle counters) are connected to walls, devices, or devices for long-term dedicated monitoring.

What particle sizes should be monitored in electronic manufacturing?

In any environment, particle detection requirements depend on the application. Particle size is usually monitored by various electronics manufacturers.

• Semiconductor manufacturing: less than 0.1 m
• Hard disk manufacturer: 0.2 m to 0.3 m
• Flat screen manufacturing: 0.3 m and 1.0 m

Facilities interested in inspecting clean rooms for routine preventive assessments require equipment other than a facility wide monitoring system for 24-hour data collection. Typically, handheld particle counters examine small local areas on the spot. Desktop and dedicated remote systems provide ideal functionality for a wide range of dedicated monitoring or dust-free room certification tests.