Certification Testing

"As built" Cleanroom

	Room without process equipment, product, or personnel present.
	Counts prove capabilities of system design

"At rest" Cleanroom

	Room with its full complement of production equipment present and operating to the degree possible, without personnel.
	Counts evaluate facilities and equipment and ensure it is operating properly without compromising cleanroom conditions.

"Operating" Cleanroom

	Room with its full complement of personnel, and production equipment present and operating to the degree possible.
	Counts prove "product" will be protected.

Filter Types

	HEPA: A dry-type filter in a rigid frame having a minimum particle collection efficiency of 99.97% for 0.3 mm, near-monodisperse phthalate (DOP) particles (or specified substitute), and a maximum clean-filter pressure drop of 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) water gauge (0.249 kPA), when tested at rated airflow capacity.
	ULPA: A dry-type filter in a rigid frame having a minimum particle collection efficiency of 99.999% for 0.12 mm and larger.

Filter testing

	Important for cleanrooms and clean areas classified at Class 100 (M3.5) or cleaner.
	The purpose of filter testing is to ensure the filter system is properly installed.  The absence of bypass leaks in installation and filter defects such as pinhole leaks are verified.

Bench Leak Testing

	Done when there is no way to test filters when installed.
	Verifies filters have not been damaged in transit or during unpacking and handling.
	A similar rig is used to that used at a factory for probe testing.

The purpose of this test is to determine the average airflow velocity and/or volume, the uniformity of airflow, and total airflow provided.

Airflow velocity is the measurement of the speed of the airflow in feet per minute or litres per second. 

The purpose of this test is to verify the capability of the cleanroom system to maintain the specified pressure differential in the cleanroom.

The area differential pressure is a factor of the quantity of air introduced in the room compared to the quantity taken out of a room.

The purpose of this test is to establish the airborne sound pressure levels produced by the basic cleanroom mechanical and electrical systems.

	A-Weighted Sound Level in decibels (dBA) and octave band sound pressure measured.
	For octave band measurements, the Noise Criterion Level (NC) rating is determined using the NC Curves.  They are a family of curves derived from many case histories of noise environments and classified for typical activities.

The purpose of this test is to measure the impedance, conductivity and continuity of the flooring system.

	The surface of the conductive floor shall provide a patch of electrical conductivity between all persons and equipment making contact with the floor.
	The accumulation of electrostatic discharges with consequent ignition of flammable gases is prevented.

The purpose of these tests is to demonstrate the capability of the cleanroom mechanical system to control environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) at the specified levels required and within the allowable limits specified.

The proper humidity helps prevent electrostatic discharges with consequent ignition of flammable gases.

Two levels of temperature and humidity tests are used.

	General temperature and humidity uniformity tests are suited for normal environmental requirements.  They are used to demonstrate that the specified levels of temperature and humidity required for occupant comfort will be maintained.
	Comprehensive temperature and humidity uniformity tests are for areas requiring stricter control.

The purpose of this test is to benchmark the airborne positive and negative ion densities, and to simulate the residual surface voltage expected on the product in free air.

	A static charge on small components can induce an opposite charge in other objects.
	Discharge across an air gap may cause a spark that could ignite flammable vapors.
	Static charges on surfaces will attract and hold contamination.