I read the article on page 17 of the January issue with great interest as I am familiar with the efforts Lucent has put forth to make its cleanrooms some of the best in the industry. I work with FM Global, their property insurance carrier. Your article correctly points out many positive features of the fan filter units used there, but one very important issue was not covered: The combustibility of the actual unit. Lucent specifically had these units designed such that the entire assembly is noncombustible. The housing and structural components are noncombustible (metal) and the filter assembly is a Factory Mutual Research (FMR) Approved (UL Class 1) filter.

The reason I point this out, and hope that perhaps you will do, is that Lucent saw the need to maintain its efforts in striving for a noncombustible cleanroom environment. Many others in the industry do not take the time to do this. There are fan filter units being sold and installed that have combustible insulation or are actually constructed of combustible materials. Many times the firm purchasing these type units is not told of the potential problems. Forums such as your magazine help “get the word out.”

If you or your staff desire more information on fan filter units, or the many other issues relating to reducing the combustible loading inside cleanrooms please feel free to contact our Mr. Heron Peterkin in FMR (781-762-4300, ext. 4722). Thank you for your time and attention.

Coleman E. Cashion, P.E.
Senior Engineering Specialist
Factory Mutual Insurance