Fan filter units
01/01/2004
Compiled by Steve smith
Fan filter units—FFUs—are typically placed in ceiling grids (but some can be installed on walls) to create precision airflow in a cleanroom or minienvironment. With ongoing demands for cost-cutting and "smart building" design, FFUs are increasingly sought after and accepted for today's cleanroom design—especially as newer devices become quieter and more cost-efficient. Here's a sampling of some of the latest FFU products, including such components as motors, blowers and fans.
Quiet efficiency
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A comprehensive line of AC and brushless DC (electronically commutated) fan filter units are available in 4x4-ft., 2x4-ft. and custom sizes. These FFUs, the manufacturer says, are designed with acoustically quiet and high-efficiency fans and motors. Brushless DC units incorporate voltage and universal frequency AC power input designed to enable use of one model for both U.S. and overseas applications. Options include room-side replaceable filters, carbon filtration, acoustical insulation that meets UBC flame spread and smoke requirements, and a packaged control and monitoring system.
CLEANPAK International
Clackamas, OR
www.cleanpak.com
Low power-consumption FFU motors
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The MicroWatt motor options to the company's SAM Group of FFUs are available in 2-, 4- and 6-ft. as well as 4x4 units. The motors feature lower power consumption designed to result in lower operating costs. When used with the company's Airlink Control System, SAM units with MicroWatt motors provide complete control from a remote panel or PC, whether linked individually or in groups. An operator can increase or reduce airflow to a selected area during off-peak hours.
Clean Rooms International Inc.
Grand Rapids, MI
www.cleanroomsint.com
Constant flow blower
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Lau Blower Units are engineered as integrated wheel/cone/bracket/motor controller packages. They feature the company's backward-curved centrifugal 12-inch wheel with a GE ECM 2.3 series motor that can be programmed to work in conjunction with the blower's performance curve. The blower assembly is designed to offer constant flow operation across a range of system restriction points, quiet operation, and 30 percent improvement in energy consumption over competitive systems.
Lau Industries
Lenexa, KS
www.lau-ind.com
Next-gen system
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The Next Generation FFU System is designed to offer up to 70 percent energy savings compared to a conventional FFU system, plus greater system control that allows for monitoring, remote access and alterations in airflow. Constructed at Oregon State University's College of Oceanic and Atmospheric sciences, the system is designed for new or retrofit environments in a variety of industries, including research and development, semiconductor design and manufacturing, food processing, and biomedical and pharmaceutical production. Using computational fluid dynamics, engineers have designed the Huntair AF 300—a new fan and inlet cone assembly with blades and angels matching the FFU's air-flow requirement. It features airfoil-shaped blades formed of lightweight extruded aluminum.
Huntair Inc.
Corvalis, OR
www.huntair.com
For pharm processing
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The MAC 10 Rx FFU is designed specifically for pharmaceutical processing environments. It combines low sound and vibration with low watts and a low profile designed to minimize the presence of contaminants in critical areas. Designated RSRE for room-side-replaceable-everything, the unit features a room-side replaceable 1/3 horsepower ECM motor and gel-seal HEPA filter. Combined with a field-adjustable digital control unit, the brushless DC motor is designed to automatically compensate for filter loading, thereby maintaining constant airflow velocity. The manufacturer says the MAC 10 Rx is the only 2x4-ft. FFU that runs at 100 watts.
Envirco Corp.
Albuquerque, NM
www.encirco.com
Motor efficiencies
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The GE ECM 2.3 series motors for FFU systems have a speed range of 300 to 1200 RPM. The manufacturer says the motor's permanent magnet DC design lets it maintain its efficiency over a wide speed range—as high as 82 percent, or 20 percent more efficient than a standard induction motor at full load. In constant fan speed, the ECM 2.3 consumes 60 to 80 watts, compared to 400 watts for an induction motor.
GE Industrial Systems
Plainville, CT
www.geindustrial.com
FFU for ceiling or wall
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The F2000 is designed to be installed in a T-grid, gypsum ceiling or in a wall or horizontal installation for increasing air changes per hour in any room in need of upgrading. Constructed of stainless steel, the FFU can draw air from the top or ends. Variable speed control allows for a minimum of 60-150 FPM, with an average noise level of 63 db. The motor/blower design allows for 90 FPM average. Certified and tested before shipping, the F2000 is available in 2x2-ft. and 2x4-ft. as well as custom sizes.
Laminar Flow Inc.
Ivyland, PA
www.laminarflow.com
Noises off
Constructed with proprietary sound-inhibiting materials, the Eagle FFU is designed for performance while maintaining exceptionally low decibel readings (below 50) especially suited for cleanrooms with a higher percenage of filter coverage. The Eagle is available in 115 V or 277 V models, and in 2x4-ft. and custom sizes.
Facilities Inc.
Oregon City, OR
www.facilitiesinc.com
Jazz up your room
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The JazzFM fan filter module provides filtration for use in conventional and softwall cleanrooms. The module can be used to retrofit and upgrade an existing area or provide clean air at the point of use. The standard unit draws 1.1 amps for the 115 V version, or .55 amps for the 230 V model. Options include 12-inch duct collar, room-side replaceability, and ULPA filtration.
Ultrapure Technology Inc.
Suwanee, GA
www.ultrapuretechnology.com