Fan-Filter-Modules (FFU)

Fan-filter-Modules and clean air modules are used to supply clean air. This can be a large cleanroom, a minienvironment, a workplace or a clean/ clean special solution. Depending on the requirements, there are different points that need to be considered.

Which industries rely on cleanroom technology?

In many industries, cleanrooms are required for special manufacturing processes in order to create optimum production conditions. The requirements for air purity in production and research are becoming increasingly stringent. Fan-filter-modules (FFU) are used in these industries in particular:

• Semiconductor industry
• Electrical engineering
• Optics industry
• Laser technology
• Chemical industry
• Biotechnology
• Precision engineering
• Food industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Medical technology
• Research facilities
  
  

Principle of operation

Fan-filter-modules (FFU) are the active elements, e.g. in cleanrooms, clean air workstations, minienvironments or cleanroom transport systems. They have 3 basic components that are responsible for their function. These are the housing, fans and main filter (HEPA filter, ULPA filter, optional pre-filter). 

Fields of application

The fan-filter-modules are used wherever a clean air supply needs to be guaranteed. This may be the case here:

• in cleanrooms
• in plants
• in devices
• in minienvironments
• at workstations
• in local clean areas
  
  

What to look for

It is not possible to give a generalised answer in advance regarding what to look for in the individual application areas. It depends much more on the respective requirements on site.
For minienvironments and transport systems in particular, a certain dimension of the module, a compact design or a low overall height may be required.

Always check the following questions regarding ventilation:

• What is the required space for the fan-filter-module (FFU)?
• What is the design of the process location?
• How is the air flow disturbed?

Clarifying these questions is a basic condition for ensuring that clean air can reach the process location and that particles are carried away or kept away from the process.
The requirements for particle purity differ depending on the customer and industry and ultimately determine which filters (fine dust filter [clean room module], HEPA, ULPA) and how many modules are required.

Furthermore, the customer's processes also determine which filter medium must be used and which components must be filtered out of the air.
In many applications, it may also be necessary to control or regulate the modules externally and centrally (fan speed) and to monitor the function of the fans. 

Regardless of the final choice for a fan-filter-module, the people working in the surrounding area must not be ignored in the assessment. Noise emissions and air velocity play a role here.

Various filter classes

The European standard EN 1822-1:2019 defines the filter classes E10-E12 (EPA), H13-H14 (HEPA) and U15-U17 (ULPA). For the underlying filtration efficiency, a distinction is made between the overall efficiency of the filter and the worst localised point. 
When selecting fan-filter-modules, filters with a low initial pressure drop and fans with EC technology (best in terms of efficiency and energy efficiency) should be used.

Prefilters are necessary or useful in particularly unfavourable ambient conditions or to increase the service life of the main filter. Chemical filters (ACC filters) are used as pre-filters if there are requirements for the molecular load of the air.

Every industry, every company, every system has its own specific requirements. We advise you individually.

You can find an overview of all our fan-filter-modules here.