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Cleanroom Wall Panels: Complete Types, Specs & Installation Guide
Quick Introduction: Why Wall Panels Matter in Cleanrooms
Cleanroom wall panels serve as the primary containment barrier, providing critical functions including environmental separation, airtight sealing, cleanable surfaces, thermal and acoustic insulation, and structural support for equipment. Proper panel selection directly impacts project risk, operational performance, and lifecycle costs.
Containment
Prevents cross-contamination between clean and non-clean areas
Airtightness
Maintains pressure differentials and ISO classification
Cleanability
Non-porous surfaces withstand aggressive cleaning agents
Structural Support
Supports heavy equipment and utility penetrations
Panel Types & Typical Constructions
| Panel Type | Thickness | Weight (kg/m²) | Core Material | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Honeycomb | 50mm, 75mm, 100mm | 18-25 | Aluminum honeycomb | Aerospace, ISO 1-5 |
| Composite Sandwich | 40mm, 60mm | 22-30 | PUR/PIR foam | Pharmaceutical, general |
| Insulated Metal | 60mm, 80mm, 100mm | 25-35 | Rock wool/PUR | Industrial, food |
| Rock Wool | 50mm, 75mm, 100mm | 28-40 | Rock wool | High fire rating areas |
| Magnesium Oxide | 40mm, 60mm | 30-45 | MgO board + EPS | Moisture resistance |
| Handmade Rock Wool | 75mm, 100mm, 150mm | 35-50 | Dense rock wool | Custom applications |
MGO RockWool Panel
MGO Panel
Magnesium Oxide
Surface Finishes & Cleanability
Chemical Resistance Comparison
| Surface Type | IPA | H₂O₂ | Bleach | Cleaning Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder Coat | Excellent | Good | Fair | 5,000+ |
| Anodized Aluminum | Excellent | Excellent | Good | 10,000+ |
| Stainless Steel | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | 15,000+ |
| HPL | Good | Fair | Poor | 3,000+ |
Cleaning Protocol Example
Daily: IPA wipe-down (70% concentration)
Weekly: Hydrogen peroxide vapor (for critical areas)
Monthly: Surface integrity inspection and deep clean
Surface Life Expectancy: 10+ years with proper maintenance
Key Technical Specifications
Performance Parameters
| Parameter | Standard | Requirement | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtightness | ISO 14644-3 | <0.1% leakage @ 15 Pa | Pressure decay test |
| Thermal (R-value) | ASTM C518 | R-16 to R-28 | Heat flow meter |
| Outgassing (TML) | ASTM E595 | <1.0% | Vacuum thermal test |
| ESD Resistance | IEC 61340 | 10⁶-10⁹ ohms/sq | Surface resistivity |
| Fire Rating | NFPA 90A | Class A/1 | Flame spread test |
Thermal Calculation Example
Rtotal = Rexternal + Rpanel + Rinternal
Example: 60mm PUR panel with R-value = 22, plus internal/external surface films (R=0.7 each)
Rtotal = 0.7 + 22 + 0.7 = 23.4 (m²·K/W)
U-value = 1/Rtotal = 0.043 W/m²·K
Joints, Seals & Air-Tight Detailing
Cleanroom Wall Panels Joints, Seals & Air-Tight Detailing
Clean room wall panel glass glue sealing
Sealant Compatibility
- Silicone: Excellent flexibility, temperature resistance (-60°C to 200°C)
- EPDM: Good chemical resistance, UV stable for exterior applications
- Polyurethane: High strength, good adhesion to multiple substrates
- Butyl Rubber: Excellent air and moisture barrier properties
Pressure Hold Test Protocol
Test Pressure: 15 Pa above ambient
Duration: 10 minutes minimum
Acceptance: <5% pressure drop (0.75 Pa maximum)
Method: ISO 14644-3 Annex B4
Fire Safety, Acoustic & Structural Considerations
| Panel Type | Fire Rating | STC Rating | Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Honeycomb | Class A | 35-40 dB | 50 kg/m² |
| Rock Wool | Class A1 (Non-combustible) | 45-55 dB | 40 kg/m² |
| PUR Composite | Class B | 30-35 dB | 45 kg/m² |
Structural Design Considerations
- Maximum Panel Span: 4.5m for 100mm thick panels
- Deflection Limit: L/240 under full design load
- Equipment Support: Reinforced framing required for loads >50 kg
- Seismic: Additional bracing in seismic zones 3/4
Selection by Application
| Industry | Recommended Panel | Typical Thickness | Surface Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical | Composite Sandwich | 60mm | Stainless steel |
| Semiconductor | Aluminum Honeycomb | 75-100mm | Anodized aluminum |
| Aerospace | Aluminum Honeycomb | 50-75mm | Powder coat |
| Food & Beverage | Insulated Metal | 80-100mm | HPL/PVC |
| Research Labs | Composite/Rock Wool | 50-60mm | Powder coat |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which panel type is best for ISO Class 5 cleanrooms?
Aluminum honeycomb panels with anodized or powder-coated finishes are recommended for ISO Class 5 environments due to their excellent airtightness, low particle shedding, and superior cleanability.
Can cleanroom wall panels be disassembled and relocated?
Yes, most modular cleanroom wall panels are designed for disassembly and relocation. However, proper planning is required to maintain panel integrity and sealing performance during the process.
How is airtightness tested in cleanroom panels?
Airtightness is typically tested using pressure decay methods per ISO 14644-3, where the room is pressurized to 15 Pa and the pressure drop is measured over a 10-minute period.
What is the typical lead time for custom panels?
Standard panels typically have 4-6 week lead times, while custom configurations with special finishes or cutouts may require 8-12 weeks depending on complexity and order quantity.
Do cleanroom panels require special maintenance?
Regular inspection of seals and surface condition is recommended. Damaged seals should be replaced immediately, and surfaces should be cleaned with compatible agents to maintain cleanability.
Next Steps & Contact
Selecting the right cleanroom wall panels requires careful consideration of technical requirements, application needs, and budget constraints. Our technical team can provide customized recommendations for your specific project.
Get Expert Guidance
Technical Support
Phone: +1 (800) 123-4567
Email: technical@cleanroompanels.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00 EST
Sample Request
References & Standards
International Standards
- ISO 14644-1:2015 – Cleanroom classification of air cleanliness
- ISO 14644-3:2019 – Test methods for cleanrooms
- ISO 14644-4:2022 – Design, construction and start-up
- ASTM E595-15 – Total Mass Loss and Collected Volatile Condensable Materials
- ASTM C518 – Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties
- IEC 61340-5-1 – Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena
- NFPA 90A – Standard for Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
- EN 13501-1 – Fire classification of construction products
Technical Author: Jason Peng, Cleanroom Engineering Specialist | Last Updated: December 2023
© 2023 Cleanroom Wall Panels Technical Guide. All rights reserved.
