Guardtech Cleanrooms is offering filter integrity tests, designed to ensure the highest possible standards are met. The filtration system is one of the most critical parts of managing risk in a controlled environment, the firm says.
It’s particularly important in healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, where filter failure can lead to not just unwanted particulate but dangerous microbial ingress. If unfiltered bacteria particles are allowed to pass into a cleanroom and grow, this not only compromises the product, it could endanger staff.
According to ISO 14644-3, at no point should your filters have more than 0.01% particulate penetration. The company identifies any compromised filters, works with clients to determine the cause of the issue and then, if a replacement is needed, installs the correct filter.
Guardtech’s Operations Director Conor Barwise said: “We’ve really honed the way we do things now.
“It’s easy to take for granted just how vital a highly competent filtration system is – the smallest reduction in a filter’s integrity can have grave consequences for a controlled environment.
“I’d urge any businesses with cleanrooms or labs who haven’t got a regular service contract in place to get in touch with us. As well as our filter integrity tests, Guardtech runs a thorough programme including full validation, decontamination and plant maintenance.
The company deploys a two-person team to carry out testing. The engineers use an oil-based smoke applied downstream towards the filter, before measuring the challenge of the smoke – ensuring that the amount of smoke applied, and its velocity, is within the parameters set by the standards, while maintaining a constant flow.
A photometer is used to scan the filter face to check for any compromised areas, with a concerted focus on the areas most likely to fail, such as around the edges. Filter differential pressures and airflow volume readings are also taken with a manometer and anemometer at particular zones to further support the readings.
The entire filter is scanned within a specified time period to ensure there are no discernible leaks. To provide an extra level of reassurance to clients, Guardtech supplies printed raw data from the testing.
Throughout the past 20 years company has employed various testing methods dependent on the site, and is happy to work with clients to determine the most effective test ports and challenge methods.
Guardtech Service Engineer Chris McGinn said: “We take the greatest care possible to ensure the best possible results for out clients,” he said. “Whether it’s the seals of the filter, the housing or the joints onto the ductwork, we make sure that there are no areas where contamination could potentially build up.
“If you have a cleanroom but you don’t have a regular service agreement in place, please get in touch – we’d be delighted to support your business.”
