Cleanroom specialist PodTech has completed a 206 sqm prefabricated cleanroom facility in the UAE for satellite component assembly.
The facility comprises eight PODULE pods and includes ISO Class 7 and ISO Class 8 classified cleanroom areas, with the system validated for aerospace standards.
PodTech was responsible for the project’s concept, basic and detailed engineering, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), HVAC, flooring and validation.
“Cleanroom demand in the UAE isn't only coming from pharma anymore. Our projects here now range from diagnostics manufacturing to satellite component assembly, and those clients want the same thing: a controlled environment they can rely on, delivered on a schedule they can plan around,” an engineer from PodTech told Cleanroom Technology.
Each PODULE is a self-contained, shipping-container-sized unit with its own air handling, building management system, fire protection, and electrical and process utility distribution.
The utilities are housed within the pods, allowing the cleanroom to be deployed on site using a plug-and-play approach.
Why does a prefabricated approach matter?
The company’s prefabricated approach involves manufacturing and testing cleanroom systems in a controlled factory environment before they are transported to site.
Each PODULE undergoes factory acceptance testing before shipment, followed by site acceptance testing once it arrives.
“Modular, pre-validated facilities fit that well. Each PODULE is factory acceptance tested before it ships, so much of the risk moves off site,” said the engineer.
“Our approach can cut project schedules by up to 50% compared with traditional factory construction.
PodTech could not name the client.
The approach integrates key cleanroom infrastructure, including HVAC, filtration and utilities, within the factory-built units, reducing the amount of construction and systems installation required on site.
For aerospace and defence applications, PodTech says its prefabricated facilities can be installed within existing industrial or hangar environments, allowing controlled environments to be introduced without relying entirely on conventional construction.
The UAE project comes as the country develops its domestic satellite manufacturing and integration capabilities.
PodTech’s PODULE system is designed to allow cleanroom facilities to be expanded or reconfigured as production requirements change.
The company provides prefabricated and modular cleanroom solutions for sectors including aerospace and defence, semiconductor and electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and research.
Its systems are designed for cleanroom classifications ranging from ISO Class 5 to ISO Class 8, depending on the requirements of the application.
