Resource Library

Read Our Industry-Relevant Whitepapers, Articles, and FAQs for Cleanroom Engineering

AirCare Automation works with your business, facilities manager, and fan filter unit provider to ensure your critical environment is complete with the management and monitoring solutions you require.

In the meantime, we offer these cleanroom industry trends and resources to provide as much support as possible.

Resource Library FAQs

Based on our experience working with a wide variety of clients across multiple industries, the following FAQ serves as a cleanroom engineering resource.

If you’re still stuck, visit our customer support page for more information on installation, training, repairs, setup, as well as contact information for our headquarters and sales team.

FFU (Fan Filter Units)

What are the benefits of FFUs?

Redundancy in design for your filtration; if your AHU (air handling unit) goes down, the entire room goes down. An FFU provides the primary support you need for your cleanroom processes
Smaller AHUs
A variety of exceptional filter options
Energy efficiency

How do you control an FFU?

Manual

Turn on the FFU with the supplied three-speed switch.
Have the manufacturer supply a SSSC (solid-state speed control).

Network

Connect directly to the FFU control board with Modbus RTU/BACnet MSTP/IP. You can connect to BAS directly or by using a gateway.

Network Local Control with PLC

The FFU will require a network card. You can supply an AirCare console to control units. If required, you can pass all data through to a BMS, as well.

How do I change my filter? What filters do I have?

Make sure you have a filter print for your product as a spare part. All manufactures have filter prints that they use when purchasing filters. Ask for the manufacturer’s name, and their print and part number. Buy extra filters for your project. It’s a good investment to purchase a few, as one bad filter can delay your room setup, as accidents happen. Refer to the manufacturer’s document for the step-by-step process to change the filter.

Can you control a FFU with a PSC (AC) motor?

Yes, but you will not be able to read the RPM. You can install a relay or current sensor to provide a failure signal.

Motors and Control Cards

How do you change motors and control cards?

The best solution is to request units with motors, filters, and control cards that are accessible from the room-side. Avoid terms like benchtop or standard, which will require taking the entire unit out of the ceiling.

Where is the control card located? How do you address the setting prior to installation?

In most units, the control cards are located in an electrical box. There are two DIP switch settings on each card. One is set to network mode for controls. The second is for addressing the location of the unit on the screen of the control console or BMS.

Power

What are FLAs (full load amps), and why do I need to know what they are?

FLA will allow you to know how many units you can connect to a breaker switch. Most industrial breakers are 20 amps. Remember that you need to have 20% free on the breaker. A 20 amp 277 voltage unit on a 20-amp breaker is 1.2 FLAs, which is equivalent to 16 to 17 units per breaker. This should be listed on all units.

How can I tell how much electricity my system will use?

All manufacturers should supply comprehensive airflow charts that will provide you with wattage used at different airflows. They should supply charts with airflow, RPM CFM, and % PWM signals. Sound data will be based off of these readings as well.

What can you tell me about noise levels (dBA)?

If you have very stringent requirements for sound on your project, we recommend you consult an expert. From ambient noise in the room, to the location of fans next to each other, as well as BI and FC wheels, there are many cleanroom functions that create noise. Metal versus plastic create different frequencies. Sound is based upon an additive log. Ask for sound data that is specific to your requirements, and include airflow and filter types (HEPA, ULPA). Everything will affect the noise level.

What is the difference between backward incline (BI) and forward curve (FC)?

In general, BI is more energy efficient than FC. ECM motors have different programming, depending on the application and airflow required (constant torque, constant airflow, speed program, etc.) Consult with your FFU supplier for the proper programming. If using constant CFM, ensure the fan programming will not stall due to differing airflows and or duct collars, VAV supply boxes, or changes in static pressure of supply air.

How do I specify voltage on an ECM (DC/electronically communicated motor)? Do they work on DC power?

Motors today come in 120 to 208 volts (50/60 Hz) or 200 to 277 volts (50/60Hz). Some manufacturers supply a tri-voltage of 120 to 277 volts. However, you need to specify your voltage as 120, 110, or 277m because the factory has to set the motors for the proper voltage at the factory. The motor control boards and units come with a step-down transformer for the control boards. Always specify that units come with the transformer for supply voltage when ordering control boards.

Miscellaneous

How do I get service, warranty, and parts?

Ask if motors, transformers, control cards are in stock and readily available. Contact AirCare Automation’s sales and customer support teams.

Do I need an agency listing?

Yes. You should not buy a unit that does not have an agency listing. Always check company, local, municipal, state, and federal regulations. Refer to the independent agency testing laboratory codes:

In USA: UL, ETL, CUL
In Europe: CE
In Canada: CSA

AirCare Automation Is Your Resource for Cleanroom Management and Monitoring Controls

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Industry-Relevant Resource Library

Smart Solutions for FFU Motor Speed Control

AirCare Automation describes the development of phase-control options to make an AC motor “smart” at a low cost.

Featured in Power Systems World, 2003

Cost-Efficient Connectivity and Integration Solutions for Power Systems Controls and BMS

Connectivity between a facility’s BMS and monitoring controls can be installed at a low-cost. AirCare Automation explains how.

Featured article for the Power Electronic Technology Conference, 2004

High-Performing FFUs for Small Cleanrooms

AirCare Automation presents affordable, state-of-the-art products available for FFU Cleanrooms.

Featured in A2C2, December 2004

Low-Cost Motors and Smart Controls

Efficiency, cost, and performance are at the heart of AirCare Automation’s exploration of closed-loop control systems for cleanrooms.

Featured in Power Electronics Technology, June 2005

Presentations on AirCare Automation Products

Innovations and Improvements in Single-Phase AC Motor Controls

AirCare Automation’s new class of AC motor controls are changing performance standards and capabilities.

The Important Performance Benefits of Cleanroom Control Systems

AirCare Automations control systems can manage and monitor your cleanroom for high performance, energy efficiency, compliance, safety, and more.

Presented at the ESTech™ Conference, 2015

Smart, Versatile Integration of Management and Monitoring Products for Your FFUs

AirCare Automation presents smart integration of FFU controls and your BMS, starting with high-performing motor control boards.

Presented at the ESTech™ Conference, 2017

USP797 & 800 Compliance with AirCare Automation’s Environmental Monitoring Consoles for Your Cleanroom

AirCare Automation is committed to ensuring your business is agency compliant with versatile options and offerings for environmental monitoring.

Presented at the Cleanroom Builder Controls Conference, 2018

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