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

You’ve been keeping up with the latest research and analysis – now partner with AirCare Automation for your critical environment’s important products, from motor controls, to building management system connectivity and environmental monitoring sensors.

Get in touch with us today to order products customized to your specifications and requirements.

Industry-Relevant Resource Library

Improved Performance for Today’s Motor Controls

AirCare Automation examines the high performance and affordability of motor control options available today.

Featured article for the Power Electronics Technology Conference, 2005

Energy Efficiency and Other Cost Considerations for Your FFU System

AirCare Automation presents the significant cost benefits of smart controls for your FFU system.

Featured in Consumer Electronics Magazine, November 2005

AirCare Automation describes the growing need for minienvironment cleanrooms within a larger “ballroom space.”

AirCare Automation explains the benefits of a full-suite monitoring system for high performance, efficiency, and compliance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Featured in Cleanroom Technology, April 16, 2020 and Controlled Environments, March 2016

Higher-Purity Cleanrooms within a Larger Environment

AirCare Automation describes the growing need for minienvironment cleanrooms within a larger “ballroom space.”

“Closed Loop Controls for Minienvironments”

Featured in Cleanroom Technology, April 17, 2020

Presentations on AirCare Automation Products

Versatile Monitoring Options for USP797 & 800 Compliance

Find out how our management and monitoring options can be installed in existing and new construction cleanrooms to meet regulatory benchmarks in the pharmaceutical industry.

Presented at the CETA™ Conference, 2018

Introducing the Next Generation of Smart-Motor-Controlled FFUs

AirCare Automations brings a new level of performance to your cleanroom’s FFU.

Presented at the ESTech™ Conference, 2018

AirCare Automation’s Zephyr 2 Console DSM

Explore this versatile option for FFU control and monitoring.

Innovations in Custom Controls, Management, and Monitoring for FFUs

AirCare Automation is leading the way with the next generation of air-flow management products.

Presented at the ESTech™ Conference, 2019

Get Cleanroom Controls, Monitoring, and Management for Your Critical Environment

AirCare Automation’s sales team is ready to partner with you, so you can make your impact in your industry with our specialized cleanroom products.

We’re here to listen as you walk us through your cleanroom plan – and then we’ll provide our highly customized solution including comprehensive customer support, training, installation, and more for your critical environment.