The differences between controlled environments and cleanrooms

Some environments required more elements of control than temperature range – the main aspect of control in cold rooms. This is where controlled environments and cleanrooms come in.

Controlled environments offer higher levels of control including and outside of temperature, and cleanrooms focus on controlling air cleanliness. But what defines a controlled environment and a cleanroom to understand these differences?

What is a controlled environment?

A controlled environment room, also referred to as a critical environment, is an area designed to control specific parameters. These parameters can include pressure, temperature, atmosphere, humidity, and segregation.

The factors that are controlled within these rooms are dependent on the specific requirements of the industry, individual business, products, and processes taking part within the controlled environment. The conditions maintained and measured within a controlled environment will vary dependent on the requirements of the work carried out within them.

Controlled environments are used in a wide variety of industries, including: pharmaceutical and medical, indoor growing, testing, manufacturing, automotive and aeronautical, and more.

What is cleanroom?

Cleanrooms are a type of controlled environment, but the main factor is the stringent requirements for measurements of air contamination. Cleanrooms are classified by BS EN ISO 14644-1 which measurements the amount of particles per cubic meter of air.

Cleanrooms commonly use air filtration to maintain the air cleanliness but will also often have other controlled factors – such as temperature and pressure.

Used in pharmaceutical processes, cleanrooms reduce the risk of contamination to the products being manufactured. This is particularly important when creating pharmaceutical drugs as the exact amount of product needs to be measured.

Cleanrooms and controlled environment differences

The main difference between controlled environments and cleanrooms, is the requirement to adhere to specific regulations and classifications.

Cleanrooms must be classified by BS EN ISO 14644-1, and in some cases GMP, to measure the air cleanliness (from ISO 1-8). Controlled environments consider atmospheric control such as temperature, pressure and humidity levels, whereas cleanrooms can be more complex with the considerations of decontamination and filtrations.

While controlled environments and cleanrooms are alike, and may control many of the same factors, the specifications for cleanrooms are more regulated and maintain higher levels of control. In particularly in relation to particle contamination and air cleanliness.

Controlled environments are used in a broader range of industries compared to cleanrooms due to the range of aspects of control.

MTCSS can design, supply and install controlled environments, including cold rooms and cleanrooms, for your individual and specialised requirements. Whether you require a cleanroom for pharmaceutical manufacturing, or a controlled room for aeronautic testing, MTCSS are here to help. Get in touch with our team today by calling us on 01886 833381, email us at sales@mtcss.flywheelsites.com, or fill in an enquiry form below!