EP0202110A2 - Laminar flow clean room - Google Patents
Laminar flow clean room Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0202110A2 EP0202110A2 EP86303632A EP86303632A EP0202110A2 EP 0202110 A2 EP0202110 A2 EP 0202110A2 EP 86303632 A EP86303632 A EP 86303632A EP 86303632 A EP86303632 A EP 86303632A EP 0202110 A2 EP0202110 A2 EP 0202110A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- members
- latticework
- clean room
- retainer
- lengthwise
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/28—Arrangement or mounting of filters
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/02—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation having means for ventilation or vapour discharge
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/06—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction, e.g. cross section or material of framework members
- E04B9/12—Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction
- E04B9/14—Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction all the members being discontinuous and laying at least partly in the same plane
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
- F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
- F24F3/16—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by purification, e.g. by filtering; by sterilisation; by ozonisation
- F24F3/167—Clean rooms, i.e. enclosed spaces in which a uniform flow of filtered air is distributed
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a clean room having provision for supplying filtered air to a work area under substantially laminar flow conditions.
- the clean room comprises a room- like enclosure having a filter bank suspended from and overlying the entire ceiling.
- the filter bank includes a number of individual high efficiency filters supported on a rectangular latticework, and a blower introduces air under pressure into the open plenum chamber formed between the filter bank and ceiling. The air then passes downwardly through the filters and vertically through the room.
- Appropriate ducts are provided in or adjacent the floor for conveying the air back to the blower for recirculation.
- a gasket of neoprene rubber or other similar material is commonly provided, which is secured to the front periphery of the filter frame, and which is designed to contact an inwardly turned peripheral flange on the latticework.
- a suitable clamping mechanism is then provided to press the filter frame and its front gasket against the flange to compress the. gasket and thereby prevent leakage of air around the outside of the filter.
- Such gasket seals have proven to be unsatisfactory in many applications however, since the gasket material often deteriorates and unfiltered air leaks may develop across the gasket, or at the butt end joint of the gasket.
- a filter bank assembly for a vertical laminar flow clean room, which comprises a horizontally suspended filter supporting latticework composed of comer connectors and a plurality of U-shaped channels extending between the connectors so as to define a plurality of rectangular open areas.
- a sealing fluid of relatively high consistency is disposed in the channels and connectors, and a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is adapted to be supported over each rectangular open area of the latticework.
- HEPA particulate air
- Each filter includes a peripheral skirt adapted to be received in the U-shaped channel and the connector so as to form a continuous peripheral seal with the fluid.
- the fluid has comprised a silicone base grease having a viscosity of about 30,000 centipoise, although a silicone based grease having a viscosity up to about 150,000 centipoise has been suggested for this use, note the above referenced patent to Wilcox.
- the present invention involves the discovery that migration of the particles occurs within the zone of turbulence formed for a short distance below each of the connectors and channels of the supporting latticework of the filter bank, and that this turbulence tends to attract and entrain the particles and to move the entrained particles laterally in the length direction of the channels to distant areas of the room, where they are eventually released and move downwardly.
- the present invention also involves the further discovery that by substantially reducing or eliminating the zone of turbulence beneath the connectors and channels of the supporting latticework, the problem of migration of particles is significantly alleviated.
- a clean room which comprises an enclosure including a top wall, a bottom wall, and bounding side walls, a filter bank positioned parallel to and spaced below the top wall, with the filter bank comprising a supporting latticework defining a plurality of rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework with one of the filters covering each of the open areas.
- Blower means is provided for introducing air above each of the filters of the filter bank such that the air flows downwardly through the filters at a predetermined flow rate.
- the supporting latticework is made up of interconnected members having a generally V-shaped outline in cross section, with the angular extent of the V-shaped outline being such as to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong for the particular value of the air flow rate, and so as to substantially eliminate turbulence below the members of the latticework.
- a sealant is positioned in the open areas of the latticework, and each filter includes a peripheral flange or skirt which has a continuous cross sectional outline corresponding to that of the associated open area, and so that the forward edge portion of the peripheral flange is positioned within the upper portion of the members and sealably embedded in the sealant.
- the sealant preferably comprises an essentially non-volatile and non-hardening moldable gum-like plastic material having a consistency substantially the same as modeling clay, which has been found to provide an essentially leak proof, non-deteriorating and non-drying seal between the filters and the supporting latticework.
- Figure 1 illustrates a-clean room 10 embodying the features of the present invention.
- the clean room comprises an enclosure which includes a top wall 11, a bottom wall 12, two side walls 13, 14, and an end wall 15 (the opposite end wall not being shown).
- a horizontally disposed filter bank 16 is positioned within the enclosure parallel to and spaced from the top wall 11 to define an open air supply plenum 18 therebetween.
- a raised floor 20 is mounted on suitable pedestals 21 above the bottom wall 12 to define a return air plenum 22, the floor 20 including a number of perforated panels 23 for permitting air to pass therethrough.
- the return air plenum 22 communicates with a vertical duct 24 containing a number of prefilters 25, and the vertical duct in turn communicates with the air handling unit 26 for recirculating the air into the air supply plenum 18.
- the air handling unit comprises a number of blowers 26, and a heating or air conditioning apparatus.
- the air delivered to the air supply plenum 18 by the air handling unit 26 passes downwardly through the filter bank 16 such that substantially all contaminants are removed immediately before the air enters the room.
- the air then passes vertically downwardly through the room under substantially laminar flow conditions, and through the floor 20 to the return air plenum 22.
- the returning air passes through the prefilters 25 where any relatively large particles in the airstream are removed, and through the blowers 26 to the air supply plenum 18.
- the filter bank 16 has an area which is substantially coextensive with the area of the top wall 11, and comprises a horizontally disposed supporting latticework 30 which defines a plurality of rectangular open areas 32.
- the latticework 30 comprises a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart lengthwise members 34 which are parallel to the side walls 13 and 14, an elongate end wall member 35 along each of the two end walls 15 of the room and thus extending perpendicular to the lengthwise members 34, and a plurality of relatively short cross members 36 extending laterally between the lengthwise members 34 and parallel to the end wall members 35.
- the lengthwise members 34 and two end wall members 35 are preferably continuous along the full length or width of the clean room, although they may comprise a number of sections which are joined end to end by an interconnection as described below.
- each member 34, 35, and 36 have a like cross sectional outline, as best seen in Figures 7 and 11.
- each member includes a pair of outer side walls 38, 39 which are disposed in a V-shaped arrangement, an upper internal plate 40 extending horizontally between the side walls, and a lower internal plate 41 disposed parallel to and below the plate 40.
- each member may be said to have the general form of an inverted A in cross section.
- the members also include an integral post 42 extending upwardly a relatively short distance from a medial portion of the plate 40 and longitudinally along the length of the member.
- the post 42 includes an upright leg 43 and an enlarged triangular or wedge shaped portion 44 in cross section positioned at the upper end of the upright leg 43, and so as to define outwardly facing slots 45 on opposite sides of the post and which are positioned between the upper surface of the internal plate 40 and the wedge shaped portion 44.
- the triangular area 46 below the lower internal plate 41 defines a hollow receptacle which extends along the length of the member, and which is adapted to serve as an electrical wire chase or the like, if desired.
- the area above the plate 40 defines an upwardly open receptacle 47 which is adapted to receive a sealant 48 as further described below.
- the open space between the upper plate 40 and lower plate 41 is adapted to receive an internal retainer 49 as further described below.
- the members 34, 35, 36 are preferably fabricated from a suitable metal or plastic material, and they may be extruded into the described configuration. As a specific example, the members may comprise extruded and anodized aluminum.
- the lengthwise members 34 are adapted to be joined end to end by means of an interconnection as best seen in Figures 12-14.
- This interconnection includes an elongate snap-on external retainer 52, an internal retainer 49, and an outer cover 53.
- the snap-on retainer 52 is formed of sheet metal and is shaped to be matingly received on the wedge shaped portions 44 of the posts 42 of the aligned members 34. More particularly, the retainer 52 has a generally rectangular enclosed outline in cross section, and the bottom wall is longitudinally split to form two separated sections 55, note Figure 8, with the sections including integral, reversely bent tabs 56 which are dimensioned so as to be adapted to be closely received in the slots 45 of the posts 42.
- the retainer is pressed downwardly onto the posts of the aligned members 34, and so that the tabs engage the wedge shaped portions 44 to cause the bottom wall sections to spring apart and receive the post therewithin.
- the tabs will then lock within the slots 45 as seen for example in Figure 14, so that the retainer 52 surrounds and grippingly engages the posts.
- the internal retainer 49 also is formed of a sheet metal material, and its cross section is configured to closely match the outline of the space between the plates 40 and 41. To effect its assembly between the members 34, one end of the retainer 49 is inserted into the end of one of the members 34 as seen in Figure 12, and the other member 34 may then be slipped onto the remaining portion of the splice. To prevent the retainer 49 from moving further into the initial member during the assembly of the second member, the retainer 49 may be provided with an aperture 57 in the side wall, which permits the technician to insert a tool, such as a screwdriver, and thereby prevent further sliding of the retainer into the initial member.
- a tool such as a screwdriver
- the cover 53 is in the form of a V-shaped sleeve which is adapted to underlie the end portions of the abutting members 34 to further reinforce the interconnection.
- the cover has in-turned flanges 58 along the upper edges, which permit the cover to be assembled by pressing the cover onto the aligned members from below so that the flanges snap over and lock behind the upper edges of the side walls 38, 39 of the members.
- each end of each cross member 36 abuts the associated lengthwise member 34 at a location inter mediate its ends, and that the ends of the two cross members are aligned on .opposite sides of the lengthwise member at the X-shaped interior interconnections.
- the lengthwise members 34 and the two end wall members 35 are joined in each of the four corners of the room by a mitered L-shaped interconnection 60 as seen in Figures 9 and 10, and the remaining ends of the lengthwise members 34 are joined to an intermediate portion of the length of the end wall members 35 by a T-shaped interconnection similar to that shown in Figure 15.
- a cut-out section 61 in the side wall of the lengthwise member (note Figures 5, 6, and 11) which extends downwardly to the level of the associated plate 40 and laterally a distance conforming to the separation of the adjacent portion of the side walls of the associated cross member 36.
- the plates 40 of the lengthwise and cross members are coextensive.
- the sealant 48 is positioned upon the coextensive plates continuously about the periphery of each open area of the latticework as seen in Figure 4.
- Each such interconnection further comprises retainer means interconnecting the cross member 36 and the associated lengthwise member 34.
- an X-shaped retainer 52a is provided which has a cross section corresponding to that of the above described retainer 52, and which is adapted to be snapped onto the posts of the associated members 34 and 36.
- the retainer 52b has a T-shaped outline, and the retainer 52b is adapted to be snapped onto upon the posts 42 of the two members in the manner described above.
- the L-shaped interconnections 60 at each of the four corners of the room each comprise two relatively short sections 65, 66 which conform to the cross sectional configuration of the members 34, 35, and 36, and which are mitered and fixedly interconnected by welding or the like.
- Each L-shaped interconnection 60 is joined to abutting members 34 and 35, using a retainer 52 and internal splice 49 in the manner described above.
- FIG 11 illustrates a pair of right angled clips 67, which may be utilized in the manner illustrated to reinforce a T-shaped interconnection.
- the clips 67 have a U-shaped outline in cross section which is slipped over the side walls 38, 39 of the members, and the inside leg of each clip includes a horizontal lip 68 for facilitating its assembly onto the side walls.
- FIG 17 illustrates a support bracket 62, which is adapted to support the Itticework from the top wall 11 of the clean room. More particularly, a number of support brackets 62 are each connected to a threaded tie rod 63, which depend from the top wall 11, and which permit the elevation of each support bracket 62 to be adjusted. Each support bracket 62 includes a triangular receptacle 64 along the lower edge, which is adapted to slide onto the wedge shaped portion 44 of the post 42 of the lengthwise member 34 in the manner best seen in Figure 17, and thereby support the lengthwise member from the top wall. A portion of the post 42 may be removed as indicated at 42a to facilitate the assembly of the receptacle 64 to the post.
- an L-shaped interconnection 60 is initially installed in each comer of the room, by suspending the interconnection from a support bracket 62 or by any other suitable means.
- the lengthwise members 34 are installed in a parallel, laterally spaced apart arrangement, with these members also being supported by a number of support brackets 62.
- the lengthwise members 34 typically have a substantial length, such as about eighteen feet, and depending on the length of the clean room, a number of the members may be joined in an end to end arrangement by the interconnection as shown in Figures 12-14.
- the ends of the members 34 are joined to the aligned ends of the interconnections 60.
- the end wall members 35 are then mounted along the end walls of the room, and joined to the other ends of the associated interconnections 60.
- the cross members 36 which typically have a length of about two feet, may then be installed between adjacent pairs of the lengthwise members 34.
- a T-shaped interconnection as shown in Figure 15 is formed between the lengthwise members 34 and the ends of the cross members 36 along two of the side walls of the room, with the assembly being maintained by a retainer 52b which is pressed into the posts 42.
- the end of each cross member 36 is inclined so as to mate with the side wall of the lengthwise member.
- the remaining ends of the lengthwise members 34 are also joined to the end wall members 35 along the two end walls of the room, to form similar T-shaped interconnections.
- the X-shaped interconnections which are formed at each of the interior comers of the latticework, are formed by bringing the members 36 into position, and joining them by means of the retainer 52a, which is also pressed downwardly onto the posts 42 of the members.
- the sealant 48 is deposited upon the upper plates 40 of the interconnected members, and so that the sealant extends continuously about the periphery of each open area 32.
- the lengthwise members 34 and end wall members 35 which form the outer periphery of the latticework 30 are sealed to the side walls of the room by means of a Z-shaped plate 69, which has one leg sealed to the wall of the room and the other leg embedded in the sealant 48, note Figures 4 and 18.
- edge members 70 have a modified cross sectional configuration, which includes a vertical side wall 71 which is adapted to be mounted directly against the side wall of the room, to thereby avoid the need for the Z-shaped plate 68 as described above.
- the L-shaped corner interconnections would have a corresponding outline.
- a plurality of air filters 74 are next positioned on the latticework 30, with one of the filters covering each of the open areas 32.
- Each filter 74 comprises a rectangular frame 75 which is typically fabricated from an extruded metal or plastic material, and which defines a centrally disposed air flow opening, note Figure 4.
- a filter pack 76 is sealably disposed within the air flow opening, and comprises a sheet of filtering medium folded in accordion fashion and with the folds thereof lying substantially parallel to the direction of air flow through the filter.
- the sheet of filtering medium may be fabricated from glass, ceramic, or cellulosic fibers, or plastic and polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), and is designed to remove sub-micron size particles from an airstream at extremely high efficiencies. Filters of this type are generally called “absolute” or "HEPA" filters in the industry.
- each filter 74 comprises four separate side panels which are interconnected in an end-to- end rectangular arrangement and in the manner more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,584,005 to Allan et al.
- Each of the side panels includes opposite side edges having outwardly and reversely turned flanges 77 ( Figure 7) which define a pair of opposing channels for receiving a right angled corner plate 73, which interconnects the abutting ends of the adjacent side panels.
- the frame 75 also defines a downwardly depending integral peripheral flange or skirt 78 positioned about the outer periphery of the frame 75, the skirt being adapted to rest within the receptacles 47 of the members 34, 35, 36 of the supporting latticework and to be sealably embedded in the sealant 48.
- a protective plastic "eggcrate" grille 80 may be mounted upon the members to cover each open area, and so that the grille is immediately below the downstream face of each filter.
- the depending skirt 78 of the frame 75 includes an integral, laterally directed shoulder 81, which is designed to engage and rest upon the grille 80, and thereby effectively limit the depth of penetration of the shirt into the sealant.
- the depending skirt further includes a knife-like edge 79 which projects downwardly from the outwardly turned flange 77 of 'the frame, and which extends about the entire periphery of the frame.
- the knife-like edge 79 thereby assures that the flange 78 penetrates the sealant to achieve a proper seal.
- each lighting fixture 82 may be positioned in selected open areas 32 of the latticework 30.
- each lighting fixture includes a rectangular metal housing 83 which mounts four fluorescent light bulbs 84, and which includes a downwardly depending lower edge 86 which is sized to rest within the receptacles 47 of the interconnected members of the latticework and be embedded in the sealant 48 about the periphery of the open area.
- the upper edge of the housing mounts a peripheral channel 87 having a sealant 48 positioned therein.
- a filter 74 is mounted upon the upper channel 87 of the housing, with the depending skirt 78 of the filter frame sealably embedded in the sealant 48.
- each of the members 34, 35, and 36 has a corresponding, generally V-shaped outline in cross section, and it is preferred that the angular extent of the V-shaped outline be predetermined so as to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong for the particular value of the air flow rate moving through the clean room.
- the receptacles 47 of the interconnected members of the latticework define a continuous, rectangular, upwardly facing open receptacle which surrounds each of the open areas 32.
- the sealant 48 is positioned upon the plates 40 and within this peripheral receptacle, and such that the depending metal skirts 78 of the filters, and the corresponding skirts 86 of the lighting fixtures 82, are immersed in the sealant 48 so as to form a non-deteriorating and highly efficient seal therebetween.
- the shoulder 81 on the skirt of the filters is adapted to engage the plastic grille 80, or alternatively the upper edge of the side wall 38, 39 of the members, to hold the lower edge of the skirt somewhat above the cross plate 40, and thereby prevent the skirt from cutting completely through the sealant 48, which could increase the likelihood of leakage of air.
- the sealant 48 comprises an essentially non-volatile and non-hardening moldable gum-like plastic material having a consistency substantially the same as modeling clay. More particularly, the sealant may comprise an uncured dimethyl polysiloxane gum having a viscosity of at least about 500,000 centipoise and a molecular weight of at least about 300,000 a m u.
- the sealant 48 comprises a compounded uncured dimethyl polysiloxane gum which is sold by the General Electric Company under the product identification SE-32, and which has a specific gravity of about 1.15, volatiles of not more than about 3%, a plasticity of between about 150-170 (Williams), a molecular weight of about 300,000 amu, and a viscosity of about 639,000 centipoise.
- This gum-like material is readily moldable and has a consistency substantially the same as modeling clay, and it is particularly advantageous in the present invention in that it does not readily flow or leak between the cracks formed between the plates 40 of the adjacent members. Thus caulking or other sealing of these cracks is unnecessary.
- fillers may be added to the gum resin to provide desirable properties, such as fire retar- dancy, heat resistance, or improved tensile strength.
- desirable properties such as fire retar- dancy, heat resistance, or improved tensile strength.
- the following composition is suitable for use in fabricating the sealant:
- the fumed silica acts to increase tensile strength
- the iron oxide increases heat resistance
- the phenyloxide is a fire retardant which permits the sealant to meet UL test standard UL 94 V-0, which requires the sealant to be self-extinguishing when exposed to a flame.
- the lengthwise members 34a, end wall members (not shown), and cross members 36a have a somewhat different cross sectional outline as compared to the embodiment of Figures 1-19.
- the members 34a and 36a do not include a post 42 as described above, but rather the lengthwise members 34a include an integral support bar 90 extending upwardly from the medial portion of the upper plate 40a for supporting the latticework from the top wall 11 of the clean room.
- the two end wall members preferably also include an integral support bar, and are thus identical to the lengthwise members 34a.
- an elongate opening 91 through one of the side walls 38a, 39a of the lengthwise member 34a and which communicates with the space formed between the upper and lower plates 40a, 41a. Also, the opening 91 is vertically aligned with the cut-out sections 61 a of the side walls.
- a platelike retainer 92 is slideably mounted in the space between the upper and lower cross plates at each of the ends of the cross members, and so that each retainer 92 extends outwardly from the associated cross member end. The retainer 92 is thus adapted to extend through the opening 91 in the side wall of the adjacent lengthwise member to interconnect the same.
- the plate 40a of each cross member includes a slot 93 adjacent each end, for receipt of a threaded set screw 94 which is received in a threaded bore in the retainer, and which permits the retainer to be locked in its extended position.
- the ends of the lengthwise members 34a are joined at an intermediate length of the end wall members (not shown in this embodiment) by a similar T-shaped interconnection which includes an opening in the side wall of the end wall member and a retainer slideably mounted in the end of the lengthwise member so that it may be inserted through the opening of the end wall member.
- the lengthwise member 34a is provided with aligned openings 91, 91 a in each side wall, and the retainer 92 extends completely through the two aligned open-ings of the lengthwise member.
- each retainer 92 interconnects two of the cross members to the associated lengthwise members.
- the lengthwise members 34a are initially installed in a parallel arrangement, and are supported from the top wall 21 by the integral support bars 90 of the members and tie rods 95.
- the two end wall members which preferably also include an integral support bar, are then mounted along the two end walls of the room.
- the cross members 36a are installed by initially withdrawing the retainer 92 into the cross member, inserting the cross member between the two lengthwise members 34a and in alignment with the openings 91, 91 a, and then moving the retainer 92 outwardly by engagement with the set screw 94, and so as to advance its free end through the adjacent opening.
- the vertically spacing between the upper and lower plates 40a, 41 a of the members closely approximates the thickness of the retainer 92 so as to closely receive the retainer 92 therebetween, and if desired, it may be further held by means of a set screw (not shown) which extends through the plate 40a of the lengthwise member to engage the retainer.
- the retainer 92 will be subsequently locked in position by the retainer of the aligned cross member, which has a length sufficient to extend through the member 34a and enter the slot between the upper and lower plates of the cross member.
- a further set screw may be employed to lock the retainer to the opposite end of the cross member, if desired.
- the last cross members to be installed will necessarily slideably mount a retainer 92 at each end, so as to permit interconnection between the two final lengthwise members.
- the ends of the lengthwise members 34a are joined to the end wall members (not shown) to form a T-shaped interconnection in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the lengthwise and cross members.
- the four corners of the latticework may be formed by a suitable mitered interconnection between the ends of the lengthwise and end wall members, using an L-shaped outer cover of V-shaped cross section to maintain their assembly in the manner of the cover 53 described above.
- the latticework is then sealed to the side walls of the clean room, and the receptacles are filled with a sealant 48.
- the sealant 48 may be extruded into an elongate strip 48a, which is preferably wound into a flat coil to facilitate handling and storage as seen in Figure 21.
- the strip 48a includes a sheet of release paper 98 or the like adhered to one side edge of the strip, with the release sheet 98 being disposed between adjacent coils to prevent contact between the adjacent coils.
- the strip 48a is extruded to have a cross sectional shape which generally conforms to the cross sectional shape of that portion of the members above the upper cross plates.
- the strip 48a may be cut into suitable lengths which are progressively disposed along the plates around the periphery of each open area, while the release sheet 98 is stripped therefrom as seen in Figure 21.
- the ends of the cut lengths are brought into abutting contact, and the abutting ends of the polysiloxane sealant will in a short time self amalgamate or diffuse into each other, resulting in a continuous uninterrupted joint which has the same appearance and characteristics of the remaining portions of the strip. Thus any possibility of leakage through the joint formed between the abutting ends of the strip is avoided.
- the latticework comprises a plurality of generally X-shaped connectors 100 disposed at the corners of the rectangular open areas, with each connector composed of four extensions 102 radiating from a common central location at right angles to each other.
- a coupling member in the form of a threaded socket 103 is disposed at the central location of each connec tor, and the threaded socket is adopted to engage one of the tie rods 104 which support the latticework from the top wall 21.
- a plurality of channels 106 are interconnected respectively between the aligned pairs of extensions 102 of each adjacent pair of connectors 100, to complete the latticework.
- the connectors along the sides of the latticework will have a T-shaped outline, and the connectors at the corners of the latticework will have a right angled outline.
- channels and connectors located about the perimeter of the bank 26 are sealably secured to the adjacent side walls by any suitable means, such as the plate 68 shown in Figure 18.
- Each of the four extensions 102 of each connector 100 is composed of two side walls 108, 109 which are inclined toward each other in a V-shaped arrangement in cross section, and an internal plate 110 extending between the side walls and so that each of the extensions 102 has the cross sectional configuration of an inverted A which defines an upwardly open receptacle.
- Each extension 102 further includes a retainer 112 of triangular cross section, and which is closely received in the portion of the extension below the plate 110. If desired, the retainer 112 may be slideably received therein, and the plate 110 may be provided with a slot and set screw for controlling its sliding movement as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 21-25.
- the channels 106 have a cross sectional outline corresponding to that of the extensions of the connectors and include side walls 114, 115 and an internal plate 116, and the channels are adapted to slideably receive the extended portions of the retainers 112 to effect their interconnections.
- the upper surface of the plates 110 of the connectors and the upper surface of the plates 116 of the channels are coextensive, and the sealant 48 is positioned upon these coextensive upper surfaces.
- gum-like sealing material may be extruded to have a cross sectional shape which generally conforms to the cross sectional shape of that portion of the extensions and channels above the surfaces of the plates.
- each of the extensions 102 of the connectors and each of the channels 106 have a corresponding, generally V-shaped outline in cross section, and it is preferred that the angular extent of the V-shaped outline be predetermined so as to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong for the particular value of the air flow rate moving through the clean room, and for the reasons set forth above.
- FIGS 30 and 31 illustrate at 121 a further embodiment of the connectors of a latticework which embodies the present invention.
- each connector 121 comprises four radiating extensions 122, with a threaded sleeve 123 fixed at the central location between the arms for joining a tie rod 124.
- Each of the extensions 122 is formed of two side walls disposed in a V-shaped relationship, with integral tabs 125 extending upwardly from the upper edges thereof.
- the channels 126 have a mating V-shaped outline, and to assemble the channels to the connectors, the channels are laid into the extensions 122, and the tabs 125 are deformed over the upper edges of the channels to maintain their assembly.
- a suitable sealant may then be positioned in the connectors and channels for sealably engaging the skirts of the filters in the manner described above.
- Figure 32 illustrates a modification of the embodiment of the connector 100 shown in Figures 26-29.
- the central portion of the connector includes a ball and socket interconnection 128 which is disposed between the connector and tie rod 104, to facilitate the leveling of the connector.
- a similar ball and socket arrangement is shown at 129 in Figure 33, and which is suitable for the embodiment of the connector 121 shown in Figures 30 and 31.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a clean room having provision for supplying filtered air to a work area under substantially laminar flow conditions.
- The need for a controlled, contaminant-free work area is well recognized in industry wherever precision manufacturing and assembly operations are conducted, and several clean room designs have been developed for this purpose. In one such present design, the clean room comprises a room- like enclosure having a filter bank suspended from and overlying the entire ceiling. The filter bank includes a number of individual high efficiency filters supported on a rectangular latticework, and a blower introduces air under pressure into the open plenum chamber formed between the filter bank and ceiling. The air then passes downwardly through the filters and vertically through the room. Appropriate ducts are provided in or adjacent the floor for conveying the air back to the blower for recirculation.
- To seal the filters to the latticework, a gasket of neoprene rubber or other similar material is commonly provided, which is secured to the front periphery of the filter frame, and which is designed to contact an inwardly turned peripheral flange on the latticework. A suitable clamping mechanism is then provided to press the filter frame and its front gasket against the flange to compress the. gasket and thereby prevent leakage of air around the outside of the filter. Such gasket seals have proven to be unsatisfactory in many applications however, since the gasket material often deteriorates and unfiltered air leaks may develop across the gasket, or at the butt end joint of the gasket.
- In U.S. Patent No. 3,486,311 to Allan, and No. 3,986,850 to Wilcox, there is disclosed a filter bank assembly for a vertical laminar flow clean room, which comprises a horizontally suspended filter supporting latticework composed of comer connectors and a plurality of U-shaped channels extending between the connectors so as to define a plurality of rectangular open areas. A sealing fluid of relatively high consistency is disposed in the channels and connectors, and a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is adapted to be supported over each rectangular open area of the latticework. Each filter includes a peripheral skirt adapted to be received in the U-shaped channel and the connector so as to form a continuous peripheral seal with the fluid. In commercial practice, the fluid has comprised a silicone base grease having a viscosity of about 30,000 centipoise, although a silicone based grease having a viscosity up to about 150,000 centipoise has been suggested for this use, note the above referenced patent to Wilcox.
- The fluid sealing structure of the above patents represents a vast improvement over the previously employed gasket seals, and has met with a great deal of commercial success since a near perfect and non-deteriorating seal is achieved under normal operating conditions. However, a long recognized problem associated with clean rooms of the described type is the fact that dust or dirt Particles which are periodically introduced into one area of the room often migrate to distant areas of the room where they contaminate sensitive products or materials. Thus, for example, when persons or raw materials enter the room through a door, the particle count will often increase at a distant location in the room. The cause for this migration of particles has not been understood, since one would expeot that under laminar flow conditions the particles introduced into the room would move directly downwardly, and be removed through the exhaust duct in or adjacent the floor.
- In accordance with the present invention, the cause of the migration of dust or dirt particles through the clean room has been discovered, and a novel structure for the filter bank has been developed which substantially alleviates the problem. More particularly, the present invention involves the discovery that migration of the particles occurs within the zone of turbulence formed for a short distance below each of the connectors and channels of the supporting latticework of the filter bank, and that this turbulence tends to attract and entrain the particles and to move the entrained particles laterally in the length direction of the channels to distant areas of the room, where they are eventually released and move downwardly. The present invention also involves the further discovery that by substantially reducing or eliminating the zone of turbulence beneath the connectors and channels of the supporting latticework, the problem of migration of particles is significantly alleviated.
- It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a clean room of the described type which substantially alleviates the problem of particle migration, so that distant areas of the room are unaffected when particles are introduced in one area of the room.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clean room having a supporting latticework for a filter bank which is of simple and inexpensive construction, and which is relatively easy to assemble.
- These and other objects and advantages are achieved in the embodiments of the invention described herein by the provision of a clean room which comprises an enclosure including a top wall, a bottom wall, and bounding side walls, a filter bank positioned parallel to and spaced below the top wall, with the filter bank comprising a supporting latticework defining a plurality of rectangular open areas, and a plurality of high efficiency air filters positioned on the supporting latticework with one of the filters covering each of the open areas. Blower means is provided for introducing air above each of the filters of the filter bank such that the air flows downwardly through the filters at a predetermined flow rate. Further, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supporting latticework is made up of interconnected members having a generally V-shaped outline in cross section, with the angular extent of the V-shaped outline being such as to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong for the particular value of the air flow rate, and so as to substantially eliminate turbulence below the members of the latticework. By the substantial elimination of the turbulence, the tendency of the particles to be moved laterally through the room is significantly alleviated.
- In the illustrated specific embodiments, a sealant is positioned in the open areas of the latticework, and each filter includes a peripheral flange or skirt which has a continuous cross sectional outline corresponding to that of the associated open area, and so that the forward edge portion of the peripheral flange is positioned within the upper portion of the members and sealably embedded in the sealant. In addition, the sealant preferably comprises an essentially non-volatile and non-hardening moldable gum-like plastic material having a consistency substantially the same as modeling clay, which has been found to provide an essentially leak proof, non-deteriorating and non-drying seal between the filters and the supporting latticework.
- In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
-
- Figure 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a clean room which embodies the features of the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the filter bank employed in the clean room shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the supporting latticework of the filter bank;
- Figure 4 is a sectional side elevation view of the filter bank;
- Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the X-shaped interconnections of the latticework;
- Figure 6 is an exploded view of the interconnection shown in Figure 5;
- Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of one of the members of the latticework of the filter bank, together with the adjacent portions of the filter frames and protective grilles;
- Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a snap-on retainer for joining the members of the latticework;
- Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of one of the mitered corner interconnections of the latticework;
- Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembled corner interconnection;
- Figure 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of a T-shaped interconnection, and specifically illustrating edge clips for maintaining the interconnection;
- Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of an end to end interconnection of the members of the latticework;
- Figure 13 is a perspective view of an assembled end to end interconnection;
- Figure 14 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 14-14 of Figure 13;
- Figure 15 is a perspective view of a T-shaped interconnection;
- Figure 16 is a perspective view of a snap-on retainer used in the T-shaped interconnection of Figure 15;
- Figure 17 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of one of the members of the latticework and a supporting bracket;
- Figure 18 is a fragmentary sectioned perspective view of the interconnection between a side wall and a peripheral member of the latticework;
- Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 but illustrating an alternative embodiment of the side wall interconnection;
- Figure 20 is a sectional side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the supporting latticework of the filter bank in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the latticework shown in Figure 20, and further indicating a method for assembling the sealant therein;
- Figure 22 is a fragmentary and sectioned top plan view of one of the X-shaped interconnections of the latticework of Figure 20;
- Figure 23 is a bottom plan view of the interconnection shown in Figure 22;
- Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the interconnection shown in Figure 22;
- Figure 25 is a perspective sectional view taken substantially along the line 25-25 of Figure 22;
- Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a connector and the associated channels which form an alternative embodiment of the supporting latticework of the filter bank in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 27 is a plan view of one of the X-shaped connectors of the filter bank shown in Figure 26;
- Figure 28 is a side elevation view of the connector shown in Figure 26, and further illustrating one interconnected channel;
- Figure 29 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating' the connector of Figure 26 and interconnected channels;
- Figure 30 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the X-shaped connector of the supporting latticework of the present invention;
- figure 31 is a perspective view illustrating the connector of Figure 30 together with the interconnected channels;
- Figure 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of a further embodiment of a connector which is similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figures 26-29, and which further incorporates a ball and socket interconnection with the tie rod so as to permit the leveling of the connector; and
- Figure 33 is a view similar to Figure 32, but illustrating the ball and socket interconnection applied to the embodiment of the connector shown in Figures 30 and 31.
- Referring more specifically to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a-clean
room 10 embodying the features of the present invention. As illustrated, the clean room comprises an enclosure which includes a top wall 11, abottom wall 12, twoside walls filter bank 16 is positioned within the enclosure parallel to and spaced from the top wall 11 to define an openair supply plenum 18 therebetween. A raised floor 20 is mounted onsuitable pedestals 21 above thebottom wall 12 to define areturn air plenum 22, the floor 20 including a number ofperforated panels 23 for permitting air to pass therethrough. Thereturn air plenum 22 communicates with avertical duct 24 containing a number ofprefilters 25, and the vertical duct in turn communicates with theair handling unit 26 for recirculating the air into theair supply plenum 18. Typically, the air handling unit comprises a number ofblowers 26, and a heating or air conditioning apparatus. Thus in use, the air delivered to theair supply plenum 18 by theair handling unit 26 passes downwardly through thefilter bank 16 such that substantially all contaminants are removed immediately before the air enters the room. The air then passes vertically downwardly through the room under substantially laminar flow conditions, and through the floor 20 to thereturn air plenum 22. The returning air passes through theprefilters 25 where any relatively large particles in the airstream are removed, and through theblowers 26 to theair supply plenum 18. - The
filter bank 16 has an area which is substantially coextensive with the area of the top wall 11, and comprises a horizontally disposed supportinglatticework 30 which defines a plurality of rectangularopen areas 32. In the embodiment of Figures 1-19, thelatticework 30 comprises a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart lengthwisemembers 34 which are parallel to theside walls end wall member 35 along each of the twoend walls 15 of the room and thus extending perpendicular to thelengthwise members 34, and a plurality of relativelyshort cross members 36 extending laterally between thelengthwise members 34 and parallel to theend wall members 35. Thelengthwise members 34 and twoend wall members 35 are preferably continuous along the full length or width of the clean room, although they may comprise a number of sections which are joined end to end by an interconnection as described below. - The
members outer side walls internal plate 40 extending horizontally between the side walls, and a lowerinternal plate 41 disposed parallel to and below theplate 40. Thus each member may be said to have the general form of an inverted A in cross section. The members also include anintegral post 42 extending upwardly a relatively short distance from a medial portion of theplate 40 and longitudinally along the length of the member. Thepost 42 includes an upright leg 43 and an enlarged triangular or wedge shapedportion 44 in cross section positioned at the upper end of the upright leg 43, and so as to define outwardly facing slots 45 on opposite sides of the post and which are positioned between the upper surface of theinternal plate 40 and the wedge shapedportion 44. Thetriangular area 46 below the lowerinternal plate 41 defines a hollow receptacle which extends along the length of the member, and which is adapted to serve as an electrical wire chase or the like, if desired. The area above theplate 40 defines an upwardlyopen receptacle 47 which is adapted to receive asealant 48 as further described below. In addition, the open space between theupper plate 40 andlower plate 41 is adapted to receive aninternal retainer 49 as further described below. Themembers - The
lengthwise members 34 are adapted to be joined end to end by means of an interconnection as best seen in Figures 12-14. This interconnection includes an elongate snap-onexternal retainer 52, aninternal retainer 49, and anouter cover 53. The snap-onretainer 52 is formed of sheet metal and is shaped to be matingly received on the wedge shapedportions 44 of theposts 42 of the alignedmembers 34. More particularly, theretainer 52 has a generally rectangular enclosed outline in cross section, and the bottom wall is longitudinally split to form two separatedsections 55, note Figure 8, with the sections including integral, reverselybent tabs 56 which are dimensioned so as to be adapted to be closely received in the slots 45 of theposts 42. To effect assembly, the retainer is pressed downwardly onto the posts of the alignedmembers 34, and so that the tabs engage the wedge shapedportions 44 to cause the bottom wall sections to spring apart and receive the post therewithin. The tabs will then lock within the slots 45 as seen for example in Figure 14, so that theretainer 52 surrounds and grippingly engages the posts. - The
internal retainer 49 also is formed of a sheet metal material, and its cross section is configured to closely match the outline of the space between theplates members 34, one end of theretainer 49 is inserted into the end of one of themembers 34 as seen in Figure 12, and theother member 34 may then be slipped onto the remaining portion of the splice. To prevent theretainer 49 from moving further into the initial member during the assembly of the second member, theretainer 49 may be provided with an aperture 57 in the side wall, which permits the technician to insert a tool, such as a screwdriver, and thereby prevent further sliding of the retainer into the initial member. - The
cover 53 is in the form of a V-shaped sleeve which is adapted to underlie the end portions of the abuttingmembers 34 to further reinforce the interconnection. The cover has in-turned flanges 58 along the upper edges, which permit the cover to be assembled by pressing the cover onto the aligned members from below so that the flanges snap over and lock behind the upper edges of theside walls - The interconnected lengthwise and cross members will be seen to define X-shaped interconnections within the interior of the latticework (note Figure 5), and T-shaped interconnections along the side walls (note Figure 15). It will also be seen that each end of each
cross member 36 abuts the associated lengthwisemember 34 at a location inter mediate its ends, and that the ends of the two cross members are aligned on .opposite sides of the lengthwise member at the X-shaped interior interconnections. Thelengthwise members 34 and the twoend wall members 35 are joined in each of the four corners of the room by a mitered L-shaped interconnection 60 as seen in Figures 9 and 10, and the remaining ends of thelengthwise members 34 are joined to an intermediate portion of the length of theend wall members 35 by a T-shaped interconnection similar to that shown in Figure 15. - At each of the interconnections between the lengthwise and cross members, there is provided a cut-out section 61 in the side wall of the lengthwise member (note Figures 5, 6, and 11) which extends downwardly to the level of the associated
plate 40 and laterally a distance conforming to the separation of the adjacent portion of the side walls of the associatedcross member 36. Thus theplates 40 of the lengthwise and cross members are coextensive. Also, thesealant 48 is positioned upon the coextensive plates continuously about the periphery of each open area of the latticework as seen in Figure 4. - Each such interconnection further comprises retainer means interconnecting the
cross member 36 and the associated lengthwisemember 34. At the X-shaped interconnections as best seen in Figures 5 and 6, anX-shaped retainer 52a is provided which has a cross section corresponding to that of the above describedretainer 52, and which is adapted to be snapped onto the posts of the associatedmembers retainer 52b has a T-shaped outline, and theretainer 52b is adapted to be snapped onto upon theposts 42 of the two members in the manner described above. - The L-shaped interconnections 60 at each of the four corners of the room each comprise two relatively
short sections 65, 66 which conform to the cross sectional configuration of themembers members retainer 52 andinternal splice 49 in the manner described above. - Figure 11 illustrates a pair of right angled clips 67, which may be utilized in the manner illustrated to reinforce a T-shaped interconnection. The clips 67 have a U-shaped outline in cross section which is slipped over the
side walls horizontal lip 68 for facilitating its assembly onto the side walls. - Figure 17 illustrates a
support bracket 62, which is adapted to support the Itticework from the top wall 11 of the clean room. More particularly, a number ofsupport brackets 62 are each connected to a threadedtie rod 63, which depend from the top wall 11, and which permit the elevation of eachsupport bracket 62 to be adjusted. Eachsupport bracket 62 includes a triangular receptacle 64 along the lower edge, which is adapted to slide onto the wedge shapedportion 44 of thepost 42 of thelengthwise member 34 in the manner best seen in Figure 17, and thereby support the lengthwise member from the top wall. A portion of thepost 42 may be removed as indicated at 42a to facilitate the assembly of the receptacle 64 to the post. - To fabricate the above described
latticework 30, an L-shaped interconnection 60 is initially installed in each comer of the room, by suspending the interconnection from asupport bracket 62 or by any other suitable means. Next, thelengthwise members 34 are installed in a parallel, laterally spaced apart arrangement, with these members also being supported by a number ofsupport brackets 62. Thelengthwise members 34 typically have a substantial length, such as about eighteen feet, and depending on the length of the clean room, a number of the members may be joined in an end to end arrangement by the interconnection as shown in Figures 12-14. At the four comers, the ends of themembers 34 are joined to the aligned ends of the interconnections 60. Theend wall members 35 are then mounted along the end walls of the room, and joined to the other ends of the associated interconnections 60. - The
cross members 36, which typically have a length of about two feet, may then be installed between adjacent pairs of thelengthwise members 34. A T-shaped interconnection as shown in Figure 15 is formed between thelengthwise members 34 and the ends of thecross members 36 along two of the side walls of the room, with the assembly being maintained by aretainer 52b which is pressed into theposts 42. In this regard, it will also be noted that the end of eachcross member 36 is inclined so as to mate with the side wall of the lengthwise member. The remaining ends of thelengthwise members 34 are also joined to theend wall members 35 along the two end walls of the room, to form similar T-shaped interconnections. - The X-shaped interconnections, which are formed at each of the interior comers of the latticework, are formed by bringing the
members 36 into position, and joining them by means of theretainer 52a, which is also pressed downwardly onto theposts 42 of the members. - As final steps in the fabrication of the latticework, the
sealant 48 is deposited upon theupper plates 40 of the interconnected members, and so that the sealant extends continuously about the periphery of eachopen area 32. In addition, thelengthwise members 34 andend wall members 35 which form the outer periphery of thelatticework 30 are sealed to the side walls of the room by means of a Z-shaped plate 69, which has one leg sealed to the wall of the room and the other leg embedded in thesealant 48, note Figures 4 and 18. - An alternative construction for the
lengthwise members 34 andend wall members 35 which form the outer periphery of the latticework is shown at 70 in Figure 19. In this embodiment, these edge members 70 have a modified cross sectional configuration, which includes avertical side wall 71 which is adapted to be mounted directly against the side wall of the room, to thereby avoid the need for the Z-shapedplate 68 as described above. As will be understood, the L-shaped corner interconnections would have a corresponding outline. - A plurality of
air filters 74 are next positioned on thelatticework 30, with one of the filters covering each of theopen areas 32. Eachfilter 74 comprises arectangular frame 75 which is typically fabricated from an extruded metal or plastic material, and which defines a centrally disposed air flow opening, note Figure 4. Afilter pack 76 is sealably disposed within the air flow opening, and comprises a sheet of filtering medium folded in accordion fashion and with the folds thereof lying substantially parallel to the direction of air flow through the filter. As well known in the art, the sheet of filtering medium may be fabricated from glass, ceramic, or cellulosic fibers, or plastic and polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), and is designed to remove sub-micron size particles from an airstream at extremely high efficiencies. Filters of this type are generally called "absolute" or "HEPA" filters in the industry. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
rectangular frame 75 of eachfilter 74 comprises four separate side panels which are interconnected in an end-to- end rectangular arrangement and in the manner more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,584,005 to Allan et al. Each of the side panels includes opposite side edges having outwardly and reversely turned flanges 77 (Figure 7) which define a pair of opposing channels for receiving a right angled corner plate 73, which interconnects the abutting ends of the adjacent side panels. - The
frame 75 also defines a downwardly depending integral peripheral flange orskirt 78 positioned about the outer periphery of theframe 75, the skirt being adapted to rest within thereceptacles 47 of themembers sealant 48. A protective plastic "eggcrate"grille 80 may be mounted upon the members to cover each open area, and so that the grille is immediately below the downstream face of each filter. Also, the dependingskirt 78 of theframe 75 includes an integral, laterally directedshoulder 81, which is designed to engage and rest upon thegrille 80, and thereby effectively limit the depth of penetration of the shirt into the sealant. The depending skirt further includes a knife-like edge 79 which projects downwardly from the outwardly turned flange 77 of 'the frame, and which extends about the entire periphery of the frame. The knife-like edge 79 thereby assures that theflange 78 penetrates the sealant to achieve a proper seal. - A plurality of
lighting fixtures 82 may be positioned in selectedopen areas 32 of thelatticework 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each lighting fixture includes arectangular metal housing 83 which mounts four fluorescent light bulbs 84, and which includes a downwardly dependinglower edge 86 which is sized to rest within thereceptacles 47 of the interconnected members of the latticework and be embedded in thesealant 48 about the periphery of the open area. Also, the upper edge of the housing mounts aperipheral channel 87 having asealant 48 positioned therein. Afilter 74 is mounted upon theupper channel 87 of the housing, with the dependingskirt 78 of the filter frame sealably embedded in thesealant 48. - As noted above, each of the
members receptacles 47 of the interconnected members of the latticework define a continuous, rectangular, upwardly facing open receptacle which surrounds each of theopen areas 32. Thesealant 48 is positioned upon theplates 40 and within this peripheral receptacle, and such that the dependingmetal skirts 78 of the filters, and the correspondingskirts 86 of thelighting fixtures 82, are immersed in thesealant 48 so as to form a non-deteriorating and highly efficient seal therebetween. Theshoulder 81 on the skirt of the filters is adapted to engage theplastic grille 80, or alternatively the upper edge of theside wall cross plate 40, and thereby prevent the skirt from cutting completely through thesealant 48, which could increase the likelihood of leakage of air. - It is preferred that the
sealant 48 comprises an essentially non-volatile and non-hardening moldable gum-like plastic material having a consistency substantially the same as modeling clay. More particularly, the sealant may comprise an uncured dimethyl polysiloxane gum having a viscosity of at least about 500,000 centipoise and a molecular weight of at least about 300,000 a m u. - In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
sealant 48 comprises a compounded uncured dimethyl polysiloxane gum which is sold by the General Electric Company under the product identification SE-32, and which has a specific gravity of about 1.15, volatiles of not more than about 3%, a plasticity of between about 150-170 (Williams), a molecular weight of about 300,000 amu, and a viscosity of about 639,000 centipoise. This gum-like material is readily moldable and has a consistency substantially the same as modeling clay, and it is particularly advantageous in the present invention in that it does not readily flow or leak between the cracks formed between theplates 40 of the adjacent members. Thus caulking or other sealing of these cracks is unnecessary. In certain instances, it has been found desirable to place a thin coating of a silicone base grease, or other petrolatum-like fluid, upon the filter skirts, in order to facilitate the insertion and extraction of the skirts into and from the sealant. - Various fillers may be added to the gum resin to provide desirable properties, such as fire retar- dancy, heat resistance, or improved tensile strength. As a further non-limiting specific example wherein such fillers are employed, the following composition is suitable for use in fabricating the sealant:
- 50 parts uncured dimethyl polysiloxane gum - (General Electric SE-32)
- 50 parts uncured methyl vinyl polysiloxane gum - (General Electric SE-63)
- 12 parts fumed silica
- 5 parts red iron oxide
- 10 parts decabromodiphenyloxide (Great Lakes - (Chemical DE83R)
- In the above example, the fumed silica acts to increase tensile strength, the iron oxide increases heat resistance, and the phenyloxide is a fire retardant which permits the sealant to meet UL test standard UL 94 V-0, which requires the sealant to be self-extinguishing when exposed to a flame.
- In the embodiment of Figures 20-25, the
lengthwise members 34a, end wall members (not shown), andcross members 36a have a somewhat different cross sectional outline as compared to the embodiment of Figures 1-19. In particular, themembers post 42 as described above, but rather thelengthwise members 34a include anintegral support bar 90 extending upwardly from the medial portion of theupper plate 40a for supporting the latticework from the top wall 11 of the clean room. The two end wall members preferably also include an integral support bar, and are thus identical to thelengthwise members 34a. - To connect the
members lengthwise member 34a and which communicates with the space formed between the upper andlower plates platelike retainer 92 is slideably mounted in the space between the upper and lower cross plates at each of the ends of the cross members, and so that eachretainer 92 extends outwardly from the associated cross member end. Theretainer 92 is thus adapted to extend through the opening 91 in the side wall of the adjacent lengthwise member to interconnect the same. Preferably, theplate 40a of each cross member includes aslot 93 adjacent each end, for receipt of a threadedset screw 94 which is received in a threaded bore in the retainer, and which permits the retainer to be locked in its extended position. - The ends of the
lengthwise members 34a are joined at an intermediate length of the end wall members (not shown in this embodiment) by a similar T-shaped interconnection which includes an opening in the side wall of the end wall member and a retainer slideably mounted in the end of the lengthwise member so that it may be inserted through the opening of the end wall member. - At the X-shaped interconnections as shown in Figures 22-24, the
lengthwise member 34a is provided with aligned openings 91, 91 a in each side wall, and theretainer 92 extends completely through the two aligned open-ings of the lengthwise member. Thus eachretainer 92 interconnects two of the cross members to the associated lengthwise members. - To fabricate the latticework of the embodiment of Figures 20-25, the
lengthwise members 34a are initially installed in a parallel arrangement, and are supported from thetop wall 21 by the integral support bars 90 of the members andtie rods 95. - The two end wall members, which preferably also include an integral support bar, are then mounted along the two end walls of the room. Next, the
cross members 36a are installed by initially withdrawing theretainer 92 into the cross member, inserting the cross member between the twolengthwise members 34a and in alignment with the openings 91, 91 a, and then moving theretainer 92 outwardly by engagement with theset screw 94, and so as to advance its free end through the adjacent opening. The vertically spacing between the upper andlower plates retainer 92 so as to closely receive theretainer 92 therebetween, and if desired, it may be further held by means of a set screw (not shown) which extends through theplate 40a of the lengthwise member to engage the retainer. - The end of the
cross member 36a opposite .theretainer 92 will be subsequently locked in position by the retainer of the aligned cross member, which has a length sufficient to extend through themember 34a and enter the slot between the upper and lower plates of the cross member. Here again, a further set screw may be employed to lock the retainer to the opposite end of the cross member, if desired. As will also be apparent, the last cross members to be installed will necessarily slideably mount aretainer 92 at each end, so as to permit interconnection between the two final lengthwise members. - The ends of the
lengthwise members 34a are joined to the end wall members (not shown) to form a T-shaped interconnection in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the lengthwise and cross members. Also, the four corners of the latticework may be formed by a suitable mitered interconnection between the ends of the lengthwise and end wall members, using an L-shaped outer cover of V-shaped cross section to maintain their assembly in the manner of thecover 53 described above. The latticework is then sealed to the side walls of the clean room, and the receptacles are filled with asealant 48. - To assemble the
sealant 48 into the receptacles of the latticework, the sealant may be extruded into an elongate strip 48a, which is preferably wound into a flat coil to facilitate handling and storage as seen in Figure 21. The strip 48a includes a sheet ofrelease paper 98 or the like adhered to one side edge of the strip, with therelease sheet 98 being disposed between adjacent coils to prevent contact between the adjacent coils. Also, the strip 48a is extruded to have a cross sectional shape which generally conforms to the cross sectional shape of that portion of the members above the upper cross plates. The strip 48a may be cut into suitable lengths which are progressively disposed along the plates around the periphery of each open area, while therelease sheet 98 is stripped therefrom as seen in Figure 21. The ends of the cut lengths are brought into abutting contact, and the abutting ends of the polysiloxane sealant will in a short time self amalgamate or diffuse into each other, resulting in a continuous uninterrupted joint which has the same appearance and characteristics of the remaining portions of the strip. Thus any possibility of leakage through the joint formed between the abutting ends of the strip is avoided. - In the embodiment of Figures 26-29, the latticework comprises a plurality of generally
X-shaped connectors 100 disposed at the corners of the rectangular open areas, with each connector composed of fourextensions 102 radiating from a common central location at right angles to each other. A coupling member in the form of a threadedsocket 103 is disposed at the central location of each connec tor, and the threaded socket is adopted to engage one of thetie rods 104 which support the latticework from thetop wall 21. A plurality ofchannels 106 are interconnected respectively between the aligned pairs ofextensions 102 of each adjacent pair ofconnectors 100, to complete the latticework. As will be understood, the connectors along the sides of the latticework will have a T-shaped outline, and the connectors at the corners of the latticework will have a right angled outline. - Also, the channels and connectors located about the perimeter of the
bank 26 are sealably secured to the adjacent side walls by any suitable means, such as theplate 68 shown in Figure 18. - Each of the four
extensions 102 of eachconnector 100 is composed of twoside walls internal plate 110 extending between the side walls and so that each of theextensions 102 has the cross sectional configuration of an inverted A which defines an upwardly open receptacle. Eachextension 102 further includes aretainer 112 of triangular cross section, and which is closely received in the portion of the extension below theplate 110. If desired, theretainer 112 may be slideably received therein, and theplate 110 may be provided with a slot and set screw for controlling its sliding movement as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 21-25. - The
channels 106 have a cross sectional outline corresponding to that of the extensions of the connectors and includeside walls internal plate 116, and the channels are adapted to slideably receive the extended portions of theretainers 112 to effect their interconnections. The upper surface of theplates 110 of the connectors and the upper surface of theplates 116 of the channels are coextensive, and thesealant 48 is positioned upon these coextensive upper surfaces. Where the above-described gum-like sealing material is employed, it will be appreciated that such material may be extruded to have a cross sectional shape which generally conforms to the cross sectional shape of that portion of the extensions and channels above the surfaces of the plates. - As in the above described embodiments, each of the
extensions 102 of the connectors and each of thechannels 106 have a corresponding, generally V-shaped outline in cross section, and it is preferred that the angular extent of the V-shaped outline be predetermined so as to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong for the particular value of the air flow rate moving through the clean room, and for the reasons set forth above. - Figures 30 and 31 illustrate at 121 a further embodiment of the connectors of a latticework which embodies the present invention. In this embodiment, each
connector 121 comprises four radiatingextensions 122, with a threadedsleeve 123 fixed at the central location between the arms for joining a tie rod 124. Each of theextensions 122 is formed of two side walls disposed in a V-shaped relationship, withintegral tabs 125 extending upwardly from the upper edges thereof. Thechannels 126 have a mating V-shaped outline, and to assemble the channels to the connectors, the channels are laid into theextensions 122, and thetabs 125 are deformed over the upper edges of the channels to maintain their assembly. A suitable sealant may then be positioned in the connectors and channels for sealably engaging the skirts of the filters in the manner described above. - Figure 32 illustrates a modification of the embodiment of the
connector 100 shown in Figures 26-29. In this embodiment, the central portion of the connector includes a ball andsocket interconnection 128 which is disposed between the connector andtie rod 104, to facilitate the leveling of the connector. A similar ball and socket arrangement is shown at 129 in Figure 33, and which is suitable for the embodiment of theconnector 121 shown in Figures 30 and 31.
Claims (16)
means (26) for introducing air above each of said filters of said filter bank such that the air flows downwardly through said filters at a predetermined flow rate, the improvement wherein each of said extensions of said connectors and each of said channels having a corresponding, generally V-shaped outline in cross section, with the angular extent of the V-shaped outline being predetermined so as to provide a substantially laminar flow therealong and so as to substantially eliminate turbulence below the connectors and channels of a degree able to entrain dust or dirt particles and move the same laterally through the room.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US733971 | 1985-05-14 | ||
US06/733,972 US4678487A (en) | 1985-05-14 | 1985-05-14 | Laminar flow clean room having improved filter bank |
US06/733,971 US4671811A (en) | 1984-02-29 | 1985-05-14 | Laminar flow clean room |
US733972 | 1985-05-14 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0202110A2 true EP0202110A2 (en) | 1986-11-20 |
EP0202110A3 EP0202110A3 (en) | 1987-05-13 |
Family
ID=27112652
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP86303632A Withdrawn EP0202110A3 (en) | 1985-05-14 | 1986-05-13 | Laminar flow clean room |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0202110A3 (en) |
AU (1) | AU584421B2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0301129A2 (en) * | 1987-07-28 | 1989-02-01 | Kessler & Luch GmbH | Filter wall/ceiling for installations of clean-room technology |
EP0262515A3 (en) * | 1986-10-03 | 1989-09-20 | Kessler & Luch Gmbh | Screen for filter frame |
DE3812094A1 (en) * | 1988-04-12 | 1989-10-26 | Daldrop & Dr Ing Huber Gmbh & | Ceiling structure for clean rooms |
DE4122582A1 (en) * | 1991-07-08 | 1993-01-14 | Babcock Bsh Ag | MODULE FOR BUILDING A CLEANROOM CEILING |
EP0798027A1 (en) * | 1996-03-26 | 1997-10-01 | Schako Metallwarenfabrik Ferdinand Schad KG | Seal arrangement for filter boxes |
WO2017017480A1 (en) | 2015-07-28 | 2017-02-02 | Barušić Josip | Clean room ceiling and a method of building the same |
WO2022008500A1 (en) * | 2020-07-08 | 2022-01-13 | Nanocleanair Gmbh | Systems and filter device for controlling air-suspended particle distribution and concentration |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2252724A (en) * | 1937-03-31 | 1941-08-19 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Air filter |
US3366029A (en) * | 1965-05-10 | 1968-01-30 | Hunter Douglas International | Ventilated ceiling with valve means |
EP0067577A1 (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1982-12-22 | Graham Steed Roberts | Modular room construction |
EP0116772A1 (en) * | 1982-12-20 | 1984-08-29 | Flanders Filters, Inc. | Connector for a filter bank supporting latticework and method of assembling same |
US4511380A (en) * | 1983-12-15 | 1985-04-16 | Allis-Chalmers Corp. | Suspension and sealing of latticework and filters |
GB2147409A (en) * | 1983-09-29 | 1985-05-09 | Hitachi Ltd | Environmental control device |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3241280A (en) * | 1963-02-14 | 1966-03-22 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Panel supporting structure |
US3321877A (en) * | 1964-02-24 | 1967-05-30 | Armstrong Cork Co | Acoustic ceiling |
US3986850A (en) * | 1974-12-05 | 1976-10-19 | Flanders Filters, Inc. | Flow control apparatus and air filters |
-
1986
- 1986-05-13 EP EP86303632A patent/EP0202110A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1986-05-13 AU AU57391/86A patent/AU584421B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2252724A (en) * | 1937-03-31 | 1941-08-19 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Air filter |
US3366029A (en) * | 1965-05-10 | 1968-01-30 | Hunter Douglas International | Ventilated ceiling with valve means |
EP0067577A1 (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1982-12-22 | Graham Steed Roberts | Modular room construction |
EP0116772A1 (en) * | 1982-12-20 | 1984-08-29 | Flanders Filters, Inc. | Connector for a filter bank supporting latticework and method of assembling same |
GB2147409A (en) * | 1983-09-29 | 1985-05-09 | Hitachi Ltd | Environmental control device |
US4511380A (en) * | 1983-12-15 | 1985-04-16 | Allis-Chalmers Corp. | Suspension and sealing of latticework and filters |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN, vol. 13, no. 2, July 1970, page 504, New York, US; S. DeGENNARO: "Horizontal flow work consoles for vertical flow cleanroom" * |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0262515A3 (en) * | 1986-10-03 | 1989-09-20 | Kessler & Luch Gmbh | Screen for filter frame |
EP0301129A2 (en) * | 1987-07-28 | 1989-02-01 | Kessler & Luch GmbH | Filter wall/ceiling for installations of clean-room technology |
EP0301129A3 (en) * | 1987-07-28 | 1990-06-20 | Kessler & Luch Gmbh | Filter wall/ceiling for installations of clean-room technology |
DE3812094A1 (en) * | 1988-04-12 | 1989-10-26 | Daldrop & Dr Ing Huber Gmbh & | Ceiling structure for clean rooms |
DE4122582A1 (en) * | 1991-07-08 | 1993-01-14 | Babcock Bsh Ag | MODULE FOR BUILDING A CLEANROOM CEILING |
US5462484A (en) * | 1991-07-08 | 1995-10-31 | Babcock Bsh Aktiengesellschaft Vormals Butner-Schilde-Haas Ag | Clean-room ceiling module |
EP0798027A1 (en) * | 1996-03-26 | 1997-10-01 | Schako Metallwarenfabrik Ferdinand Schad KG | Seal arrangement for filter boxes |
WO2017017480A1 (en) | 2015-07-28 | 2017-02-02 | Barušić Josip | Clean room ceiling and a method of building the same |
WO2022008500A1 (en) * | 2020-07-08 | 2022-01-13 | Nanocleanair Gmbh | Systems and filter device for controlling air-suspended particle distribution and concentration |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0202110A3 (en) | 1987-05-13 |
AU584421B2 (en) | 1989-05-25 |
AU5739186A (en) | 1986-11-20 |
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Inventor name: BOWERS, CECIL WILLIAM Inventor name: PITTMAN, CLARENCE BRUCE Inventor name: CADWELL, GEORGE HAROLD, JR. |