Airflow modeling helps overcome Cleanroom Moisture Condensation problem

The challenges facing Merck and the FLOVENT Modeling Services Group were to: Simulate and evaluate the cleanroom design, determine the reason for the condensation problem, and propose practical and economical modifications that would solve the problem with minimal adverse effect on cleanroom operations, which had to continue even as the modifications were being made. The FLOVENT software, used to conduct the analyses, employs mathematical modeling methods, based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, to accurately calculate environmental factors, such as airflow, heat transfer, and contaminationdistribution in three-dimensional spaces.

Flomerics? engineers built a precise computer model of the Merck cleanroom. This model incorporated all pertinent geometrical and physical details, including placement of the kettles and the ceiling-mounted bank of laminar flow diffusers used to supply the room?s fresh air via low-level exhausts. Working with the model, the engineers were able to create a series of animated three-dimensional views that accurately simulated the actual airflow and moisture content conditions in the room.

The FLOVENT simulations quickly illustrated that the moisture vapor was being carried aloft on the rising stream of hot air from the opened vessels until the vapor condensed on the ceiling. The low level extracts had little influence in preventing the warm, moist air reaching the ceiling. Further investigation concluded that installing additional high-level exhausts in the room could alleviate the condensation problem. Subsequent FLOVENT simulations were then used to optimize the position of the high level exhausts. It was found that if the exhausts were positioned too high then the water vapor would not be sufficiently diluted before it reached the ceiling. Positioned too low, and the exhausts would not have enough influence to prevent the warm air rising past them and reaching the ceiling. Based on all these results and Flomerics? recommendations, Merck made the appropriate cleanroom modifications and economically solved the condensation problem while at the same continuing normal cleanroom operations.


Detaillierte Informationen zu unseren Produkten und Dienstleistungen erhalten Sie auch unter 0049 (0)711 77915 50

Flomerics Ltd. Niederlassung Deutschland
Ansprechpartner: Torsten Jäschke, Dipl. Ing.