When conducting an ISO cleanroom classification test, which parameter is prioritized?

In an ISO cleanroom classification test, the primary focus is on particle count. This is because the classification of cleanrooms is fundamentally based on the concentration of airborne particles in a specific volume of air. ISO 14644-1 outlines the classification system, which assigns cleanrooms to specific classes based on the maximum allowable particle counts for various particle size ranges.

By measuring the particle count, technicians can determine the effectiveness of the cleanroom in maintaining a controlled environment, which is crucial for processes that require low levels of contamination, such as in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing. This measurement informs operators about the cleanliness of the environment and whether it meets the stringent standards required for the intended use.

Other parameters, such as air filtration quality, humidity measurements, and airflow velocity, are certainly important for maintaining a cleanroom environment, but they serve supportive roles rather than defining criteria for cleanroom classification. The particle count directly reflects the cleanliness level and thus, is prioritized in the classification process.