Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cleanroom?

A cleanroom is a controlled environment in which all incoming air, water and chemicals are filtered to meet high standards of purity

Are all Cleanrooms the same?

No, depending on the type of product being manufactured and the cleanliness level required protocols and cleaning procedures can vary considerably. Products used in a Class 1 wafer manufacturing facility may not work well in a Class 1 aseptic processing cleanroom and vice versa.

What type of products for microelectronics and wafer processing?

Mops and wipers should be extremely low-linting and absorbent. It is important that surfaces are cleaned to a dry finish to guard against further contamination and to limit humidity. Detergents and cleaners should be finely filtered and tested to show low ion content. Cleaning methods should be straightforward and easy to execute so that cleaning personnel are not tempted to 'skip' protocols.

And sterile processing... ?

Cleaning materials may need to be steam sterilized (autoclaved) and/or irradiated. As surfaces have to be disinfected the mops or wipers will need to hold up to strong disinfectants and may be required to leave a damp surface so that the disinfecting agent has the required 'contact' time. Parts and personnel cleaning methods - such as hand and glove washing - should be strictly monitored to guard against cross contamination.

Why do I need and where would I use cleanroom tape?

If you have the need to seal, batch label or color code within your cleanroom it is important that the materials you use have the right adhesive and backing. Micronova tapes are all wound on a plastic core and go through special processing to limit extractables. All the tapes have excellent 'clean peel' characteristics so that tacky residues are avoided.

CR 100 PC is now available pre-irradiated for sterile and critical processing.

I plan to use the NovaMop (PVA) in my Class 10 wafer processing suite. What elements do I need to purchase to make up the NovaMop unit?

As a guide, most of the Mopping systems are made up of three elements - the handle (SSU- series), the adapter (QD- series) and the disposable/replaceable mop head or slip cover. For a standard NovaMop application for cleaning walls and/or floors you will need SSU-1, QDNH-1 and the corresponding NovaMop head - NM1 in PVA.

There are several different fabrics that feature in the Mop and Sponges and Wipes materials. Can you detail their specific traits and what cleanroom applications they can be used in?

PVA - a highly absorbent, fast drying material which is low linting and low in particulates. With a 600% absorbency this material is well suited to electronic and semiconductor cleanrooms.

NovaLite - an absorbent, heavy duty material with a 400% absorbency. This material holds up well to strong disinfectants and steam sterilization. Use in medical device and sterile support applications.

NovaPoly - 100% polyester with good chemical and heat resistance. Can be used for both aseptic and hi-tech applications. Superior 'wicking' capabilities.

PolyGen - 100% polyester herringbone weave used in looped mop designs. Good Chemical and heat resistance. Suited to pharmaceutical, bio-tech and sterile applications.

NovaCel - extra firm wiper/sponge material which will draw up 25 times its weight in water. Good chemical resistance and excellent absorptive qualities. Uses include wafer polishing and lapping in hi-tech and electronics; wiper and sponge material for pharmaceutical and sterile suites.

For specific information and data sheets on the above e.mail us at: info@micronova-mfg.com