FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Planning a cleanroom or controlled environment naturally raises questions about design, costs, regulations, and implementation timelines. This section compiles the most common questions we receive from our customers—from the early stages of the project through to operation. Here you’ll find straightforward, practical answers to help you better understand your needs and clarify the decisions you need to make.
What is a cleanroom?
A cleanroom is an environment where the concentration of airborne particles is strictly controlled—this is the core of its classification. In addition to dust levels, several environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, static electricity) are controlled, as contamination by dust, particles, or microorganisms can lead to product failures, significant financial losses, or safety risks.
Note: Humans alone account for up to 80% of the contaminants in a cleanroom.
What is the difference between a cleanroom and a controlled environment?
A controlled environment is designed to precisely control one or more parameters—temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, static electricity, vibrations, or light—without necessarily aiming for a strict dust level. A cleanroom, on the other hand, is primarily based on a particle classification (ISO standards). In practice, Consab often designs cleanrooms that are also complex controlled environments, and the airlocks or support areas surrounding them are prime examples of controlled environments. For more information, visit our page on controlled environments.
What services does Consab offer?
Consab supports your cleanroom or controlled environment project at every stage: consultation (needs assessment, budget estimates, analyses), engineering (design, plans and specifications, technical support), and construction (implementation, site management, commissioning). We can provide turnkey solutions or handle specific phases, depending on your needs.
Why start with a consultation?
The consultation phase helps you avoid costly pitfalls and delays during the project: validate your actual needs, identify the critical parameters of your processes, anticipate challenges related to your existing facilities, and optimize both your initial investment and long-term costs.
The initial consultation is free—it’s the best way to get started.
How much does a cleanroom cost?
The cost depends directly on your key decisions: the target ISO classification level, the type of architecture, pressure management, and the required precision of environmental controls (temperature, humidity, etc.). The tighter the tolerance for variability, the more specialized the equipment required. During the consultation, we conduct a rapid pre-engineering assessment that provides an initial budget estimate with an accuracy of approximately ±20 to 30%, allowing you to plan and compare options well in advance of the investment.
Which industries do you serve?
We carry out projects for a wide range of sectors: pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, microelectronics, aerospace, food & beverage, manufacturing, and research and development. Each industry has its own specific requirements—our team tailors the control parameters to the realities of your processes.
How do you choose the right ISO classification?
Classification is based on the permissible concentration of airborne particles in your space. Aiming for a stricter class than necessary significantly increases equipment and operating costs; aiming too low puts your processes at risk. Our Ultimate Guide to Cleanrooms helps you navigate the classifications, and our experts work with you to determine the level actually required by your processes.
Do you offer turnkey projects?
Yes. A turnkey project covers every stage, from design to commissioning, all delivered by a single partner. Consab becomes your single point of contact and accountability: we coordinate all disciplines (mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, and plumbing) and all stakeholders, while constantly monitoring costs, deadlines, and quality.
What products do you offer?
Whether you’re looking to simply add to your existing facilities or as part of a turnkey project, we offer a complete range of cleanroom-compatible products: pass-throughs and transfer airlocks, HEPA and ULPA filters, fan filter units (FFUs), laminar flow hoods, stainless steel furniture, modular systems, mobile cleanrooms, and accessories.
Can you make changes to existing installations?
Absolutely. We analyze the current state of your equipment, systems, and processes to identify weaknesses, constraints, and opportunities for improvement—often through an in-depth site visit. Whether you’re an end customer or a contractor in need of specific expertise, we step in wherever you need us.
How do I get started on my project with Consab?
Three simple options:
1. Fill out our online quote request ;
2. Schedule an exploratory call with one of our experts ;
3. Write to us via the contact page.
From our very first interaction, our team adapts to your specific situation—whether you’re in the exploration, design, or construction phase.