In most cases yes. In our experience, and we design using both systems, the cost of the materials and to prefab and ship the modular components is greater than the cost to have drywall and metal studs delivered and erected. The other components and systems are essentially the same regardless of the wall system type.

In general, once on site, the modular wall system installs quicker and without the mess of stickbuilt (drywall metal stud) systems. It has a clean modern and high tech look to it.

A real bonus if you have a current operation. It is more flexible in the sense of expanding or rearranging walls again without the standard mess of the stickbuilt system. Depending on the modular wall panel construction, the quantity of seams can vary widely. FDA regulated facilities generally like to have fewer seams as it makes cleaning easier and may reduce the number of sampling points for viables. When a modular wall is damaged it is less likely to shed particles, however it can be more difficult to repair. Additionally, the wall system can be disassembled and relocated, however, there is an additional cost to the disassembly, cleaning, labeling and freight which may reduce the benefit.

The materials and components of a stick built systems can be readily purchased and delivered to a job site. The installation process can be begin when permits are close to being issued. There is not a lengthy manufacturing-delivery cycle.

Depending on the plan check-permit issuance duration this may or maynot be an advantage. Plan checkers at your city building department will probably be more familiar with metal studs and drywall than a modular wall system. They may also ask less questions shortening the plancheck process. When installed and finished, it can have seamless surfaces and inside/outside corners that are easy to clean and lack the joints and crevices that could harbor bacterias and molds-spores.

Return air paths are easier to create and may take less materials (read: cost) than a modular system. Having a hard-lid ceiling from metal studs and drywall is more easily achieved for laboratories. Metal stud systems usually can accommodate various R value, fire ratings and structural requirements easier than modular systems.

Softwall cleanrooms are ideal for processes that are to be installed in air conditioned spaces and need to acquired/set up quickly.

As the curtain materials have little R value. While they will usually take additionally dedicated air conditioning, the air conditioned surrounding allows the air to be recirculated as a one pass system utilizing the air conditioned surrounding as part or all of the return path. Therefore there is usually no need for return air walls or risers especially where there are no noxious or harmful pollutants being generated inside the clean space. One can achieve ISO 8 thru ISO 4 environments. Humidity control is an issue and it is more difficult to have a different inside RH than is the surrounding space.

Pressurization can be another issue when using strip doors and recirculation under the bottom of the curtain. Positive flow (or negative flow can be demonstrated but usually not measurable on a Magnehelic guage.

Yes, PETI is willing to handle this aspect of your project.

No, it is not required in most cases. PETI can handle most architectural requirements for the cleanroom facility and if you have requirements for other architectural services, we have Architects that we work with who can provide these services keeping the project as a single point of contact and responsibility. However, we do not provide architectural services for green-field and new buildings.

No, we will do the parts of the project that make sense from your perspective.

As an example, You may have an electrician you would like to use or a painting contractor. We can coordinate with them to bring about the successful conclusion of your project.

Give us a call or send us an e-mail. We will discuss or review your requirements and find out some information about your project. We will ask questions such as:

• Is it budgetary for planning or it has been approved for capital expenditure?
• What is the time line for getting a quote?
• What is your desired construction timeline?
• What ISO classes do your require?
• In general what process will occur in the cleanroom (we will sign an NDA when your are ready to give more detailed information)?
• Where is the project site located?
• What electrical power do you have available?
• What are the process heat loads from your equipment?
• What are your other performance requirements e.g. T/RH and +/- tolerances, room pressure monitoring-controls, lighting levels …?
• What other systems do you need us to look at to support your project such as water (domestic, DI/RO, USP, wifi), drains, exhaust systems, compressed air systems and process gases?