Contaminants And Wiping Theory-Choosing the right tools and methods

Contaminants And Wiping Theory-Choosing the right tools and methods

l Cleanroom contaminants

l Sources of contamination

l Particle adhesion mechanisms

l Contaminant removal methods

l Considerations for contaminant removal

l Choosing the right tools and methods

l Myesde Cleanroom Wipes

Choosing the right tools and methods

l Nonwoven Wipers

Advantages

v Economical

v Excellent sorbency

v Generally non-abrasive

v Relatively low levels of particle contamination

v May be treated to improve particle and fiber contamination

v Low in NVR if untreated

v Most are autoclavable

Disadvantages  

v Generally much higher levels of fiber contamination  

v Treated nonwovens much higher in NVR levels

v Often poor wet strength

v Low durability compared with other fabrics

v Poor in abrasive conditions

v Cannot be laundered

l Knitted wipers

v Typically made from monofilament synthetic fiber fabrics

v polyester

v nylon

v Available in different sizes for avariety of uses

v Available in different weights (thickness) to provide various levels of sorbent capacity

Advantages  

v Durability is better than nonwovens

v Particle, fiber, and residues levels of laundered knits are lower than nonwovens  

v Typically nonabrasive

v Available in a variety of put-ups

v Autoclavable

v Resistant to most solvents and disinfectants

Disadvantages 

v Laundered wipers are not as sorbant as most nonwovens

v Laundered wipes can be expensive

l Woven Wipers

Advantages  

v Very durable

v Resistant to heat

Disadvantages  

v  Wovens tend to be very expensive

v  Usually higher in fiber contamination

l Presaturated Wipers

v Wipers that are wetted with solvents, disinfectants, or other solutions to a predetermined level of wetness

v Many options are available

v Wiper size and substrate

v Laundered & unlaundered

v Solvent type, blend, and saturation level

v Packaging in individual put-ups all the way to bulk buckets with refills

 Laundered & Unlaundered

v Unlaundered wipers tend to be nonwovens but can also be knits on occasion

v Laundered wipers tend to be knits and can have sealed or unsealed edges

v These are usually processed in a class 10 laundry and then packaged for presaturation

Solvent Blend: Ratio & Saturation Level

v Customized presaturated wipers are available that allow the user to select the type of solution and the level of wetness of the wipers

v Every application will dictate features and they will vary between industries

Features  

v Uniform saturation  

v Custom products

v Choice of solvents

v Premixed solution

v Controlled usage

v Tub / Bucket / Pouch

v Available sterile  

Benefits  

v Consistent wiping

v Eliminate squeeze bottles and pump cans

v No in plant mixing

v Reduce spills

v Reduce VOC’s

v Reduce operator exposure

v Convenience

Fold the wipe in half, twice

1. Pick up the quarterfolded wipeat open edge.

2. Grasp unfolded edge between thumb and forefinger.

3. Wipe starting at the rear with a damp folded wiper

4. Wipe in one direction only ensure contaminant removal and prevent redeposition.

5. Use fresh area of the wiper for each stroke

6. Each stroke should slightly overlap the previous one

7. At the end of stroke, lift while pulling to remove contamination

Wiping and Mopping