Whenever pharma cleanrooms are brought into discussions, the flooring is probably the last thing that comes to people’s mind. For a lot of facilities, flooring is mostly the forgotten component of cleanroom design. However, the floor type you choose for your cleanroom can play a great role in controlling contamination and performance.
This is essential especially when you are working with consumables like medicine and supplements that are required to be safe, effective, and repeatable. In this article, we will look at four of the ideal flooring options for pharma cleanrooms, and we will also give you insights into which one to choose based on your pharmaceutical applications.
Heat-Welded Vinyl Cleanroom Flooring
This is among the seamless flooring solutions for pharmaceutical cleanrooms. It hasn’t arrived yet for contaminants to accumulate and expose the cleanroom. It also offers an option if you want to add a cover base to the wall around 3-6 inches. This reduces 90° concerts where the floor and the wall meet which prevents contaminants from settling in and becoming difficult to clean.
This flooring option is easy to maintain and can withstand harsh chemical reagents thereby reducing the burden of rigorous cleaning protocols. This makes it economical as well.
The only downside of this flooring type is that it can wear out quickly when you expose it to heavy weights. But if you work in a small cleanroom where there is not much heavy equipment, it’s a great option.
Visit https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/slips-trips-and-falls/floor-and-ground-surfaces/flooring-types-characteristics-and-applications to learn more about flooring types and their applications.
Epoxy-Coated Cleanroom Flooring
This is a coated put under solid concrete substrate that is typically made in a three-part process. First, you must prep the floor with a combination of grinding, scarifying, shot blast, and filling in large holes or cracks to allow the moisture to seep in.
Secondly, you will need a rough surface for the epoxy to adhere to, and lastly, the epoxy coating will create a surface without crevices for contaminants to build up and affect the cleanroom integrity. It’s similar to heat-welded vinyl as it provides an opportunity to install a cover base and minimize 90° corners where floors meet walls.
This type of cleanroom floor is dense and has low porosity, which makes it easy to maintain and durable even when you expose it to heavy-weight and high-traffic work. They won’t shed particles and if you want, you can even add antistatic features. It comes in various colors so you can select the one that will suit your cleanroom needs and aesthetic.
Polyurethane-Coated Cleanroom Flooring
Polyurethane is another coating that is put over a solid concrete substrate like epoxy resin but it’s a one or two-part process. It has a glossy or satin finish that will maintain its shine even if it’s exposed to heavyweight and high traffic.
Its light-reflecting features make it a great choice for cleanrooms that require extra illumination. These floor types are also resistant to harsh chemicals and substances, making them ideal choices for industrial manufacturing and cleanroom applications.
Interlocking Vinyl Tile Cleanroom Floorings
This is a new addition to the cleanroom flooring world because they fit together like puzzle pieces to create a seamless floor. It’s fast and easy to install and can be placed even on top of existing worn subfloors.
What makes these a nice option is that they are easy to install and durable enough to withstand heavy weight and traffic. You can also treat some for antistatic performance. You will also find it in a wide range of colors and finishes to choose one that will make your operations easier and great.
What’s the Best Type of Flooring for Pharmaceutical Cleanrooms?
The truth is when it comes to flooring pharmaceutical cleanrooms, there is no one-size-fits-all. The ideal pharma cleanroom flooring depends on the specific applications of your facility. However, here are some general guidelines: The first important factor is that pharma cleanrooms need to be cleaned regularly therefore it’s important to put a floor that will withstand the harsh chemicals.
In most situations, pharma cleanrooms are exposed to heavyweight equipment and high traffic work so you need a floor option that will allow the operators to walk freely without having to worry about particles shedding.
With this information in mind, you can conclude whether the ideal choice for your pharmaceutical cleanroom is heat-welded vinyl or epoxy resins.
Click here to learn more about epoxy resins.
But it’s essential to remember that the true choice depends on your applications therefore consider consulting a trusted cleanroom manufacturer for recommendations.
Conclusion
The right flooring options depend on what you do. While some are meant to handle heavyweight equipment and heavy-duty, others are ideal for smaller rooms. Think of the kind of work you do and the equipment you have before selecting a floor type.
