While both the Air Shower and the Pass Box are essential for cleanroom contamination control, they serve different masters. The Air Shower is the gatekeeper for personnel, using high-velocity air to "scrub" particles off clothing. The Pass Box is the gatekeeper for materials, allowing for the transfer of goods without personnel movement. Choosing the right combination is critical for GMP compliance and operational efficiency. Here is the definitive comparison.
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Air Shower |
Pass Box |
|
Primary Purpose |
Personnel Decontamination |
Material Transfer |
|
Working Principle |
20-25m/s Air Jet "Scrubbing" |
Physical Barrier / HEPA Purge |
|
Installation Site |
Between Locker Room & Cleanroom |
Between Rooms of Different Grades |
|
Dwell Time |
10 – 20 Seconds |
Instant (Static) / 3-5 Min (Dynamic) |
|
GMP Role |
Reduces Bio-burden on Gowns |
Prevents Cross-contamination |
|
Typical Cost (USD) |
$2,500 – $6,000 |
$400 – $2,000 |
|
Power Requirement |
High (High-pressure blowers) |
Low (Static) / Moderate (Dynamic) |
When to Use Which?
1. Air Shower: Mandatory for personnel entering ISO 6 or cleaner zones. It serves as a psychological and physical "reset" for employees, ensuring they are properly gowned and cleaned before entry.
2. Pass Box: Mandatory for any cleanroom (ISO 5-8). Transferring materials through a pass box reduces the number of times personnel must enter and exit, which is the #1 source of contamination.
3. Dynamic vs. Static Pass Box: If transferring between a non-clean and clean area, use a Dynamic Pass Box (with its own HEPA filtration). If transferring between two clean areas of the same grade, a Static Pass Box is sufficient.
4 Synergy Benefits of Using Both
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between an air shower and a pass box?
An air shower is for people; a pass box is for things. Air showers use high-speed air; pass boxes are mostly static airlocks (unless dynamic).
2. Do I need both an air shower and a pass box?
Yes. In almost any professional cleanroom (Pharma, Semi, Lab), you need a way for people to enter and a separate way for materials to enter to maintain ISO standards.
3. What wind speed is required for an air shower?
For effective particle removal, a nozzle velocity of at least 20-25 m/s is required. KLC units typically reach 22-25 m/s.
4. How long should an air shower cycle last?
The industry standard is 10 to 15 seconds. Cycles shorter than 10 seconds are generally ineffective at removing fine dust.
5. What is a dynamic pass box?
A dynamic pass box has a built-in fan and HEPA filter to actively clean the air inside the box and maintain a higher pressure than the surrounding rooms.
6. Does a pass box need HEPA filtration?
Only if it is a dynamic pass box used for transfers into high-grade areas (Grade A/B). Static pass boxes do not have filters.
7. What is the GMP requirement for pass boxes?
GMP requires that pass boxes have interlocking doors to prevent both from opening at once and, in some cases, UV sterilization or HEPA purging.
8. Can a pass box replace an air shower?
No. You cannot pass a person through a pass box, and passing large materials through an air shower is inefficient and can damage the nozzles.
9. How often should air shower nozzles be cleaned?
Monthly. Nozzles can accumulate dust over time, which reduces air velocity and can lead to "re-contamination."
10. What is the typical cost of an air shower vs a pass box?
A standard air shower costs $3,000-$5,000. A standard static pass box costs $500-$800, while a dynamic one can cost $1,500-$2,000.
Optimize your cleanroom traffic.
View KLC’s Air Shower and Pass Box Models or Request a custom dimensions quote.
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