Microrite Cleanroom Solutions products

Microrite’s Tracer Particle Generator system provides a cloud of Tracer Particles that are sub-micron (less than 1 micrometer)  in size and are Neutrally Buoyant. These long lasting, Neutrally Buoyant Tracer Particles are ideal for getting a visual representation of air flow patterns in cleanrooms, barrier systems and the interfaces between areas of different classifications (e.g., Grade A/ISO Class 5 and Grade B/ISO Class 7 areas). 

Air flow visualization tests are utilized to evaluate the contamination control effect of cleanroom air on controlling contamination in the process. Clean air particles are specified by their cleanroom class with each increasing class indicating a factor of 10 increase in particle levels. Good metrology practice requires an instrument’s accuracy and reproducibility be significantly better than the accuracy of the measurement (in this case the cleanroom class). For example, optical particle counters which are used to certify cleanroom classes by measuring actual particle levels are required by ISO-21501-4 to have a count accuracy of +-10% or a fraction of a cleanroom class.

A Diffuser Manifold is required to properly introduce the Tracer Particles into a cleanroom. Inside the manifold the vapor cools and mixes with air forming a stable fog at ambient temperature and pressure while avoiding fully condensing back into a fluid. This removes the jetting effect of shooting the Tracer Particles in a single direction (Often Downward) that may falsely demonstrate unidirectional airflow when dead spaces and eddy currents are apparent. In addition, excess condensation of the Tracer Particles on surfaces in the cleanroom is avoided since the fog exits the manifold at the same temperature and pressure as the cleanroom environment. (3) Water, CO2 or Nitrogen Based “Cleanroom Fogging Systems” Tracer Particles are NOT Neutrally Buoyant and cannot visualize dead spaces or areas where there is no air flow. 

Tracer Particles should remain visible from where they are diffused into the clean air system being tested all the way to the air return. This allows for the visualization of air flow directions and air mixing in both unidirectional and non-unidirectional air flow cleanrooms. Microrite Tracer Particles have an extremely low vapor pressure, creating Tracer Particles that take up to 20 minutes to evaporate leaving no residual Tracer Particles on HEPA filters.