A mobile cleanroom is a complete, controlled clean environment built inside a transportable unit. It is built off site and arrives ready to connect, so it is usually operational much faster than a traditional build.
Depending on the design, it can stand outdoors next to your building or inside an existing hall. You connect it to power and utilities and start working once it is qualified. When you no longer need it, it can be relocated or reused.
How it works
A mobile cleanroom works on the same principles as any fixed clean facility. Four things happen continuously:
- Filtered air comes in. Fans push air through HEPA filters, which capture at least 99.995% of particles at their most penetrating size (H14 grade).
- The air is constantly replaced. Clean air flows through the room many times per hour and carries particles away from the work area.
- Pressure controls the airflow. In most units the clean room is kept at a higher pressure than its surroundings, so air flows out, not in. Units that handle hazardous substances use lower pressure instead, to keep them contained.
- Conditions are monitored. Sensors track temperature, humidity, pressure and particle counts, and raise an alarm if a value drifts.
What is inside the unit
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Smooth, cleanable wall and ceiling panels | Easy to clean, no surfaces where dust collects. |
| HVAC and HEPA filtration | Supplies clean, temperature controlled air. |
| Airlocks (personnel and material) | Separate dirty and clean zones so contamination stays out. |
| Gowning area | Where staff change into clean clothing before entry. |
| Interlocked doors | Only one door opens at a time to protect pressure. |
| Monitoring system | Logs conditions and alerts staff to deviations. |
| Utility connections | Power, data and, if needed, water, gases or compressed air. |
Which cleanliness levels it can reach
A mobile cleanroom can be built to the same standards as a fixed facility. The lower the ISO class number, the fewer particles are allowed in the air.
| Standard | Typical classes for mobile units | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 14644 | ISO 8, ISO 7, ISO 6 | General controlled production and assembly. |
| ISO 14644 | ISO 5 | Local critical zones, usually under a laminar airflow unit. |
| EU GMP Annex 1 | Grade C and D | Background areas for pharmaceutical work. |
| EU GMP Annex 1 | Grade B with local Grade A | Aseptic processing, with full qualification. |
The required class depends on your process. Define it first, because it drives the airflow, filtration and cost of the unit.
When a mobile unit is the right choice
- Renovation or shutdown: keep production running while your existing clean area is rebuilt or upgraded.
- Extra capacity: handle a demand peak, a new product or a pilot batch without a permanent build.
- Fast start: begin production or clinical work while a permanent facility is still being planned.
- Emergency: replace a clean area lost to contamination, damage or equipment failure.
- Uncertain future: test a process or market before committing to a fixed investment.
These situations come up in pharmaceuticals, hospital pharmacies, biotech, medical devices and electronics alike.
Mobile or fixed: the key differences
| Feature | Mobile cleanroom | Fixed cleanroom |
|---|---|---|
| Time to operation | Usually weeks to a few months | Usually many months |
| Building works | Minimal: a level base outdoors or space inside an existing building, plus utility connections. | Construction inside an existing or new building. |
| Investment | Rent or buy | Purchase, with a large upfront investment. |
| Flexibility | Can be relocated, expanded or reused. | Tied to one location. |
| Best for | Temporary, urgent or uncertain needs. | Long term, stable production. |
Many companies use both: a mobile unit bridges the gap until a fixed facility is ready.
From request to operation
- Define your needs: process, required class, floor area, duration and location.
- Configure the unit: the layout is put together from standard modules and adapted to your process.
- Prepare the site: a level surface outdoors or space inside an existing building, plus connections for power and other utilities.
- Deliver and install: the unit is placed, connected and commissioned.
- Qualify: tests confirm airflow, pressure, filter integrity and particle levels meet your class.
- Operate and maintain: monitoring, filter changes and requalification keep the unit compliant over its full lifecycle.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mobile cleanroom as clean as a fixed one?
It can be. It uses the same filtration, pressure control and qualification tests, and can be designed for the same ISO and GMP classes.
Can I rent a mobile cleanroom?
Yes. Renting suits temporary needs such as renovations or demand peaks. Buying makes more sense for long term use.
How long does it take to get one running?
Usually weeks to a few months, depending on the required class, configuration, site preparation and qualification.
Can it be placed indoors?
Yes. A mobile cleanroom can be installed inside an existing building or outdoors on a level base, depending on the design and your site.
How SteriCube can help
SteriCube is the mobile cleanroom solution from ABN Cleanroom Technology, active in cleanroom construction since 1996.
- Built off site: about 95% of each unit is manufactured in our facility, for consistent quality and shorter lead times.
- Fast delivery: the compact configuration is deliverable within 8 to 12 weeks.
- Plug & play: delivered ready to use, with minimal work on site.
- Indoor or outdoor: install it inside an existing building or outdoors, with no structural modifications needed.
- GMP and ISO ready: designed and built for GMP Grade A to D and ISO 14644.
- Rent or buy: choose rental or full ownership to fit your project and budget.
- Grows with you: expand capacity over time or relocate the unit to a new site.
- Energy efficient: the VIX airflow concept optimises airflow and reduces energy use.
Tell us your process, required class and timeline. We will help you find the right SteriCube configuration, with no obligation.
