FFU product classification can be categorized based on various dimensions, which helps users select the appropriate model according to the specific needs of their cleanrooms. Below are the main product classifications for FFUs:
I. By Enclosure Material, which is the most fundamental classification and determines the applicable environment and lifespan of the FFU.
1. Cold-rolled steel powder-coated FFU
1.1 Features: The most commonly used type. After acid washing, phosphating, and electrostatic powder coating (epoxy resin powder) treatment, it has good corrosion, rust, and dust resistance.
1.2 Applications: Suitable for most general industrial cleanrooms such as electronics, optics, medical devices, etc., offering the highest cost-effectiveness.
2. Stainless steel FFU
2.1 Features: Mainly uses SUS304 or SUS316 stainless steel. It has excellent corrosion, acid-alkali, and solvent resistance, is easy to clean and disinfect, and does not rust.
2.2 Applications: Suitable for environments with strict hygiene requirements or potential exposure to corrosive chemicals, such as biopharmaceuticals, food processing, hospital operating rooms, and laboratories.
II. By Drive Motor Type, which is the core classification determining FFU performance, energy consumption, and cost.
1. AC (Alternating Current) motor-driven
1.1 Features: Uses traditional AC motors with speed control via voltage regulation. The motor efficiency is low (usually <50%), energy consumption is high, speed control is poor, heat generation is significant, and lifespan is relatively short.
1.2 Status: This technology is gradually being phased out and may only be seen in some old factory renovations or projects with extremely low budgets.
2. EC (Electronic Commutation) brushless DC motor-driven
2.1 Features: Uses advanced EC motors with built-in intelligent modules. They offer high efficiency (over 80%), low energy consumption, smooth and precise speed control, low heat generation, long lifespan, and support intelligent control.
2.2 Status: The absolute mainstream and first choice in today’s market. Although the unit price is slightly higher, the electricity savings from long-term operation are considerable.
III. By Filter Replacement Method, which directly relates to the convenience, safety, and cost of future maintenance.
1. Integral replacement type
1.1 Features: The fan and filter are integrated into a non-separable enclosure. When the filter expires or the fan is damaged, the entire FFU unit must be discarded and replaced with a new one.
1.2 Applications: Mainly used in special high-risk situations such as biosafety laboratories and nuclear industries where maintenance operations cannot risk leakage. The cost is relatively high.
2. Filter replaceable type
2.1 Features: The FFU enclosure and fan are long-lasting, with only the filter being replaced as a consumable. This is further divided into two types:
2.2.1 Top replacement type: Requires access to the technical mezzanine to remove the old filter from the top and install a new one. This method is inconvenient, poses safety and technical mezzanine contamination risks, and is less commonly used.
2.2.2 Bottom replacement type (mainstream): No need to enter the technical mezzanine; personnel can replace the filter within the cleanroom. Typically uses mechanical clamping devices (such as spring clips, eccentric wheel locks) and gel sealing (Gel Seal) technology to ensure reliable sealing and quick, safe operation. This is the most recommended and mainstream method.
IV. By Dimensions, the size of the FFU must match the modules of the cleanroom ceiling grid.
1. Standard size type
1.1 Features: The dimensions follow industry conventions to match standard ceiling modules (such as 600mm x 600mm, 1200mm x 600mm).
1.2 Common specifications:
- 1175mm x 1175mm (4′ x 4′): Suitable for imperial modules (4 feet x 4 feet).
- 1175mm x 575mm (4′ x 2′): Suitable for imperial modules (4 feet x 2 feet).
- 1200mm x 600mm: Suitable for metric modules and is the most common specification.
2. Non-standard custom type
2.1 Features: Customized length, width, and height dimensions based on special customer needs (such as special grid spacing, equipment reserved openings, etc.).
2.2 Applications: Used in specially designed cleanrooms or renovation projects, with corresponding increases in cost and delivery time.
V. By Control Method, which determines the level of intelligence and control precision of the FFU.
1. Single-unit control type
1.1 Features: Each FFU comes with an independent speed controller (knob or button) to manually adjust the speed of a single unit.
1.2 Applications: Suitable for small cleanrooms or situations with very few FFUs.
2. Group control type
2.1 Features: A master controller centrally controls a group of FFUs (dozens of units), allowing for unified setting and adjustment of the wind speed in that area.
2.2 Applications: Suitable for medium-sized cleanrooms and is a cost-effective choice.
3. Networked intelligent control type
3.1 Features: Each or each group of FFUs is equipped with a control module, connected to a central control system PLC via communication protocols such as RS-485. It allows remote monitoring of each FFU’s operating status, speed, and alarms (such as filter blockage) on a computer, and enables complex functions such as group control, timing, and speed adjustment.
3.2 Applications: Standard for large modern clean workshops and is the foundation for achieving intelligent plant management.
Summary and Selection Recommendations: When selecting an FFU, you can follow this approach:
1. Determine the environment: Is there corrosion? Choose the material (powder-coated / stainless steel).
2. Determine the budget and energy efficiency: EC motor is a must.
3. Consider maintenance: Must choose the bottom replaceable filter type.
4. Measure dimensions: Match standard sizes (such as 1175x575mm) or customize.
5. Plan control: Small single control; medium group control; large networked intelligent control.
By combining these five dimensions, you can clearly define the product model of the FFU you need, such as: SUS304 stainless steel, EC motor, bottom replaceable filter, 1175x575mm, network control supported fan filter unit.
Post time: Oct-15-2025