Clean Booth or Fixed Clean Room: Which Solution is More Flexible?

Clean Booth is flexible, easy to assemble and expand, while fixed cleanroom provides maximum environmental control according to ISO and GMP standards. This article helps you compare “Clean Booth or Fixed Cleanroom: Which Solution is More Flexible?” to choose the right one for your production needs.

Summaries

I. What is a Clean Booth? What is a Fixed Cleanroom?
2. When Should You Use a Clean Booth Instead of a Fixed Cleanroom?
3. Can Clean Booths Meet ISO/GMP Standards?
4. Comparison by Usage Scenarios
5. Practical Implementation Tips
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Still Deciding Between a Clean Booth or Fixed Cleanroom?

I. What is a Clean Booth? What is a Fixed Cleanroom?

Clean Booth – A Flexible Cleanroom Solution

A Clean Booth (also known as a mobile cleanroom) is a self-contained clean environment constructed using a metal frame (stainless steel or aluminum profile), anti-static PVC curtains, and HEPA/ULPA filtration units installed on the ceiling.

Its structure is simple, easy to install, and can be dismantled or expanded as needed. Clean air is pushed downward in a vertical laminar flow, effectively removing particles from the main working zone.

Fixed Cleanroom – A Standard Model for GMP Facilities

A Fixed Cleanroom is built into the structural framework of a factory, using insulated panel walls, structured aluminum ceilings, specialized cleanroom doors, and a centralized HVAC system for pressure, temperature, and humidity control.

This is the most robust solution for contamination control, commonly used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and electronic component manufacturing.

Thanks to its ability to regulate environmental conditions with high precision, fixed cleanrooms can meet strict standards such as ISO 14644-1 Class 5 or EU-GMP.

Clean Booth – A Flexible Cleanroom Solution

Comparison Between Clean Booth and Fixed Cleanroom

Criteria	Clean Booth	Fixed Cleanroom
Mobility	High	Low (integrated with the building structure)
Investment Cost	Low – Medium	High
Installation Time	Fast (1–3 weeks)	Long (several months)
Expandability	Easy to upgrade or dismantle	Fixed, hard to modify
Contamination Control	Moderate (ISO 6 – ISO 8)	High (ISO 5, GMP, Class 100)

2. When Should You Use a Clean Booth Instead of a Fixed Cleanroom?

You don’t always need to invest in a full-scale fixed cleanroom system. In many scenarios, a Clean Booth is a more flexible and cost-effective option, especially when:

1. You’re in a pilot or testing phase

During product development or process trials, building a fixed cleanroom may be wasteful if modifications are needed later. Clean Booths allow you to:

Quickly set up a clean area (ISO 6–8)
Easily adjust the layout if your process changes
Avoid large investments during early stages

2. Equipment needs to be moved between areas

Some factories:

Share one clean space for multiple production lines
Need flexible placement of clean zones

→ Clean Booths can be assembled, disassembled, and relocated without altering the facility.

3. Budget constraints or limited investment readiness

Constructing a fixed GMP/ISO-compliant cleanroom can be very expensive (hundreds of millions to billions VND). In contrast:

Clean Booths cost only 20–40% of fixed systems
Can be pre-fabricated or customized
Easy to maintain, with low operational costs

4. Facility is not suitable for modification

Some locations:

Have low ceilings, unsuitable for sealed HVAC systems
Are fully built and cannot be altered
Are rented or under structural constraints

→ Clean Booths are ideal for these cases, ensuring a clean environment without disrupting the building layout.

3. Can Clean Booths Meet ISO/GMP Standards?

Can a Clean Booth be ISO-compliant?

Yes, if properly designed, a Clean Booth can achieve ISO 14644-1 cleanroom classes from ISO 8 to ISO 6, suitable for:

Cosmetics filling and packaging (handmade)
R&D testing in electronics
Final product packaging in food manufacturing
Testing zones in small-scale pharmaceutical production

However, for higher standards (e.g., ISO 5, Class 100, or GMP-compliant zones), Clean Booths are usually not ideal due to limitations in structural sealing, pressure control, and environmental regulation.

Key Technical Requirements for ISO/GMP Compliance

To ensure Clean Booths meet ISO/GMP requirements, consider:

1. HEPA/ULPA Air Filtration

Use HEPA filters ≥ H13 or ULPA ≥ U15 as needed
Integrated into ceiling-mounted FFU modules
Maintain one-way airflow with uniform velocity (0.3 – 0.5 m/s)

2. Positive Pressure Control

Maintain internal pressure ≥ 10–15 Pa higher than surrounding areas
Prevent contamination from entering the clean zone

3. Cleanroom-Grade Construction Materials

Stainless steel 304 or anodized aluminum frame
Anti-static PVC curtains – easy to clean, dust-resistant
Avoid porous or hard-to-clean materials

4. Particle Count Monitoring

Regular measurement using particle counters
Replace HEPA filters and verify airflow if ISO limits are exceeded

Which Industries Should Use Clean Booths?

Clean Booths are ideal for industries such as:

Handmade Cosmetics: filling, packing, and testing areas
Electronics R&D: circuit board inspection, anti-static testing
Small-scale Pharmaceuticals: formula development, test packaging
Packaged Foods: final product protection from dust during handling

4. Comparison by Usage Scenarios

Not every business requires a fixed cleanroom, and a Clean Booth may not always be sufficient. Choosing the right solution depends on your actual usage scenario. The table below helps you make quick and accurate decisions:

Use Case	Recommended Solution	Notes
Cosmetic factory needs a flexible filling area	Clean Booth	Easy to assemble/disassemble, ideal for small-scale or handmade production
Weighing room for pharmaceutical ingredients	Fixed Cleanroom	Requires strict control of pressure differential, fine particles, and cross-contamination
Sample product testing area (electronics, food)	Clean Booth	Quick to set up, easily expandable, does not affect facility structure
Large-scale production lines	Fixed Cleanroom	Ensures GMP or ISO compliance across the entire zone

Recommendation: For small and medium-sized businesses, you can combine both models: use a Clean Booth for supporting zones and a fixed cleanroom for main production areas.

5. Practical Implementation Tips

Deploying a Clean Booth involves more than just installing a clean enclosure. To ensure efficient operation and alignment with your goals, consider the following technical factors:

1. Choosing Between Stainless Steel and Aluminum Frame

Frame Type

Advantages

Limitations

Stainless Steel 304

- Durable, resistant to cleaning agents

- Suitable for GMP environments

- Higher cost

- Heavier, harder to move

Aluminum Profile

- Lightweight, easy to assemble

- Aesthetic and cost-effective

- Less durable in humid/chemical environments

Tip: Use stainless steel for filling or weighing rooms in pharmaceuticals. Use aluminum profiles for R&D or sample testing zones to optimize cost.

2. Single or Modular Clean Booth?

Single-type (1 zone): Easy to install, ideal for individual tasks like packing, sample inspection, or small-batch weighing.
Modular-type (multi-zone):

Allows creating multiple zones: changing area – main area – buffer zone
Easily expandable as needs grow
Compatible with cleanroom accessories like filters, pass boxes, and lighting

Tip: If you plan to expand or use for multiple functions, choose modular Clean Booths to save long-term investment.

3. Add-On Cleanroom Equipment

To ensure your Clean Booth operates as an effective contamination control system, consider integrating:

Mini Pass Box
→ Transfers materials between the Clean Booth and external areas without cross-contamination.
Single Air Shower
→ Provides a clean entry for personnel, removing dust and static before entering the clean zone.
Manual Interlock System
→ Ensures only one door can open at a time, maintaining internal pressure stability.

Tip: These devices can be installed as modules, requiring no central electrical system — ideal for mobile Clean Booth setups.