In 2001 Barnwell progressed into Automotive Engineering Technology by introducing a Clean Room 'Class 10000' into their Image Branding facility at their Head Office, in Smethwick. Automotive Engineering has now progressed into using Aerospace Technology with exacting tolerances and precision engineered parts so prevention of contamination in the new "Common Rail" type Diesel fuel systems, which most vehicle manufacturer's have adopted today, is of the utmost importance. The components supplied by Barnwell are ultrasonically cleaned after production and then packed under 'clean room' conditions into Service Kits for the automotive sector.

But what is a clean room? A clean room is an enclosed space in which airborne particulates, contaminants, and pollutants are kept within strictly controlled limits i.e. the reduction of foreign particles in the air, which because of their size are measured in microns. One micron is 1/1000th of a millimetre (in fact 1 human fingerprint is 10 micron in height!). Class 10,000 means less than 10,000 particles per cubic foot of air, of 0.5 micron & greater.

It is a pressurised room, where air is drawn in by the use of fans from above the clean room ceiling at 0.5 m/sec. This air is filtered twice, first through pre filters and then a main Hepa filter. This continuous positive air pressure then needs to escape and it does so via gaps between the door and floor. It has to be left running continuously 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Any work carried out in the clean room involves the personnel needing to wear specialist clothing. Coveralls, hoods, gloves, face masks and boot covers are worn to prevent substances released off the wearer's body and clothing from contaminating the environment.

If you have any interest in a clean room facility or have products that require ultrasonic cleaning, please contact Steve Barnwell on 0121 429 8011 or via email here.