AEROSPACE

In turbulent-flow, high-bay cleanrooms typically employed for satellite assembly, average airflow velocities are much lower when compared with unidirectional airflow designs. This means large particles (≥ 10 µm) deposit on surfaces and work environments, putting critical products at risk. Aerosol particle counters struggle to collect a representative sample of these larger particles due to settling, and unless they are removed by cleaning the area, it is highly likely those particles will be re-distributed by normal personnel or equipment movements. The solution to this challenge is real-time measurement of the Particle Deposition Rate (PDR). SentrySciences has products that can continuously and automatically monitor large particle deposition at your greatest points of risk, including triggering of alarms in real-time, when PDR increases above a pre-defined limit, or when an ISO 14644-9 Surface Cleanliness Level is exceeded. SentrySciences is at the forefront of instrumentation for monitoring FOD (Foreign Object Debris), large particle deposition and automated witness plate monitoring. Whether it is a continuous monitoring system for FOD in compliance with ISO 14644-9 or a portable inspection tool for cleaning validation, we have an array of innovative solutions for cleanrooms and work environments. Our experts can help to ensure that cleaning methods are adequate and cleanroom practices are preventing the redistribution of large particles to unwanted areas or surfaces in manufacturing processes or pre-launch preparations.

Your critical opto-electronics and other assemblies for spacecraft and satellite use require clean environments to meet exacting standards. SentrySciences provides a broad range of products and services to monitor your cleanroom, from aerosol particle counters to fully automated Facility Monitoring Systems covering a spectrum of contamination parameters. Our team of skilled engineers assist in the design, specification, and installation of state-of-the-art hardware to help ensure your manufacturing and assembly occurs in a suitable clean environment.

SentrySciences has solutions for surface monitoring in your critical environments. Our experts can help you select equipment to qualify your cleaning processes, conduct critical quality assurance measurements for particles and dust, or continuously monitor foreign object debris and large particles. SentrySciences’ OMT Surface Inspection products directly detect particles on technical surfaces or on witness wafers and settling plates to meet the ISO 14644-9 standard as an alternative to microscopic testing. Our automated witness plate monitoring and particle deposition system employs holographic imaging to detect particles >15µm and includes the ability to provide alarm notification in real-time when the PDR exceeds limits. 

A contamination risk assessment determines the critical number and sizes of particles that can cause products to be rejected or fail inspection. It is a common misconception that by placing a product or critical manufacturing process in a cleanroom, it will automatically be protected. Not true at all: routinely cleaning the cleanroom is critical! We can also help you conduct a risk assessment and optimize your gowning protocols and cleanroom housekeeping programs to minimize foreign object debris. At SentrySciences, our particle experts can help you understand your risk areas and develop cleaning and monitoring solutions to ensure that your clean areas are clean!

Count on us – even after the sale! Calibration and maintenance of hardware components, and monitoring system infrastructure is simple with SentrySciences. We provide rapid turnaround for calibration of aerosol particle counters and monitoring system components from our lab in Longmont, CO. Need to minimize disruption, or don’t have time to ship your instrument to us? We can calibrate on-site, and still deliver a fully traceable ISO 21501-4 compliant calibration. We are ISO 17025 accredited.