Setra Blog

There are many major benefits to be gained from the implementation of a Setra Continuous Environmental Monitoring System (CEMS). The use cases shown below exemplify the ongoing value delivered through this secure, highly available, cloud-based, real-time environmental monitoring, alarming, reporting and data collection platform. 

What is a REST API and Why Should I Care? 

The awareness and utilization of APIs has exploded in recent years. Originally the domain of the software development community, these powerful interoperability enablers are now at the forefront of web, cloud-based and mobile device application development. 

Let’s face facts; manual monitoring of cleanroom particulate counts is costly, monotonous and highly error prone. Cleanroom managers are very aware that by far the greatest contamination threats come from individuals entering controlled spaces. Understandably, to reduce the number people accessing these critical environments, many companies are tasking the cleanroom operations staff already working within these spaces with the additional responsibility for manual environmental monitoring (EM). While this approach has obvious benefits, such as lower labor costs and reduced contamination risks, it also introduces significant new data integrity issues.  

Setra’s wide array of non-viable particle counters are used throughout critical environments to measure particle concentrations of various sizes; these counters use a long-life laser diode, light scattering, and photo detector to calculate particle size and quantities as the sampled air passes through. Particle counters are required for cleanroom certification but are also often used for continuous, sequential, or periodic monitoring of the space between certifications and to ensure that particle levels are maintained below critical thresholds during manufacturing. This post will look at Setra’s different particle counters and their differences to help you decide upon the correct unit(s) for your application.

Setra’s comprehensive range of particle counters and air quality monitors are the most advanced, high-performance instruments available. This industry-leading position has developed from an enduring, intense focus on innovation and original intellectual property creation.

Environmental monitoring, especially particle counting, in cleanrooms is used to show that said cleanroom operates within its set parameters before and during manufacturing processes. The safety and quality of products can be affected if too many particles enter the manufacturing space or process. However, this monitoring is commonly still a manual process in many cleanrooms instead of routine or continuous particle counting. Cleanrooms are highly regulated environments that require the utmost attention to air quality and cleanliness.

To continue operating, a critical environment must meet many safety standards to keep their space free of harmful particles. If an environment is not monitored, it can be easily contaminated by harmful particles such as mold. Air sampling is one of the most common ways to monitor for - and thus prevent - mold. Viable and non-viable air sampling can be employed in detecting mold and other harmful particles in the air. Not monitoring for those particles can lead to disaster.

OEM and mechanical parts suppliers adopting ISO Standards is increasingly common throughout the US, driven by a spike in industry demand for components manufactured in ISO compliant factories. In addition to existing and increasing demand for ISO compliance in clean rooms, healthcare spaces, and laboratories, manufacturing facilities like automotive, electronics, loT, and industrial are now adapting to observe these standards. To be ISO compliant, all of these spaces need highly accurate, reliable, and NIST-traceable sensors for monitoring.

When selecting a particle counter, it is necessary to consider what building automation network it can communicate with. Examining the available options helps to ensure the particle counter will connect to your existing network.