Airlock

An airlock is an enclosed space with interlocked doors, constructed to maintain air pressure control between adjoining rooms (generally with different air cleanliness standards). The intent of an airlock is to preclude ingress of particle matter and microorganism contamination from a lesser controlled area.

Source: EU GMP Annex 1

Types of Airlocks

There are three different types of airlocks, which can vary based on the level of cleanliness required. These are:

• Personnel airlocks: To allow people to enter or exit the cleanroom environment.
• Material airlocks: For moving materials or equipment.
• Pass-through airlocks: These are smaller compartments for passing tools or materials between rooms.

By controlling the transition, cleanroom airlocks play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the cleanroom environment.