Case Study
Temporary HEPA-Filtered Ventilation for Cleanroom Facility
Overview
Client: Global Leader in Flatbread Production
Industry: Food Manufacturing in the UK
Presence: Temporary Ventilation with H13 HEPA Filtration for Cleanroom Environment
Penmann was approached by this global flatbread producer to provide a temporary air handling solution for a cleanroom environment within their production facility. The requirement was to supply filtered air at a rate of 20,000m³/h, with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter rated to H13 standard to meet the cleanroom’s stringent hygiene and air quality controls.
Following a full site survey and discussions with the on-site engineering team, Penmann proposed and delivered a bespoke temporary HVAC solution that aligned with both operational goals and cleanroom regulatory standards.
The Challenge
The client required a clean, filtered airflow solution that could be rapidly deployed and integrated into an existing cleanroom space spanning the L5 and L6 zones. Given the sensitivity of the environment, the air had to be delivered through a system capable of H13 HEPA filtration. Additionally, the solution had to be flexible enough to accommodate the layout of the production facility and allow for efficient airflow over conveyor belts and into the designated cleanroom areas. Physical space constraints, existing production infrastructure, and logistical access to the mezzanine floor presented further challenges in designing and installing a solution that would not interfere with day-to-day operations or compromise hygiene compliance.
The Solution
Penmann delivered a fully engineered temporary factory ventilation solution based on a 150kW Air Handling Unit (AHU). This unit was capable of delivering up to 12,000m³/h of HEPA-filtered air, making it ideally suited to form the backbone of the proposed system.
The AHU was strategically located on the mezzanine floor of Unit 25, where ducting was routed across the space to deliver air effectively over the conveyor system. Galvanised steel ductwork was installed to carry the air from the Air handling Unit through a penetration point in the factory wall, where it transitioned into flexible ducting. This flexible ductwork enabled final delivery of conditioned air into the L5 and L6 cleanroom areas via ceiling-mounted diffuser grilles, ensuring uniform airflow distribution and minimising the risk of localised contamination.
To facilitate the seamless operation of the temporary system, Penmann also provided all labour for the installation and commissioning phases. Once the ducting and AHU were securely installed and tested, operational control was handed over to the site team for daily management.
Installation and Commissioning
Penmann’s experienced engineers carried out the full mechanical installation of galvanised and flexible ductwork over a multi-day period. The scope of works included the design and installation of bespoke 500mm swan neck ducting sections to direct airflow effectively within the space, as well as insulation and sealing for hygienic compliance. Following mechanical installation, a full commissioning process was undertaken. This involved airflow verification, HEPA filter integrity testing, and system performance validation to ensure the AHU met required air change rates and filtration standards. Upon completion, Penmann formally handed the system over to the client’s engineering and facilities team, providing operational guidance and technical support.
Results & Client Outcome
The temporary ventilation system delivered by Penmann met all performance criteria, achieving reliable H13 HEPA-filtered airflow across the cleanroom zones. The air was effectively distributed to critical areas within the L5 and L6 rooms, improving the overall environmental control and helping maintain compliance with cleanroom regulations.
The deployment of the temporary system allowed the client to continue operations without interruption, while also enhancing their cleanroom air quality. The rapid turnaround and engineering precision of the installation ensured the client’s hygiene standards and production targets remained fully supported.
This project further highlights Penmann’s ability to design and deliver fast-track, bespoke air handling and filtration solutions for highly controlled environments—supporting both short-term needs and long-term operational resilience.