GFRMC paneling system : Decontaminating a mobile containment unit | Germfree mobile laboratory
GFRMC Wall, Ceiling, Lining, Systems : GFRMC is a robust XL (extra large ) lightweight composite panel, it has a low vapor transmission rate of 0.0036. Within the portfolio of Arcoplast panels, GFRMC is the lightest panel system, weighing 60% less than GFRP or Acryloyl. GFRMC is available in two thicknesses : 5mm and 9.5mm and supplied in a range of standard panel sizes or as an XL panel : 40ft x 4 ft (12.2 x 1.2 meters).
GFRMC : WALL & CEILING PANEL SYSTEMS
SURFACE PROPERTIES
GFRMC Surface Finish : Impermeable, easy to clean, antimicrobial, Gel-coat high gloss surface.
Does not support the growth of fungus, mildew, mold or bacteria. GFRMC does not corrode, oxidize, flack, delaminate or blister. GFRMC primary barriers have a long life cycle with no rejuvenating maintenance programs.
R Values 2.368 - 8.344.
Internal matrix of 6.0 pcf* (96Kg/m3)
Panel sizes up to 4x4 foot | 1200x1200 mm
i-Panels are manufactured using a high density, rigid glass fiber insulation core, encapsulated by a saturated chopped strand glass fiber mat shell. The encapsulated internal insulation core does not shed glass fibers, collapse or decompress over time.
APPLICATIONS
Primarily, GFRMC panels are used in the production of 40-foot mobile Labs and mini labs. On account of the panels weight and the efficacy of the Dry Build installation process, GFRMC panels are used to construct cleanrooms in challenging or remote locations.
In other applications, A&E teams use GFRMC panels to address logistical challenges when upgrading various buildings constrained by weight limitations. The panels facilitate easier on-site handling and installation compared to traditional building materials, making GFRMC panels suitable for projects where weight restrictions are a concern.
Mobile Cleanrooms :
Maintaining sterile surfaces is critical in any cleanroom. However mobile cleanrooms especially when deployed on location operate in diverse environments, often outside the controlled settings of a traditional facility, exposing them to a wider range of potential contaminants and challenges in maintaining sterilized surfaces. The GFRMC panel is manufactured with an Arcoplast GelCoat finish. What is interesting is the GelCoat surface topography of Ra 0.01 μm inhibits microbial attachment, reduces the likelihood of contaminants and residues adhering to the primary barrier surface, and this brings into play a more efficient cleaning, decon sterilization process.
In the confined space of a mini lab or mobile cleanroom, controlling the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is crucial. VOCs can be harmful and will disrupt the cleanroom's capacity to be a controlled environment. GFRMC panels tested : No detectable VOCs. This is a significant factor in ensuring a safe breathing environment for personnel and animals in a confined space.
DEDICATED :
The Dedicated Primary Barrier combines the GFRMC panel with Acryloyl and or GFRP panels to enhance strength and resilience in areas of the cleanroom that endure heavy traffic or impact. When installed, the different panels are indistinguishable and compliant to the same cleaning, decon, sanitation processes.
HYBRID :
The Dedicated Primary Barrier uses only GFRMC panels. These panels come in standard sizes and an XL size of 4 x 40 feet. XL panels are commonly used to construct seamless single membrane primary barriers for mini labs and mobile laboratories. The XL panel allows for one-panel coverage per wall and a single panel for the ceiling, effectively minimizing joints, creating a primary barrier with seamless walls and ceilings.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS :
Manufactured to specification in a controlled environment. GFRMC is a composite panel comprising of a non-woven composite core substrate with an outer layer of reinforced glass fiber resin. The surface finish is the Arcoplast GelCoat, it is impermeable having a perm rate of 0.01. GFRMC panels have a Flexural strength of 14469.9 (psi) and a Tensile strength of 10100 (psi). The panel surface burning characteristics were tested and past Class A–20 FS–SD-300.
GFRMC panels do not breakdown, blister, delaminate, flake, splinter, shed or peel over time. There are no rejuvenating maintenance programs. In the event of accidental damage the GFRMC panel is fully repairable. The GFRMC seamless primary barrier has a long life cycle.
GFRMC SURFACE TESTS :
| Description : GFRMC GelCoat high gloss surface | Test | Result |
|---|---|---|
Degree of Surface Disfigurement by Fungal Growth |
ASTM D 3274 | No Fungal Growth |
Resistance to Bacteria |
ISO 8464-B-C |
No Fungal Growth |
Resistance to Mold on Surface |
ASTM D 3273 |
Resistance to Fungi |
Surface Burning Characteristics. Whole Panel, Class A |
ASTM E 84 |
Pass |
Water Vapor Transmission and Permeance, F 73º degrees at 50 percent relative humidity |
ASTM E 96 |
Less than 0.01 perms |
| Thickness | Width | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13/64 inch | 48 - 108 inches | up to 40 feet | 1.09 Lbs/Sqft |
| 3/8 inch | 48 - 108 inches | up to 40 feet | 1.4 Lbs/Sqft |
| Thickness | Width | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 1.2 - 2.74 meter | up to 12.2 meter | 5.3 kg/m2 |
| 9.5 mm | 1.2 - 2.74 meter | up to 12.2 meter | 6.1 kg/m2 |
Hygiene :
Does not support microbial activity, bacteria, mildew, or fungus.
Panel Color :
Available in most pantone (PMS) colors. Standard color is pristine white.
Structural Integrity :
Rigid, impermeable, resilient to corrosion, does not blister, delaminate, shrink, flake or peel. GFRMC primary barriers have a long life cycle and no rejuvenating maintenance programs, minimizing downtime and interruptions, equating to a favorable return on investment.
CLEANING DECON SANITATION
SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY :
The largest surface area inside a cleanroom is the primary barrier.
Primary Barriers with ultra smooth surfaces having an Ra* of 0.8μm typically have nominal microbial attachment, resulting in significantly improving the efficiency of the cleaning, decon and sterilization of the primary barrier surface, thus mitigating many risks of contamination.
The international standard for hygienic design ISO 4287.23 stipulates the topography and roughness of a surface is : Ra* 0.82μm or less. It is commonly understood most forms of bacteria thrive in a sessile state by bonding to a surface using one of four different methods : attachment, adherence, adhesion or entrapment. It is also noted the rougher the surface the stronger the attachment force.
As an example : Sessile cells protected in a Biofilm made up of extracellular polymeric substances are less likely to be a risk when a primary barriers surface is Ra* 0.8μm or less.
For these test results the Ra master test micrometer reading was set at 0.40
Micrometer symbol : μm.
Micrometer / Micron, is a metric unit of measure for a length equal to 0.001 mm, or about 0.000039 inch.
| Dimensional Surface Topography |
Acryloyl |
GFRMC |
GFRP |
|---|---|---|---|
Ra : Roughness Average* |
0.020 μm |
0.01 μm |
0.082 μm |
Rq : Roughness, root mean square average |
0.03 μm |
0.02 μm |
0.135 μm |
Rz : Average Maximum Height of the Profile |
0.16 μm |
0.013 μm |
0.817 μm |
Rp : Maximum Profile Peak Height |
0.09 μm |
0.07 μm |
0.604 μm |
Rv : Maximum Profile Valley Depth |
0.07 μm |
0.06 μm |
0.213 μm |
Rt : Maximum Height of the Profile |
0.21 μm |
0.18 μm |
2.384 μm |
COMPLIANCE
| GFRMC: Dust particulates ISO Tests | Compliant |
| GFRMC: Test method GC-MS | Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry test result : No VOC's detected |
| GFRMC Dedicated or Hybrid Primary Barriers | Compliant : CL3, PC3, ABSL-3, BSL-3Ag, BSL-3 |
| GFRMC: Chemical and stain resistant | Non-porous high gloss Arcoplast GelCoat finish |
| GFRMC: US and International building standards | Compliant |
| ASTM E 84: Fire and Smoke Classification – Class A | Compliant |
| VOC: GC-MS Test | No VOCs detected |
Arcoplast primary barriers are void of VOCs, and thus facilitates a clean neutral environment for people, animals and occupants.
GFRMC VAULT. The vault takes several seconds to open.
GFRMC 9.5mm PANEL
KERF
GFRMC Surface Finish : Impermeable, easy to clean, antimicrobial, Gel-coat high gloss surface.
Available in most PMS colors, GFRMC standard color is Pristine White.
Does not support the growth of fungus, mildew, mold or bacteria. GFRMC does not corrode, oxidize, flack, delaminate or blister. There are no rejuvenating maintenance programs.
The GFRMC 5mm Panel has no kerf, whereas the GFRMC 9.5mm Panel features a kerf edge designed to house an Arcoplast Spline for Direct Attachment.
Note : There are seismic and standard splines.
GFRMC 9.5mm Seismic Spline Assembly : A-1010, A-2020
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Always check with local authorities; most GFRMC wall and ceiling installations do not require pre-engineering. GFRMC panels are installed with minimal dust and waste, using a Dry Build construction process that eliminates potential surface contamination commonly associated with on-site wet surface coatings and prolonged drying times. GFRMC panels are manufactured in a controlled contaminate free environment, thereafter delivered on-site ready-to-install. A well-trained crew are able to quickly and efficiently install and seal the panels into a seamless primary barrier that meets the stringent standards of compliance : ABSL-3, BSL3, BSL-3Ag.
GFRMC Back Plate Lining System :
Panel thickness : 5mm • 9.5mm
Modernizing or Lining a facility is a quick clean process. The GFRMC panels and back plates are directly attached using A-2020 structural adhesive, the joints and seams are sealed and finished using A-1010 Bio-Seal. Please note : Before direct attaching back plates and panels to any surface, make sure the surface is clean and able to support the new panels.
*Fasteners are used to fix the back plate or spline to the substrate/ framing. Fasteners do not penetrate the barrier surface.
GFRMC Spline System :
Panel thickness : 9.5mm
GFRMC corner and wall seismic or non seismic splines, locate the GFRMC panels into the correct position using *fasteners and VHB tape. A-2020 structural adhesive bonds the panels and spline assembly to the framing. A-1010 Bio-Seal is used to seal and finish panel joints, resulting in a seamless single membrane primary barrier.
Direct attach :
A-1010 Bio-Seal adhesive sealant finishing compound, A-2020 structural adhesive, fasteners and brackets, are used to directly attach devices to the Primary Barrier. Please note : Once fixed to the wall, the fixture cannot be removed without cutting the panel.
Penetrations :
A-1010 Bio-Seal and A-2020 adhesive are used in various capacities to form seamless penetrations.
Repair :
In the event of accidental damage, the GFRMC Primary Barrier is able to be repaired in situ, back to new.
Note :
Only trained, experienced trades people are to install Arcoplast Products.
CONCLUSION
GFRMC panels are utilized in expansive areas where weight is critical, or primarily as lightweight seamless primary barriers for mini labs and mobile labs. GFRMC large panels used in constructing primary barriers for 40ft mini labs, feature seamless walls and ceilings with no panel to panel joints. GFRMC Hybrid primary barriers are suitable for more demanding surface areas where hard contact with the barrier is a concern. Dedicated and Hybrid primary barriers feature a long lifecycle and require no rejuvenating maintenance programs.
GFRMC VAULT. The vault takes several seconds to open