VIX™

The most energy-efficient cleanroom concept

The VIX concept is ABN Cleanroom Technology’s patented energy-efficient cleanroom system. It sets a new standard for airflow control and operational reliability.

How the VIX concept works

At its core, a vertical plenum houses all air treatment systems, including filtration, fan units, and air conditioning, in one integrated module. As a result, this all-in-one design removes the need for separate mechanical spaces and complex ducting. Consequently, cleanrooms require less space and install much faster.

Moreover, VIX forms a core part of the ABN Cleanroom Technology ADAPTUS Product Platform. This platform enables fast configuration and deployment of cleanroom facilities. In addition, it supports scalability, modularity, and consistent performance across projects. Therefore, this approach gives each cleanroom proven design principles and reliable technology.

VIX cleanrooms vs. traditional cleanrooms

Traditional approach: higher energy usage, single point of failure

Traditionally, most facilities use one central air-handling unit to push large air volumes through long ducts and ceiling filters. As a result, airflow stays fixed at high levels, regardless of demand. Consequently, this unit becomes a single point of failure. If it stops, the entire cleanroom shuts down. Unsurprisingly, this setup leads to high energy use and higher operating costs.

VIX approach: continuous operation, easy upgrades

By contrast, ABN’s VIX cleanrooms replace the central unit with multiple compact modules installed in a sealed ceiling plenum. In addition, a sensor-driven control system adjusts airflow based on real demand and keeps pressure levels stable.

Importantly, teams can service individual modules while others continue operating. When needs change, teams achieve higher capacity or tighter classification by adding modules and updating setpoints, without major rebuilding.

Energy-efficient patented VIX-concept

Go as you grow

Let your business grow with VIX. Today, you may need a small cleanroom. Tomorrow, you can expand it as demand increases.

99,9% uptime

VIX uses decentralized air systems installed in an airtight ceiling plenum. As a result, these systems deliver up to 99.9% uptime.

Upgradable

Teams can easily upgrade and modify VIX cleanrooms to meet new ISO classifications as business needs change.

Why companies choose VIX

In regulated industries, systems must operate correctly and meet strict compliance rules. The GAMP 5 framework supports this goal by providing a structured approach to validation that aligns with standard qualification methods.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The VIX concept is designed with efficiency at its core. By reducing energy consumption, optimizing airflow, and minimizing maintenance needs, it significantly lowers the total cost of ownership compared to traditional cleanroom solutions. Over the full lifecycle of your cleanroom, this translates into substantial cost savings while maintaining uncompromising quality and compliance.

Less production stops

Easy to expand in the future

Your business needs may evolve, and so should your cleanroom. The VIX concept makes future expansion simple and cost-efficient. Thanks to its modular architecture, additional cleanroom space or functionality can be integrated without disrupting ongoing operations, providing flexibility and scalability exactly when you need it.

Sustainable by design

Sustainability is built into the DNA of the VIX concept. With energy-efficient systems, reduced material usage, and optimized airflow management, it supports your organization’s environmental goals. By lowering energy demand and extending the cleanroom’s lifecycle, the VIX concept not only reduces operational costs but also your carbon footprint.

Where the savings come from?

When companies switch from centralized cleanrooms to the ABN VIX modular approach, operating costs drop across several areas.

Based on a reference case, we observed the following typical savings:

Firstly, recirculation air costs drop by about 75% due to shorter airflow paths and fewer leaks.
In addition, cooling costs fall by about 59%, while heating drops by around 62%.
Moreover, dehumidification costs decrease by about 61% thanks to right-sized modules.
Importantly, planned downtime costs fall by roughly 83% because teams service modules without shutdowns.
Finally, unplanned downtime drops by about 33% because the design removes single points of failure.

As a result, this approach cuts annual energy use by about 62% and reduces 15-year total costs by roughly 44%. Actual results vary based on process loads, operating hours, and energy prices. For precise figures, we can provide a project-specific calculation or case study.

Airtightness and fresh air efficiency

Built for minimal leakage

The VIX concept follows VCCN Guideline RL 8 for airtightness and particle tightness. It achieves airtightness class L2. As a result, the system needs far less fresh air to maintain pressure cascades, which lowers ventilation demand.

Smarter fresh air management

Because VIX needs less fresh air, all VIX cleanrooms use integrated CO₂ monitoring. This keeps indoor air quality below 750 ppm while meeting strict cleanliness standards.

In contrast, traditional cleanrooms often supply about 20% fresh air due to airflow control limits. However, fresh air requires full treatment before entering the cleanroom. Therefore, by lowering fresh air demand, the VIX concept significantly reduces energy use while maintaining stable environmental control.

Let's talk cleanrooms

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