[labnetwork] Galvanized steel for air-return surfaces

[Collins, Deon]

HMNTL is a four-decade old facility. Our returns and supply ducts are all galvanized and have no issues with our returns or supply ducts.


Deon D. Collins



Director of Facilities

The Grainger College Of Engineering UIUC
Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab
208 N Wright St Rm. 1114 | MC-249
Urbana, IL 61801
217-300-7531 | deonc69 at illinois.edu<mailto:deonc69 at illinois.edu>


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________________________________
From: labnetwork <labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu> on behalf of Joseph Losby <joseph.losby at ucalgary.ca>
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2026 11:49 AM
To: Lab Network (labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu) <labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu>
Subject: [labnetwork] Galvanized steel for air-return surfaces

Hello Labnetwork,

We are designing an ISO 5 facility using a bay-and-chase layout.  Do you recommend the use of galvanized steel for recirculating air-return surfaces (only), specifically regarding long term risks of zinc oxide shedding or oxidation? All air return is refiltered before entering the cleanroom.

Would powder-coated aluminum be a better option?  Although stainless steel would be used for the ducting between the AHUs and cleanroom HEPA filters (as well as all exhausts), the use of galvanized upstream is mainly a value engineering consideration.

Cheers,
Joe


Joseph Losby, PhD

Manager, qLab Operations

Quantum City, Office of the VPR

joseph.losby at ucalgary.ca
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