Hepa filters are a part of the air filtration system. They help remove impurities and microorganisms in the air as small as 0.3 microns. So, what is a Hepa filter? How does Hepa work? Let’s find out with Migco in the article below.
What is a HEPA filter and how does it work?
Air pollution is a major problem we face every day in this modern era. Whether it is indoor or outdoor air pollution, the impact it has is very harmful to the human respiratory system. Although air pollution in the environment cannot be completely controlled, we can take some measures to prevent indoor air pollution.
Small dust particles from the outside environment are invisible. But we can address this by using a Hepa filter product, also known as a HEPA air filter.
What exactly is a HEPA air filter?
What is a Hepa filter?
What is a Hepa air filter? Hepa filter is an abbreviation for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration technology. It is a filter that is part of an air purifier or vacuum cleaner to trap dust particles or microorganisms.
Note: What is an air filter? Air Filter means an air filter. It is used in many cases such as air filtration, lens filters, etc.
A HEPA filter consists of a randomly arranged mesh of fiberglass fibers with diameters between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers. Therefore, the HEPA air filter can trap a large number of very small particles that can cause asthma and respiratory allergies in humans, which other ordinary vacuum cleaners cannot, such as pollen, fungal spores, pet dander, and smoke.
HEPA air filters can filter up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Therefore, this is the most effective filter found in vacuum cleaner technology, allowing us to breathe fresh and clean air. It is also considered a luxury appliance in the home.
Note: What is a Micron?
- A micron is a unit of measurement used to measure the size of particles or free-floating objects smaller than 1mm.
- 1 micron = 1/1,000 mm or 1/25,400 inches
HEPA air filters were originally manufactured by the nuclear industry to trap dangerous radioactive particles. But now they are mainly used in all air filtration systems.
The invention process of the HEPA filter
Filters resembling a fiber model were first used in the Manhattan Project to trap extremely dangerous radioactive particles.
Gradually, HEPA air purifiers were primarily developed for industrial use. Later, Hepa filters became commonly used in residential apartments and commercial offices to clean large and small dust particles.
How do HEPA air purifiers work?
Commonly used filters today basically function as a screen with many small holes to trap large particles like dust, dirt, and pet dander in the air. However, these basic filters cannot retain small particles.
Therefore, HEPA air filters were introduced for consumer use to clean small particles and impurities from the air. The HEPA filtration system in vacuum cleaners uses two types:
- The outermost layer acts as a basic filter to block large dust particles. The inner layers will materialize the dust particles similarly to a folded material with the structure of a matte fiberglass mat.
- This layer does not function as a filter. Instead, it traps particles through different techniques. Heavy particles move slowly and gradually stick to the fiberglass (Diffusion). Light particles move faster and either collide directly with the fibers or are drawn into them as they pass through.
Types of HEPA filters
An ideal HEPA air filter for an air purifier is one that can capture 99.97% of dust particles 0.3 microns in size in the air within just a few minutes. Only standard HEPA filters can achieve this. Therefore, based on this standard, you can assess whether your filter is a genuine HEPA filter or not.
HEPA filters are classified into 3 types: HEPA, EPA, ULPA, based on their efficiency.
EPA filters
EPA filter stands for Efficient Particulate Air Filter. EPA filters have 3 filtration levels, capable of filtering about 99.5% of dust.
- E10 filter: filters 85% of dust in the environment.
- E11 filter: filters 95% of dust in the environment.
- E12 filter: filters 99.5% of dust in the environment.
Hepa filters
HEPA filter stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. Hepa filters have 2 filtration levels, capable of filtering up to 99.995%.
- H13 filter: filters 99.95% of dirt and dust in the air.
- H14 filter: filters 99.995% of dirt and dust in the air.
Ultra Hepa filter – ULPA
ULPA filter stands for Ultra Low Penetration Air Filter – also known as an ultra hepa filter. ULPA filters can filter up to 99.999995%, including dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers or smaller. ULPA has 3 filtration levels as follows:
- Ultra Hepa filter U15: filters 99.9995% of dirt and dust in the air.
- Ultra Hepa filter U16: filters 99.99995% of dirt and dust in the air.
- Ultra Hepa filter U17: filters 99.999995% of dirt and dust in the air.
How often should you replace your HEPA filter core?
The replacement of the HEPA air filter core depends on two factors. First, if your filter includes both a HEPA air filter and a carbon filter, then the carbon filter needs to be replaced every 6 months and the HEPA filter every 24 months.
This also depends on factors such as:
- The filter manufacturer.
- The total surface area of the hepa filter system.
- The environment in which the HEPA filter operates.
Finally, low-quality air purifiers need to be replaced annually, and the best quality purifiers are recommended after a period of 2 to 3 years.
Advantages of HEPA filters
- The filter captures both large and small particles in the air, thus providing fresh and clean air.
- Recommended for people with asthma or allergies.
- There are many options for different sizes and prices (price of hepa filter) to suit the usage requirements of each individual and family.
- Has a high level of efficiency with a filtration capacity of about 99.97% of dust per minute.
Hepa filters require cleaning and annual replacement. Therefore, calculate the replacement cost in advance to have a cost estimate for the future.
You can find specialized air filtration system suppliers, such as MIG, for consultation and to provide the most suitable HEPA filter for your usage needs and budget.
Migco – a unit specializing in consulting and installing industrial air filtration systems, hepa filter membranes, coarse filters, fine filters, and cleanroom equipment.
Contact Migco immediately for consultation and quotation.
Hotline: 093.77.55.800
> See more:
