HEPA means High Efficiency Particulate Air. It removes 99.97% or more of airborne particles sized 0.3 microns and larger, known as the “True HEPA” standard. HEPA filtration technology is not new; it was discovered by the U.S. Department of Energy during World War II as a way to create effective gas masks. It removes particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, which is around 56 times smaller than a human hair. It was initially intended for atomic energy cleanrooms.
The most widespread misperception about HEPA filters is that they are limited to 0.3-millimeter particle collection. But in real, harmful ultrafine particles that are substantially smaller can also be effectively captured by HEPA filtration technology.
How do HEPA Filtration Systems Work?
HEPA filters work by trapping airborne particles in a complex mesh of tiny synthetic fibers. These fibers are charged electrostatically, which helps them capture particles in two ways: either by trapping them in the maze-like mesh or by attracting them to the charged fibers like magnets. True HEPA filters use several mechanisms to capture harmful particles, including diffusion, interception, inertial impaction, and electrostatic attraction. Diffusion occurs as particles move around and get trapped in the fibers’ maze, while interception happens when particles come close to a fiber and get snagged. Larger particles are trapped through inertial impaction when they collide with the fibers, while smaller particles are attracted to the charged fibers through electrostatic attraction.
HEPA filtration technology captures airborne particles in an advanced mesh of small synthetic fibers. Because of their electrical charge, these fibers can grab and hold onto particles like magnets, or they can trap them in the mesh-like structure of the labyrinth. HEPA filters use techniques like diffusion, interception, inertial impaction, electrostatic attraction, etc. to gather harmful particles.
Particles travel about and get entangled in the web of fibres by diffusion, whereas particles approach a fiber and become entangled in it through interception. When larger particles hit the fibres, they are captured by inertial impaction, while smaller particles are drawn to the charged fibres by electrostatic attraction.
HEPA filters are made of densely packed layers of glass fibers. These fibers create a maze-like structure that traps particles as air passes through. It is primarily made from two materials:
- Fiberglass (Glass Fiber): Offers high filter efficiencies but also high airflow resistance.
- Nonwoven Fabric Material (usually polypropylene): Provides high performance with lower airflow resistance due to a static charge.
HEPA Filtration Systems and Their Types
HEPA Air Purifiers
- Standalone units are designed to clean the air in a single room or small area.
- Consists of a fan and a HEPA filter.
- Some models include additional filtration stages such as pre-filters and activated carbon filters.
HVAC HEPA Filtration Systems
- It is integrated into a building’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
- It can filter the air throughout an entire building.
- HVAC HEPA filtration system is available in different sizes and capacities to suit various building sizes and air quality needs.
Vacuum Cleaners with HEPA Filters
- It traps dust & other allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air.
- It is beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.
What are the Benefits of HEPA Filtration Systems?
- HEPA filtration solution removes many airborne particles and improves indoor air quality.
- It reduces allergens, dust, pet dander, mold spores, some bacteria & viruses, etc.
- It also helps to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms by removing allergens from the air.
- HEPA filtration eliminates bacteria and viruses from the air, minimizing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
- You can keep your home or workplace clean by trapping dust and other particles before they settle on surfaces.
How can you choose the Right HEPA Filtration System for your needs?
Consider the Size of the Area
A standalone HEPA air purifier is sufficient for smaller rooms or areas. However an HVAC HEPA system may be necessary for larger spaces or whole-house filtration. So, choose wisely and decide beforehand what your size requirements are.
Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
You must choose a HEPA filtration system with a CADR suitable for the size of the room or area you want to clean. The reason is that CADR measures the volume of clean air that a purifier can deliver per minute.
Look for Additional Features
Some HEPA filtration systems include air quality sensors, programmable timers, and remote controls. So, it is recommended to consider whether these features are important to you when choosing a system.
The Requirements & Efforts for Maintenance
- Regularly replace HEPA filters to maintain optimal performance.
- You should keep the filter clean on the exterior of the unit to prevent dust buildup.
- You must check the airflow regularly to make sure the operation is efficient.
- We suggest you use an air quality monitor to track the effectiveness of your HEPA filtration system.
We hope you found this information useful. At Aerolube, we think that clean & pure air is essential to wellbeing. Aerolube is one of the leading providers of Hepa Filtration system. Aerolube has been in the business for the last 6 years. We would be happy to hear from you if our product specialists could address any concerns you may have regarding True HEPA filters or selecting the best air purifier for the rooms you use most frequently!
FAQ’s
What Is the Principle of A HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter works like a super-fine sieve that traps tiny particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and more. It uses a dense network of fibers to catch these particles as air passes through. The HEPA filter can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and helps to keep the air clean & fresh.
What Is A HEPA Filter Made Of?
A HEPA filter is made of very fine glass fibers arranged in a dense mat. This creates a maze-like structure that traps particles as air flows through. Some filters also have additional layers, like activated carbon, to capture odours & gases.
How Does A HEPA Purifier Work?
A HEPA filter or purifier works by pulling air through a fine mesh filter. This filter traps tiny particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria & viruses. HEPA filter’s tightly woven fibers create a maze-like structure. As air passes through this maze, the particles get trapped, and the clean air is released back into the room. A HEPA filter makes the air in your home cleaner & healthier to breathe.
Other Reads