HEPA-filters are high efficiency particulate air filters that can remove much smaller particles than a standard filter. The HEPA-filter is an optional addition in a series of other filters that are intended to remove larger particles. A HEPA rated filter removes particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency. This is especially important in certain work environments with greater risk of exposure to contaminants.
Negative air machines and air scrubbers are portable filtration systems that suck in airborne particles and filter them out of the air, improving overall air quality. Thanks to high-rpm motors, upright type cabinet designs, and high efficiency backward-curved blowers, air scrubbers can effectively remove a number of airborne pathogens, including mold, fungal spores, and even odors.
Why Do You Need a HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter adds to the capabilities of a negative air machine, allowing it to remove even more particles than standard filters. These filters can remove tiny trace particles such as mold, bacteria, lead, dust, asbestos, and so forth.
The Parts of an Air Filter
The air scrubber works to draw in air, and this air then moves through a series of filters. To better understand how a HEPA filter works, here’s a look at the different filters used in an air machine:
Pre-Filters
The pre-filter is the first filter particles meet, it is intended to capture the largest particles that enter the machine. By getting rid of the larger particles up front, it helps protect filters that are intended to capture smaller particles. It helps create better airflow, process additional cubic feet per minute, and increase overall efficiency of the filtration system.
Optional carbon filter
This optional filter is intended to capture gas and vapor molecules that produce odors. This filter works using a process known as adsorption, which entails the gaseous molecules attaching to the surface of the carbon filter.
Primary filter
At the last stage of filtration, remaining particles meet the primary filter. This is where the smallest particles are removed from the air. By using a HEPA filter, you are guaranteed to collect 99.97% of particles that measure as little as 0.3 microns. This level of particle capture is not guaranteed without a HEPA filter.
The Blower
The blower is another important component of the air scrubber that is worth mentioning. The blower is responsible for pulling air through the filter and then exhausting the filtered air back out of the unit. The blower must have compatible power with the filter system. If the blower is too powerful, it will decrease the overall efficiency of the machine.
Benefits of HEPA Filters
Air machines work around the clock removing contaminants from the air. Yet, air machines that are outfitted with HEPA filters are much more efficient at getting the job done. Larger particles like animal hair and dust will be picked up by other filters in the system, but depending on the environment you are in, there are certain particles that cannot be removed by anything other than a HEPA filter.
- Improves overall air quality and the health and productivity of anyone who works in a space
- Can prevent lung irritation, asthma, and allergies
- Largely used in pharmaceuticals, nuclear power, aerospace, and technology industries, as well as in residential homes and commercial offices
- Made up of thousands of very fine fibers that are specially arranged to intercept debris that are too small to become trapped by other filters
- Guaranteed to trap 99.97% of particles
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