Working of HEPA Filters can help appreciate the Science applied to the cleaning technology. The HEPA filters are practically everywhere; be it your air purifier system or the Air conditioner; you will discover the HEPA filters featured in all these appliances. The HEPA filters effectively ensure you thrive in clean and healthy indoor air. Medical practitioners advise most allergic and asthmatic patients to utilize a high-efficiency HEPA filter in their indoor air purifying system for better health. But what is a HEPA filter, and how does it work? Let us find out more.
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What Is HEPA Filter, And How Does It Work?
The HEPA filters are widespread in biosafety cabinets, air purification systems, and air cooling systems. These filter types have a high efficiency of 99.9% and can filter out particles smaller than 0.3 microns. The HEPA filters are capable of removing vapours, gases, aerosol particles, and also micro-organisms from the vicinity air indoors.
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The Features Of The HEPA Filters
The HEPA filters are made from Boron Silicate microfibers. These are manufactured like fine sheets of paper pleated to increase the overall surface area. This is done to increase the efficiency of the filters, to be able to work relentlessly in ensuring you breathe-in clean air. These pleats are separated by Aluminum baffles that work to direct the airflow through the filters. It is also advised not to touch the Filter media, as it is highly sensitive.
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The Working Of The HEPA Filters
Before we discuss the pros and cons of HEPA filter, it is essential to understand how it works. Firstly it is essential to understand that the HEPA filters work differently compared to regular membrane filters. The main working of the HEPA filters comprises three main mechanisms to offer the overall results:
Interception: This is the very first step of filtration involved. This involves the particles being carried along with the airflow around the filter fibres and, thus, adhering to it. These are the particles that are within the radius of the filter fibres to be ‘trapped.’
Impaction: This is the next step that is involved in the filtration process of the HEPA filters. This is the step when the larger particles are trapped once they cannot be filtered during the first step. The trapping is done due to the sudden variation in the airflow that occurs around the filter. Due to the impaction, the larger particles are embedded onto the surface of the filters.
Diffusion: This is the final step that is involved in the filtration process of the HEPA filters. Here the principle of the Brownian movement is applied to trap the microscopic particles. Here the microscopic particles move in a zigzag manner and are, thus, attached to the neighbouring molecules; hence their speeds are slowed down. Hence, these are later capable of further filtration either through Interception or Impaction.
The Advantages Of HEPA Filter
HEPA filters are widely used in medical settings as they are highly efficient.
- These can also filter out both the inorganic and the microscopic organisms.
- The HEPA filters effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, dust and spores, and pollens.
- These filter types have a long life and are also durable for long-term use.
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The Disadvantages Of HEPA Filter
Though these filters are highly efficient, they are responsible for the obstruction of the normal airflow.
- These are also responsible for high electric bills, as your HVAC system needs to overwork, hence more electricity consumption and hence the bills.
- You need professional help to ensure that the MERV ratings can effectively handle the cooling or heating process.
- The HEPA filters are individually expensive products as compared to the other filter types.
General Maintenance Of The HEPA Filters
Now that we have understood the factors, features, and various aspects of the HEPA filters, it is essential to understand the maintenance and general cleaning of the same:
- It is necessary to watch out for repairs and replacements at the right time.
- The HEPA filters need to be looked upon by professionals from time to time to detect any defect.
- It is recommended to opt for a HEPA filter that is Energy Star certified.
- It is recommended to change or replace the HEPA filters every three to six months.
- There are also available HEPA filters that can be reused as and when required.
- It is advised not to manually clean or wash the HEPA filters by themselves.
The Uses Of HEPA Filter
Let us take a look at some of the main uses of the HEPA filters:
- Are effective in applications where the elimination of the bio-pollutants is required.
- These are recommended to make the indoor air less polluted, hence often advised for people suffering from asthma or allergy.
- The HEPA filters are widely used in Military applications as well.
- These filter types are generally the reliable type, hence worth the investment.
- These are efficient in removing 99.97 % of the particles from the indoor air.
- The filters are effective in eliminating microscopic-sized particles of 0.3 microns.
- These find widespread application in vacuum cleaners as well.
- Is effective is the successful removal of most airborne particles.
- Is advised for the new parents to opt for the HEPA filters as their newborn arrives home.
- HEPA is a good choice for smokers, as it carefully removes smoke particles and odour as well.
- As for the Pet owners, it is recommended that you opt for both a HEPA filter and carbon filter to successfully remove allergens and odours.
Working of HEPA Filters: The Conclusion
So, there you have it, people. These are some of the prime facts and factors about HEPA filters. It is advised to ensure that the air you breathe in should be as clean and healthy as possible. For this, try investing in a nice HEPA filter from a good brand.