What are HEPA Filters
HEPA filters, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, are a valuable resource in the air purification industry. These filters, thanks to their special structure consisting of microfibers assembled in several layers, are created to retain microscopic particles in the air, offering a high level of efficiency in removing liquid and gaseous contaminants.
HEPA filters are usually made of fiberglass, polypropylene, and borosilicate, arranged to form a dense mesh. The dense mesh captures pollutant particles, preventing their passage and ensuring cleaner air. They are part of the category known as "absolute filters" (along with ULPA filters, Ultra Low Penetration Air), so called because the filtration efficiency varies from 85 percent (H10) and 99.995 percent (H14).
What HEPA filters are for
HEPA filters are used extensively in industrial air filtration systems to improve air quality within working environments. Their ability to retain particles down to 0.3 microns makes them effective in removing fine dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses.
In addition to protecting human health, HEPA filters are critical to preserving the quality of sensitive industrial processes. Sectors such as the pharmaceutical, electronics, and food industries require a contaminant-free environment to ensure safe products that meet quality standards and current regulations.
Advantages and disadvantages of using HEPA filters in air filtration systems
Advantages:
- High filtration efficiency: HEPA filters are designed to capture extremely small particles, providing very close to 100% filtration efficiency.
- Improved air quality: significantly reduce the presence of allergens, fine dust and pathogens in the air, creating a healthier environment.
- Adaptability to different applications: due to their versatility, HEPA filters can be integrated into a wide range of ventilation and air treatment systems.
Disadvantages:
- Airflow restrictions: due to their dense layered structure, HEPA filters can cause reduced airflow if not properly sized for the system.
For which pollutants are HEPA filters useful
HEPA filters are particularly effective in removing a wide range of air pollutants, including:
- Fine dust: reduce the presence of fine particles that can have harmful effects on human respiratory health.
- Allergens: captures pollen and other common allergens, improving the environment for people susceptible to these types of problems.
- Bacteria and viruses: provide an effective barrier against pathogenic microorganisms, helping to maintain a safer and more hygienic environment.
The use of HEPA filters in industrial air filtration systems is an advanced solution for improving air quality, protecting human health, and preserving the purity of industrial processes. Although they may carry some limitations (e.g., they do not fit all pollutants), the health and safety benefits they offer make HEPA filters a valuable choice for many industrial applications.
Several applications made by Coral may involve the use of HEPA filters, particularly if gases, toxic vapors and welding smoke are simultaneously present in the plant. For example, the Assoclean filter unit is used as a high-efficiency second filter stage as an add-on module in many filtration applications and is equipped with a HEPA H13 absolute filter with a filtration efficiency of 99.95 percent.