Understanding HEPA Filters: A Comprehensive Overview
HEPA - high-efficiency particulate air filtration, is used to capture harmful micro-organisms and airborne contaminants that risk sterility in hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, research labs, and other cleanroom buildings. Controlling contaminated air helps prevent compromised patient and employee health by eliminating the risk of respiratory issues, worsening medical conditions, and diseases spread through germs, bacteria, and infectious viruses.
HEPA air filters, also known as absolute filters, remove 99.97% of particulate down to 0.3 microns - For example, the naked eye cannot see anything smaller than 40-50 microns. Due to its effectiveness, HEPA air filtration has become the standard for applications that require the ultimate in clean air. Using HEPA filters in your air filtration system guarantees that fine, sub-micron particles — smoke, bacteria, pollen, spores, etc. — are trapped.
Clinics, labor and delivery centers, treatment facilities, and indoor grow rooms cover only a small scope of applications that rely on HEPA air filtration to protect medical patients and staff. Even so, there are still a lot of questions about HEPA air filtration and if it's the best solution for any cleanroom environment — here's everything you need to know!
Is a HEPA air filtration system right for my application?
HEPA air filtration is an excellent option for cleanroom environments, welding machine processes, and any application that requires surgical-grade air. From healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical manufacturing to laboratories and data centers, HEPA filtration serves critical roles in maintaining air quality. Learn more about HEPA filtration applications and benefits to determine if it's right for your facility.
Get in touch with our experts to learn more about upgrading your air filters, or to get started on a free quote for HEPA air filtration systems.
How often should HEPA filters be changed?
In typical cleanroom environments, HEPA filters should be checked every six months and changed once a year.
Can HEPA filters be washed and/or reused?
There are HEPA air filters that claim to be washable and reusable — but, it's important to note these key factors:
• There is no proof that washable HEPA filters are effective after being cleaned.
• HEPA filters are known to fall apart when washed.
• Removing and cleaning HEPA filters in or near sterile rooms and/or cleanroom environments presents contamination risks.
Should HEPA air filtration systems run 24/7?
We recommend running HEPA air filtration systems 24/7 to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Do HEPA air filtration systems remove odors?
HEPA air filtration systems help remove odors but not as effectively as carbon. HEPA is designed to focus on overall air quality, whereas carbon focuses on odor control. Carbon is the most efficient way of mitigating odors and VOCs.
What's the difference between HEPA & MERV?
HEPA air filters range from 17-20 MERV which is why they are used in hospitals and other cleanroom environments. MERV ratings range between 1-16 based on the filter's capabilities — what's the smallest particle size a filter can manage?
• Low MERV: 1-4
• Medium MERV: 5-13
• High-Efficiency MERV: 13-16 — captures particles as small as 0.3 microns @ 75% efficiency
Blue Ox HEPA air filtration systems draw bacteria, dust, mold spores, and other dangerous air contaminants through a 99.97% HEPA after-filter to remove particulate as small as 0.3 microns to keep filtered air circulating throughout cleanroom and sterile environments.
Our air cleaners are available in a range of HEPA options to accommodate almost any cleanroom environment. Get started on your free quote today!
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• Do You Need HEPA Air Filtration?
• The Difference Between Air Filtration & Ventilation
• What is Indoor Air Quality & How Does It Apply to You?
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