What are the HEPA filters??
All such filters are marked with numbers and fixed in normative documents. In Russia, the types of HEPA filters are regulated by GOST R EN 1822-1-2010. And according to this document, the standards for EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters are prescribed.
They are divided into filter classes according to the principle of integral and local efficiency. HEPA filters are produced according to the number of particles allowed to pass through in general and in a particular area. To determine the cleaning class, the filters are tested with fine aerosols, and the air stream exiting the filters is examined for the number of particles with the most penetrating size of 0.1 to 0.3 microns. The final minimum particle size depends on the filter.
Of course, it is most correct to separate EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters, but cleaning systems with such filters appeared before the names were finally divided and users got used to calling the filters exactly HEPA. That’s why manufacturers, and we included, prefer to keep the name “HEPA” familiar to customers.
While there are no set rules to know when to change HEPA filters, there are signs to look for that will indicate the need for a filter change. These signs include:
- Musty odor. This is a sign of a serious problem with your HEPA filter. Most people often notice an odor when a vacuum cleaner is running. In such cases, replace the HEPA filter as soon as possible, as it is the likely cause of the odor.
- Severe contamination. Heavy contamination of the filter is an obvious reason why you should replace the filter as soon as possible. Contaminated HEPA filters do not provide reliable protection against dangerous airborne contaminants.
- Abnormal operation. If you notice that the air filtration or cooling functions are taking a long time to turn on, then you may need to replace the filter. You usually hear a buzzing sound after turning it on. However, if it takes a while for the air to pass through, it could mean that the system is clogged and contaminated, limiting fresh air to your home. Also keep an eye on whether the vacuum cleaner is sucking in as much air as it used to. Check to see if the vacuum cleaner is making louder noise than usual. This could mean that the HEPA filters need to be replaced as soon as possible.
- Flashes of allergies. Outbreaks of allergies among family members are also a sign that you should raise the issue of replacing the HEPA filter. People who are prone to allergies or sensitive to poor air quality appreciate timely replacement of the air filter. Therefore, if you notice that loved ones in your home are sneezing and sniffing more often, it is recommended to replace the HEPA filter.
Consider changing your filters if it’s been more than a year since your last one, or if you just don’t remember ever changing your vacuum cleaner’s filters.
What are the best vacuum cleaner filters??
Manufacturers of modern vacuum cleaners like Kercher car vacuum cleaners claim they trap at least 99% of dust. Almost all new models have a motor filter and are additionally equipped with HEPA cleaning devices. There are also even more upgraded filters, water filters, which can remove all the dust.
The filter system helps to reduce the amount of dust particles blown out of the vacuum cleaner as much as possible. Some more expensive models have even 12 fine filters, they necessarily have a pre-motor foam filter, can be equipped with an additional filter on the handle.
You may occasionally encounter the fine filter for 3M vacuum cleaners and separator vacuum cleaners on the market. This is a 3M toner vacuum cleaner designed for servicing office equipment and refilling cartridges. Buy a 3M vacuum cleaner at a price of 13000.
Some craftsmen buy a 3M cleaning device and plug it into a regular vacuum cleaner. Also a special mask 3M for respiratory protection is needed for the master refueler.
Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are the most common (for example, a Philips vacuum cleaner).
Main classes
When choosing a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtering it is necessary to know the classification of this system. As a rule, it begins with index 10 (HEPA 10) and ends with 17 (HEPA 17). The index numbers differ only in the percentage of dust and particles. For example, HEPA 10 detains up to 85% of dust particles, and HEPA 17. 99,99%. So the higher the index, the cleaner the air and the better the quality of cleaning. For household use, an index of 12 or 13 is sufficient.
Device Features
What is a HEPA filter for a vacuum cleaner? HEPA filter systems are located at the end of the air purification cascade, as they are designed to trap the finest dust particles.
In addition to their basic function of fine air purification, they can fight microorganisms. For this purpose the inner cavities are treated with an antibacterial compound. Since bacteria can accumulate and grow inside the material over time, care must be taken to ensure that consumable parts are replaced in a timely manner.
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA type filters. High Efficiency Particulate Air or High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing. High Efficiency Particulate Retention). A type of high efficiency air filters. Used in vacuum cleaners and air purification systems, used in places with high demands on air purity.
HEPA filters trap from 85% to 99.95% of allergens and contaminants as small as 0.001 microns. Filters are divided into three groups based on the degree of air purification: EPA, HEPA and ULPA.
EPA filters purify the air from 85 to 99.5% of particles smaller than 0.06 micron.
HEPA filters clean the air from 99.95% to 99.995% of particles.
ULPA filters purify the air up to 99,999995%.
HEPA filters differ in degree of air purification and are divided into 8 classes: (EPA-10, EPA-11, EPA-12, HEPA-13, HEPA-14, ULPA-15, ULPA-16, ULPA-17). Without a numerical designation that defines the class of the HEPA filter, it is impossible to judge its efficiency.
HEPA filters look like a complicated paper accordion shape.This is done to increase the surface area of the filter. Filters are housed in a plastic cassette that fits into a fixed position in the vacuum cleaner and guarantees perfect air purification. HEPA-filters permanently purify the air cleaned with a paper dust bag (up to 98%) or a synthetic multilayer dust bag (up to 99%). Highly not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter together with low-efficient, reusable dust-collectors, as the lower the level of purification of the dust-collector, the earlier the exhaust filter will break down. If used properly, the HEPA filter should be replaced with a new one about once a year.
The features of HEPA filtering.
If you zoom in on the material that acts as the filter, you can see its fiber structure in detail. The fibers are used with different diameters and are interwoven with each other in a chaotic manner. The distance between the fibers is from 5 to 50 microns. However, this does not mean that the air will be cleaned only from large particles that will be trapped between the fibers.
If you think that only fluff, wool and dust will be removed from the air, you are deeply mistaken. Smaller constituents have no chance of passing through HEPA filtration either. This happens because the airflow has to constantly change its direction, moving between the fibers. The smallest particles (up to 0.1 μm) simply settle on the fibrous structure of the mesh. Grains with a diameter of 0,3 microns do not have time to change the path of movement with the moving stream and cling to the fibers in the “labyrinth” of the filter. Thus, the air is purified from even the smallest allergens, viruses and bacteria.
Recently more and more vacuum cleaners are equipped with HEPA and EPA.filters. In this article we will try to explain: the principle of (H)EPA-filters, their main purpose, their types and how to properly operate (H)EPA-filters. The table below shows the types of microscopic particles that HEPA and EPA have to deal with.filters. Many of these particles can only be seen under a microscope.
What is HEPA?-filter and EPA filter? HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air or High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Retention. HEPA and EPA.The filters are classified as fine filters. The efficiency of fine filters is determined in laboratory tests by the percentage of trapped microparticles. These laboratory tests use an aerosol mixture of synthetic microparticles about 0.3 microns in size (0.1 to 0.5 microns). According to EN 1822 / DIN 24183 HEPA and EPA.Filters are divided into classes: EPA 10. 85% of particles with a size of around 0.3 μm are retained. EPA 11. retain up to 95% of particles around 0.3 micron in size. EPA 12. retain up to 99.5% of particles about 0.3 micron in size. HEPA 13. trap up to 99.95% of particles about 0.3 micron in size. HEPA 14. retain up to 99.995% of particles around 0.3 μm.
What HEPA and EPA look like.filter? Depending on the material used to make the (H)EPA filters, they may be Disposable. Made of paper (cellulose) with glass fibers added, or reusable (they can be washed). Made of fluoroplastic fibers.
In order for the (X)EPA filter to create as little resistance to air flow as possible, the (X)EPA filter must have as much filtering area as possible. For this purpose, it is made of a folded filter-material (in the form of an accordion), glued into a frame of as large a size as possible. Hepa and EPA filters are small in size and do not have a large filter area. Therefore, these (X)EPA filters tend to clog quickly and strongly interfere with the air flow, which leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner and overheating of the electric motor.
What and how HEPA and EPA filters capture.filter? (H)EPA filters are designed to filter out small particles between 0.1 μm and 1.0 μm. Particles of this size are effectively captured by (H)EPA filters. These particles are trapped by the microfibers through the following mechanisms:
Gripping effect (interception). All particles, from the smallest to the largest, which pass in immediate proximity to microfibers get caught on these microfibers and adhere to them or catch on other particles already adhered to the fiber. 2. Effect of inertia (impact). clearly pronounced for large particles. Due to the high inertia of large diameter particles they are not able to envelope the fibers following a curved trajectory in the air flow. Therefore, they continue their straight line motion until they directly collide with an obstacle. 3. Diffusion effect (diffusion). The smallest particles with a diameter of 0.01 to 0.1 microns constantly collide with air molecules, which causes such particles to move away from the air flow lines at distances larger than their diameter. Such curvilinear movement increases the probability that the particle is stopped permanently by one of the above mentioned mechanisms. The diffusion effect is dominant at low air flow velocities (e.g. in air cleaners) and is weak in (H)EPA filters in vacuum cleaners where air flow velocity is high.
Which particles are bad for HEPA and EPA.filter? Particles between 0.1 μm and 1.0 μm are most effectively captured by (H)EPA filters. Smaller particles are not trapped by HEPA filters. And larger particles have a very negative impact on the performance of (H)EPA filters. Particles larger than 1.0 microns constantly dislodge already trapped fine particles, resulting in a significant reduction in the filtration efficiency percentage. In addition, larger particles quickly plug up all the pores and air passages created by the filter’s (H)EPA microfibers. This leads to an increase in the resistance of the filter to the air flow. A HEPA filter with large particles greatly impedes the flow of air through the vacuum cleaner, causing the vacuum’s suction power to drop drastically, and overheating the electric motor. Therefore, dust particles larger than the size for which the (H)EPA filter is designed, i.e. larger than 1.0 micron should not reach the (H)EPA filter.
How long HEPA or EPA.The filter retains its characteristics? A clean, new (H)EPA filter traps microparticles (0.1µm to 1.0µm). particles it is designed to trap) in accordance with its class (E10, E11, E12, H13, H14) only as long as there is adhesion of microparticles on the filter fibers. The duration of this process of normal / design operation of the (H)EPA filter depends on the amount of incoming dust and the area of the (H)EPA filter. What happens when all the spots on the filter fibers are already occupied? Further the dust particles coming into the filter start sticking to each other, clinging to the dust particles, which have already stuck to the fibres. This process continues until the clump of particles clinging to each other reaches the critical mass. Then these clusters of particles are torn from the fibers of HEPA filter, hit other clusters of dust particles, tearing them off, too, this process has an avalanche-like character. As a result, a HEPA filter which operates beyond its original filter life has a dust holding capacity far below the filter manufacturer’s specification and will cease to adequately trap the particles for which it was originally designed. When using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, an unpleasant dusty smell begins to appear. To avoid this, the HEPA filter that has reached the end of its life must be replaced with a new one (or rinsed if it is water-resistant). When replacing or cleaning the HEPA filter, refer to the instruction manual of the vacuum cleaner.
Can HEPA and EPA.filters? Some owners of vacuum cleaners with disposable (H)EPA filters blow the clogged (H)EPA filter with compressed air (in reverse). Compressed air blowdowns can remove up to 80% of coarse particles (greater than 1.0 micron). As it was these particles that clogged the (H)EPA filter, their removal can restore 80% of the filter’s air permeability (i.e. reduce resistance to air flow). Similarly, compressed air can remove up to 30% of weakly trapped microparticles sized 0.1 µm to 1.0 µm. The other 70% of these particles are so tightly held by the (H)EPA filter fibers that it is impossible to remove them. Bottom line: blowing with compressed air will restore air resistance up to 80%, but to restore the passport filtration efficiency, even by half. not possible. In addition, after several such procedures, blowing through with compressed air will have no restorative effect at all on the (H)EPA filter.
All of the above also applies to flushing of water-resistant, reusable (H)EPA filters. Only in contrast to blowing out with compressed air, it is much easier to wash water-resistant (H)EPA filters at home.
How to make a HEPA or EPA filter work properly filters? The (H)EPA filter perfectly captures particles ranging in size from 0.1 µm to 1.0 µm. But if there are too many particles, the (H)ERA filter fibers very quickly accumulate the maximum amount of these dust particles and then the ability to trap them is severely diminished. Particles larger than 1.0 micron in the (H)EPA filter are not desirable, because this clogs all pores in the filter material (H)EPA filter. A sharp increase in resistance clogged filter leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, overheating and damage to the electric motor. Therefore it is imperative to have a pre-filter in front of the (H)EPA filter. It is the main / pre-filter / dust collector should hold all particles larger than 1.0 microns which the (H)EPA filter does not like. And it is desirable that this pre-filter also stopped as much particles from 0,1 micron to 1.0 micron in size as possible and (H)EPA filter will long show its excellent performance specifications without requiring cleaning or replacement. There are several options for pre-filters / dust collectors, these are: AQUA filter, CYCLE filter, FABRIC BAG, PAPER BAG, SYNTHETIC LAYER BAG.
(HEPA filter and AQUA filter are a good combination in a vacuum cleaner? Quite large amount of fine dust particles gets to the (H)EPA filter in the water bubbles. And along with drops and splashes of dirty water to the (H)EPA filter also comes coarse dirt particles. But more trouble is the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold and fungi on the (H)EPA filter. Damp and warm air, plus a large amount of dust of organic origin is a perfect environment for the flourishing of bacteria, molds and fungi. As a result, when using a vacuum cleaner with an AQUA filter, the whole apartment is infested with spores of these microorganisms. Result: The HEPA filter in vacuum cleaners with AQUA filters must be changed regularly and frequently. And since these (H)EPA filters are water-resistant, their price may be unpleasantly surprising.
(H)EPA filter and CYCLE filter are a good combination in a vacuum cleaner? Cyclone filter due to its design features and the laws of physics allows a very large number and small particles to pass to the (H)EPA filter. particles between 0.1 μm and 1.0 μm and larger. larger than 1.0 micron. Which quickly clogs all the micro-fibers of the (H)EPA filter as a consequence the filtration efficiency drops dramatically, there is an unpleasant smell of dust when you clean it with such a vacuum cleaner. Then the HEPA filter becomes clogged with large particles which leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, overheating and damage to the electric motor (if the vacuum cleaner is not equipped with an overheat sensor). Bottom line: The (HEPA filter in vacuum cleaners with a CYCLE filter must be changed regularly and very often for a new one. Cleaning the (H)EPA filter does not fully restore its initial properties and after several such procedures cleaning the (H)EPA filter will have no effect at all. As a result, the CYCLE vacuum cleaner “without consumables” turns into a vacuum cleaner “with very expensive and scarce consumables”.
(H)ERA filter and FABRIC bag are a good combination in a vacuum cleaner? The FABRIC material is not capable of holding particles smaller than 2.0 microns. Which results in greatly reduced filtering efficiency and unpleasant dust odor when using this vacuum cleaner. The (HEPA filter then becomes clogged with large particles which causes the vacuum to lose suction power, overheat and damage the motor (if the vacuum cleaner is not equipped with an overheat sensor). Bottom line: Do not use a cloth bag if you have an HEPA filter. Or replace the HEPA filter with a simpler, cheaper MIKRO filter.
(H)ERA filter and paper bag are a good combination in a vacuum cleaner? A paper bag is undoubtedly better than a cloth bag, but paper bags often give unpleasant surprises in the form of sudden bursts from overloading, moisture or cuts in the garbage As a result, all that has accumulated inside the paper bag ends up on the (H)EPA filter. Bottom line: (HEPA filter and paper bag are a good combination in a vacuum cleaner. But keep an eye on the condition of the paper bag and keep it from bursting.
Hepa Filtration (Understanding Vacuums Ep. 4)
(HEPA filter and SYNTHETIC BAG is the best combination of filters in a vacuum cleaner? SYNTHETIC Multilayer Bags are the next stage in the development of paper bags. SYNTHETIC bags are perfect to catch dust particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger. The dust collection efficiency of these bags is close to that of the EPA 10. In addition to the high filtration parameters, these bags are very durable, resistant to cuts by sharp debris (shards of broken glass, nails, buttons) and are not afraid of wet debris. The SYNTHETIC filter bags are the perfect combination to keep the HEPA or EPA filter free of large amounts of dust between 0.1 micron and 1.0 micron and to keep the HEPA filter free of dust particles greater than 1.0 micron in general. Bottom line: (HEPA filter and SYNTHETIC BAG is the BEST filter combination in a vacuum cleaner. In this case, the HEPA or EPA filter works long and in accordance with its passport data.
HEPA filters. what are they??
They belong to the class of fine air purification systems that have passed through the device, the name comes from the acronym HEPA. High Efficiency Particulate Absorption. High Efficiency Particulate Retention.
Disposable are made of paper (with the addition of glass fiber), and reusable. from fluoroplastic fiber.
If you are concerned about the problem of clean air coming out of the vacuum cleaner, we advise you to look closely to the device with a water filter cleaning system, in more detail he is written in the article The best vacuum cleaners with aquafilter reviews, it provides not only reviews, but also prices, specifications, selection options these vacuum cleaners.
If you are interested in them in general, and have not yet decided which one you need, then this article will help you make a choice, as it is dedicated to finding the best device, perhaps here you will find a suitable option for you.
