Filtration Efficiency - Hepa And Ulpa
Filtration Efficiency
While cleaning, surface dust particles disperse into the air and result in airborne dust and allergens. These dust particles when inhaled can affect our general health. We can effectively control the dust particles in the air we breathe by using vacuum cleaners with efficient filtration. A vacuum cleaner uses the force exerted by its air flow, along with brushing action, to pick up the dirt and dust and carry it into its dust-bag or other dirt container. For vacuum cleaners that have external exhausts, such as Central Vacuum Systems, the same air is circulated back into the air after passing through the vacuum cleaner.
Importance of Filtration Efficiency
Dust mites are usually responsible for dust related allergens. These dust mites are so small (about 125 µm long), that they are just barely visible to the naked eye under normal conditions. Some dust mites can be even smaller. They are everywhere around us. We breathe in and out several thousands every second. They are scavengers that feed on our skin scales but can not actually bite us. The point to be noted here is the minute nature of these organisms.
To keep us from breathing in dust mites and other allergens, a vacuum cleaner’s filtration system must be very efficient at trapping very small particles. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers have progressed in improving filtration efficiency of their vacuum cleaners. Over time, the air filtration technology has evolved, and innovative ideas have been adopted. HEPA specification is one of the latest and highly recommended filtration efficiency standards. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA compliant filter are highly recommended for the people who have disorders like asthma and allergies.
HEPA and ULPA Filtration Specifications
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) was developed by the Atomic Energy Commission during World War II as a filtration efficiency specification for filters to remove radioactive dust from nuclear plant exhausts without redistribution. A HEPA compliant filter has the capability to filter out particles as small as 0.3 µm in size with an efficiency rating of 99.97%.
The term HEPA is used primarily in USA. In Europe the same filtration efficiency specification is known by the term S-Class specification. This indicates that the filtration efficiency of that filter meets standards like the British Standard 5415 and German norm: DIN 2418B Ti-E EU 13 for filtration performance.
A ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) compliant filter (theoretically) can remove from the air at least 99.999% of dust and any airborne particles with a size of 0.12 µm or larger. These filters are made for environments like pharmaceutical labs, where these smallest particles can cause critical problems.
Vacuum cleaners with HEPA and ULPA filtration efficiency are tested and marked with a certification number. The vacuum cleaners claiming to have HEPA or ULPA filtration specifications must have this certification on their vacuums and in accompanied documents. Vacuum cleaners should be completely sealed and all air must pass through the filters. By: Babar Hussain Article Source: http://www.ArticleDashboard.com Copyrights - Davesvac.com. For more on filtration efficiency. Babar Hussain
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