What Makes a Filter 'HEPA'? The Standards Behind the Label
Published by Rayshen – Experts in Cleanroom and Industrial Equipment
Introduction: Why HEPA Filters Are Important to Critical Environments
For critical environments such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor production, and biotech laboratories, air cleanliness is not an indulgence but a requirement. Even minute contaminants can degrade products, cause downtime, and raise costs. Enter HEPA filters.
The name HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) has become synonymous with high-quality filtration, but not all "HEPA" filters are created equal. Knowing what makes a filter truly HEPA is crucial for industries that rely on accuracy and sanitation.
What Exactly Is a HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter is specifically engineered to eliminate a minimum of 99.97% of airborne particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns. This diameter is deemed the most penetrating particle size (MPPS)—tough to trap and representative of the actual performance capability of the filter.
HEPA filters are made of interlaced glass fibers in a tightly packed mat. Unlike an ordinary screen, HEPA filters retain particles through numerous mechanisms like interception, impaction, and diffusion.
The Standards Supporting the HEPA Label
HEPA filters fall into strict international categories. Two prominent categories are:
H 13 Filters: Can remove ≥99.95% of MPPS. Commonly found in pharmaceutical cleanrooms and microbiology use.
H 14 Filters: Trap ≥99.995% of MPPS, offering an even greater level of air cleanliness. Best suited for critical areas in biotechnology and semiconductor plants.
These are classifications based on the EN 1822 European standard, where filters are tested separately to guarantee performance. A filter labeled as "HEPA" but not having an H 13 or H 14 rating could be lacking these high standards.
Where Are HEPA Filters Used?
HEPA filters are integral parts of clean room equipment including:
Fan Filter Units (FFU): They integrate a fan and HEPA filter into one self-contained unit providing localized laminar airflow. FFUs are used in cleanrooms to provide a controlled and stable air environment.
Air Shower Systems: Individuals walk through these chambers prior to clean areas. Air showers employ high-velocity HEPA-filtered air to eliminate particles from surfaces and clothing.
Laminar Flow Cabinets and Workstations: Protect your product by blowing HEPA-filtered air over a work surface.
For more information on how HEPA filters are incorporated into sophisticated cleanroom configurations, see our HEPA filter solutions.
Best Practices for the Use of HEPA Technology
To ensure peak performance and conformance, try these best practices:
Proper Sizing: Insure that filters are sized to meet the airflow needs and pressure rating of your system.
Routine Testing: Employ photometric or particle counting techniques to confirm filter integrity, particularly in clean environments.
Scheduled Replacement: HEPA filters don't last forever. Replace them according to pressure drop measurements or time schedules provided by manufacturers.
Pair with Reliable Equipment: Incorporate HEPA filters into systems such as FFUs or air showers from reputable manufacturers to ensure optimal system efficiency.
Conclusion: Quality Filtration Is Precision Engineering
In controlled and cleanroom environments, it is important to know the difference between certified and generic HEPA filters because it can make a huge difference in operational integrity. Whether you are operating a pharmaceutical laboratory or an electronic production unit, using the proper grade—H 13 or H 14—and implementing it with equipment such as a fan filter unit or air shower guarantees compliance and safety.
At Rayshen, we provide a comprehensive array of clean room devices designed to keep up with international filtration and cleanliness regulations. Discover our solutions to protect your sensitive processes with confidence.
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