HEPA filters keep the dirt out

by Laureen Belleville


Manufacturers of HEPA filters
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Air filtration supplies the means to obtain the level of particle cleanliness required by a particular cleanroom application. It extends from the simple task of preventing lint and other debris from plugging heating/cooling coils to removing very small particles that could cause a short circuit on a microchip.

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By definition, a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter must remove at least 99.97 percent of all airborne particles by particle count at a size of 0.3 micron. It therefore approaches total efficiency on all organisms known harmful to man. HEPA filters require no cleaning or maintenance to maintain efficiency, and studies have proven that HEPA filters actually increase in efficiency with use over a three-year life span. In hospital operating rooms, burn centers, laboratories and manufacturers of critical products like computer chips—where particle- and bacteria-free air is mandatory—HEPA filtration systems are used to remove bacteria and other airborne contaminants.

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Current cleanroom HEPA filter technology is almost universally based on microfine glass paper media produced in minipleated form, generally 66 to 124 mm deep and secured in a sealed frame. The quality of the minipleat formation is critical to achieving a high degree of laminarity from the filter giving improved cleanroom performance and low pressure drop through the filter media—which will increase filter lifetime and keep energy consumption at a minimum.

Distributors

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The following companies distribute HEPA Filters:
Air Control Inc.; Henderson, NC, (252) 492-2300
Clean Air Technology Inc.; Canton, MI, (734) 459-6320
Liberty Industries Inc.; East Berlin, CT, (860) 828-6361, (800) 828-5656
Ultrapure Technology; Suwanee, GA, (800) 932-0309
VWR Scientific Products; West Chester, PA, (800) 897-7727

AAF International's Astrocel II (top left) and Astrocel I (bottom). Atmos Tech Industries' line of HEPA filters (top right).

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