HEPA and ULPA filters are both high-efficiency air filters that are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences that set them apart in terms of capturing airborne particles.
Similarities
- Both HEPA and ULPA filters are designed to capture very small particulate contaminants in the air stream by forcing air through a fine mesh.
- They typically consist of glass fibres randomly arranged to form a dense mat, with fibre diameters ranging from 0.5 to 2 µm.
- They use a combination of diffusion, interception and inertial impact to capture particles.
Diffusion - Particle interactions caused by Brownian or natural motion. Particles smaller than 0.3 microns are captured when they collide with smaller particles (0.1 microns).
Interception - occurs when particles carried by the air stream come into contact with the fiber as it passes through. Most medium-sized particles are captured by interception.
Inertial Impact - Observed when particles are relatively large and cannot avoid the fiber as it travels through the air stream. Large particles collide with and attach to the fiber
- None of them remove gases or odours. For applications involving chemicals or odor removal, carbon filters must be used.
What is the Difference between HEPA and ULPA filters
HEPA filters:
- HEPA filters capture particles as small as 0.3µm in diameter with 99.95% efficiency.
- HEPA filters are typically used in applications such as clean rooms.
ULPA Filters:
- ULPA filters are capable of capturing particulate matter up to 0.1µm in diameter with 99.999% efficiency.
- ULPA filters have denser filter media, which results in an air flow rate that is approximately 50% lower than HEPA filters and requires more power to move the air.
- ULPA filters are commonly used for particulate removal in microelectronic manufacturing, medical laboratories, clean rooms, or for special applications such as filtering toxic surgical fumes from electrosurgery.
Which air filter is better - ULPA or HEPA?
ULPA filters have a higher efficiency rating due to the increased density of the filter media, which results in a 50% lower airflow than HEPA filters and requires more power to move the air.HEPA filters have a life expectancy of up to ten years, while ULPA filters have a typical life cycle of five to eight years. Both types of filters are widely used in homes, automobiles, biomedical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor manufacturing, clean rooms and hospitals that require very clean air.
Determining the best filter for your application requires a careful analysis of your needs and any sealing provisions of your facility, including the minimum number of air changes required per hour.HEPA and ULPA filters are designed for a variety of applications, including industrial vacuum cleaners for asbestos removal, removing carbon dust from office equipment, preventing the spread of airborne bacteria in surgical suites, and other important medical air filtration applications.
Pharmaceutical, photographic, electronic and other industries rely on air filtration systems to protect their equipment and ensure the safety of their personnel. Understanding your application requirements and the level of efficiency needed will help you select the right air filter for your needs.
Choosing the right filter for your application depends on the containment regulations and standards in your facility. It is well known that HEPA and ULPA must to be tested, Our automatic scanning test equipment can better help manufacturers to detect whether there are leaks in the filter and whether the filtration level is up to standard.
