HEPA FILTER FUNCTIONALITY

HEPA filters operate by using a dense mat of fibres to capture particulate matter through inertial impaction, interception, and diffusion.

• Larger particles are captured through inertial impaction and sieving, where they collide with the fibres and become trapped.
• Medium-sized particles are intercepted as they follow the air stream and adhere to the fibres.
• Smaller particles are captured via diffusion, where their random Brownian motion leads to collisions with the fibres, ensuring they are retained within the filter matrix.

BENEFITS OF HEPA FILTERS IN LIFE SCIENCES

HEPA filters offer several key benefits in life science applications:

• High Efficiency: Capable of capturing a wide range of particulate sizes with exceptional efficiency.
• Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of contamination in critical environments, ensuring the safety of both personnel and samples.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps facilities meet stringent air quality standards required by regulatory bodies.
• Versatility: Suitable for a variety of applications, from laboratory research to medical environments and cleanrooms.

The standard lifespan of a HEPA filter varies between 3 and 5 years in a standard cleanroom environment. This is dependent on the degree of contamination in the environment and maintenance of the pre-filters. The capacity of the fan filter unit (HEPA or ULPA filter) decreases over time as the filter becomes saturated.

An advantage of the HEPA Filter is that as they become saturated with contaminant, airflow capacity decreases and static pressure increases, as a result the filters become more efficient as the filter loads.

As soon as the recommended speed of 0.45 m/s at the filter surface can no longer be met, a replacement of the filter is required. This process is monitored by a differential pressure gauge and information made available via our touchscreen control interface.

APPLICATIONS

• Laboratory Environments

In laboratories, HEPA filters are crucial for maintaining sterile conditions during sensitive experiments and procedures. For example, laminar flow hoods equipped with HEPA filters provide a continuous flow of clean air, preventing contamination of biological samples. These filters are integral in PCR workstations, where they ensure that airborne contaminants do not compromise the integrity of DNA amplification processes.

• Medical and Healthcare Settings

HEPA filters are extensively used in healthcare settings to maintain clean air environments, particularly in operating rooms, intensive care units, and isolation wards. Their ability to capture bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens helps prevent nosocomial infections, ensuring a safer environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, portable air purifiers with HEPA filters are employed to improve indoor air quality in patient rooms and common areas, reducing the spread of airborne diseases.

• Cleanrooms and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Cleanrooms in pharmaceutical manufacturing rely heavily on HEPA filtration to meet stringent regulatory standards for air quality. These filters ensure that particulate contamination is kept to an absolute minimum, which is critical during the production of sterile pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The use of HEPA filters in these environments also extends to the protection of personnel from exposure to hazardous substances.

ADVANCED HEPA FILTRATION TECHNOLOGIES

Technological advancements led to the development of Ultra-Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filters, which provide even higher filtration efficiency, capturing particles down to 0.12 micrometres with an efficiency of 99.9998%. These filters are used in applications requiring the highest levels of air purity.

CONCLUSION

HEPA filters play a vital role in the life sciences by providing clean, contaminant-free air in various applications. From protecting sensitive experiments in laboratories to ensuring sterile conditions in medical and pharmaceutical environments, these filters are a cornerstone of modern air purification systems. As technology advances, the efficiency and capabilities of HEPA filters continue to improve, further enhancing their critical role in maintaining air quality in life science sectors.