The major types of filters used in our fume extractors are MERV and HEPA filters. What is a MERV filter? What is a HEPA filter? Read on.
Clean air is now more important than ever, and with businesses and operations looking to reopen, we’re here to help to you understand more about filtration.
What is a MERV filter?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Designed in 1987 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. MERV filters shine in central HVAC systems where denser HEPA filters may cause pressure drops, increasing electricity costs. MERV filters typically capture about 95% of particles in their rated ranges.
MERV filters are rated from 1 through 16. The higher the value, the more particulates are captured.
MERV 16 filters, the highest-rated filter available capture particles that are a minimum of 0.3 micrometers (μm) in diameter. By comparison, MERV 1 filters can capture particles that are greater than 10 micrometers (μm) in size, such as pollen, dust mites, and similar.
MERV 16 filters are typically used in hospitals and general surgery rooms due to their ability to capture airborne bacteria, sneeze droplets, and similar.
What is a HEPA filter?
A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is perhaps the most commonly known type of air filter. Typically held as a gold standard in air filtration, HEPA filters must capture at least 99.95% of particulates with a diameter of 0.3 micrometers (μm) or greater.
HEPA 14 filters, for example, capture 99.995% of particulate matter.
HEPA filters are commonly used in medical facilities due to their ability to capture and prevent the transmission of airborne bacteria and viral organisms, limiting infection. In these environments, the HEPA filter is typically paired with ultra-violet lights to kill the live bacteria or viruses trapped by the filter media.
Learn more about filter ratings with our brief on filter ratings explained.
Introducing the MobilePro
The MobilePro, now available for pre-order, is a seriously heavy-duty welding fume extractor. The MobilePro mobile welding fume extractor comes standard with the MERV 16 filter and is now available with an optional dual HEPA 14 filter upgrade.
Want to learn more about the MobilePro? Take a look at our MobilePro Product Spotlight.
Looking to order the MobilePro? Place an order today and use code CLEANAIR10 for 10% off your order.
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