Clearing the Air on HEPA Filters and Air Filtration 

HEPA stands for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter which, theoretically speaking, can successfully remove 99.97% – 99.99% of airborne particles of around 0.3 microns in size. This includes dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and just about any airborne particles. Unlike the regular air filters that are used in and around the home, a HEPA filter is a pleated mechanical air filter that catches the air particulates. The pleats create a dense array of randomly arranged fibres inside the HEPA filter, which aids it in catching particles of various sizes.

Inhale, exhale, HEPA filter…

Generally, HEPA filters are tested with 0.3 micron sized particles, however, they are actually better at catching the smaller particles, for example particles such as those found in viruses, which are typically 0.1 microns in size. During the air filtration process these particles are trapped by three mechanisms: diffusion, interception, and impaction. Diffusion takes place when molecules smaller than 0.1 microns collide and, as a result, they take longer to pass through the filter. This increases the likelihood for the other two mechanisms to take place for those particles. Interception occurs when the particles moving through the air stick to a fibre, while impaction takes place when larger particles attach themselves directly onto the fibres.

HEPA filter housings and holding frames are crucial to the testing process and are frequently the cause of facilities failing cleanroom compliance tests. Here at Vivid Air our Safe Change Filter Housings, or BIBO (bag in bag out) are designed to safely house HEPA and primary filters that are used across the industry. Our modular safe change housings can be configured to suit your unique space and airflow requirements. 

Vivid Air’s HEPA filter BIBO housings also come with a built-in DOP scan probe for on site DOP testing. We have three options for HEPA filter housings: quarter size, half size and full size. Our Safe Change Housing system features include, among others, quality control according to ISO 9001 and fully welded construction and all necessary ports for testing and monitoring. 

At Vivid Air we also have available modular fan filter units which can be customised to suit your individual needs. Our stand-alone units are fitted with industrial-grade castor wheels which make them mobile and easy to fit into an office space, fitness facility, storeroom, clinic, airport, and wherever else there may be a need for indoor air purification and circulation. For industrial use and for use in cleanrooms, our fan filter units can also be mounted. 

The fan filter units are comprised of the following optional inlet and outlet types:

• Pre-filter housing (150mm)
• G4 Pre-filter
• Fan housing (500mm)
• EC Technology Fan
• Filter Housing (500mm)
• HEPA filter or Carbon filter
• Cowl (90°)
• Tapered discharge
• Weather louvre
• Grill

Vivid Air is a leading industry expert in clean air solutions. As such we are fully committed to providing high quality clean air solutions to our clients across South Africa and beyond and ensuring that our equipment is optimally used as safely as possible.