subject: HEPA Air Filters: Proven Technology for your Home [print this page] HEPA air filters technology is one of those technologies whose popularity continues to rise. We now see them in air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and furnaces. With its popularity growing, there are still many people who do not know the benefits of this air filtration technology.
HEPA filters were invented in the 1940's during the Manhattan Project. Still used today, these filters remove particles from the air that reduce our quality of life. Have problems with mold, pet dander, dust or pollen? HEPA air filters might be the answer for you.
HEPA filters are made from tightly woven fibers that attract and hold particles in the air. As the air flows over the filter, contaminates in the air such as those listed above will become trapped in those fibers. Once trapped, then particles no longer filter back into the air, giving you cleaner air to breathe.
Let's explore how HEPA air filtration works? They use three different methods to catch particles.
Interception
Interception is the simplest way HEPA filters work. In this method, when a particle moves through the filter and sticks to the fibers, it has been intercepted.
Impaction
As air moves through the filter, it moves and rotates around the fibers. Particles moving in the circulation can't keep up and stick to the fiber.
Diffusion
Extremely small particles will get caught in the circulating air and begin to move erratically through the filter. This behavior causes the particle to get stuck to the fibers.
Regardless of how they work, the fact remains that HEPA technology has shown its ability to properly filter air for sixty years. No need to reinvent the wheel or look for the next best thing. Stick with the proven solution to breathe healthy.
