How to understand Air Filtration terminology!

Demystifying Air Filtration: MERV and filter types explained

Introduction: Let's talk about clean air and help you understand what you need to filter your shops air properly! In this guide, we'll break down some important terms related to air filtration, making it easy for you to understand how to keep your indoor spaces fresh and healthy.

MERV Ratings: MERV ratings tell us how good an air filter is at trapping particles. The higher the rating, the better it is at catching stuff like dust and pollen. When you're choosing filters for your workspace, look for the right MERV rating to tackle the specific pollutants you're dealing with.

Here's a breakdown of common MERV ratings and what they cover:

MERV Rating Particle Size (Microns) Common Examples of Dust
MERV 1-4 10.0 to 10.0 Pollen, Dust Mites, Spray Paint Dust
MERV 5-8 10.0 to 3.0 Mold Spores, Pet Dander, Carpet Fibers
MERV 9-12 3.0 to 1.0 Legionella, Humidifier Dust, Lead Dust
MERV 13-16 1.0 to 0.3 Bacteria, Smoke, Fine Dust
MERV 17-20 Less than 0.3 Virus Carriers, Carbon Dust, Smoke

 

MERV ratings are assigned to all Air Filters to help people understand what they are filtering from their shop. Now that you understand MERV ratings, you want to make sure to choose the right Air filter for your application. In this chart, we'll explore various types of air filters, including HEPA, Carbon, Bag, Pleat, Baffle, and Poly Prefilters, detailing their micron coverage and the types of particulate examples they capture.

 

Filter Type Micron Coverage Particle Capture Examples
HEPA Filters 0.3 microns or less Bacteria, Viruses, Smoke, Pollen, Dust Mites
Carbon Filters 0.5 microns or less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Odors, Gases
Bag Filters 1 to 10 microns Dust, Pollen, Mold Spores
Pleat Filters 0.3 to 10 microns Pollen, Dust, Pet Dander, Mold Spores
Baffle Filters 1 to 40 microns Grease, Oil, Smoke, Moisture
Poly Prefilters 1 to 40 microns Larger Dust Particles, Lint, Hair

 

Explanation:

  • HEPA Filters: Highly efficient at capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, HEPA filters are ideal for removing bacteria, viruses, smoke, pollen, and dust mites from the air.

 

  • Carbon Filters: Effective at trapping particles down to 0.5 microns, carbon filters excel at adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and gases, providing excellent odor control.

 

  • Bag Filters: With a particle capture range of 1 to 10 microns, bag filters are suitable for capturing dust, pollen, and mold spores, making them a common choice for residential and commercial HVAC systems.

 

  • Pleat Filters: Covering a range of 0.3 to 10 microns, pleat filters are versatile filters that can capture various particles, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold spores, promoting better indoor air quality.

 

  • Baffle Filters: Ranging from 1 to 40 microns, baffle filters are effective at trapping grease, oil, smoke, and moisture in commercial kitchen exhaust systems, ensuring cleaner air and prolonging the lifespan of equipment.

 

  • Poly Prefilters: Designed to capture larger particles in the 1 to 40 micron range, poly prefilters are commonly used as pre-filters in air filtration systems to extend the life of primary filters and improve overall filtration efficiency.

 

    Industrial Maid's Solutions: Industrial Maid has got your back when it comes to clean air in your shop. Their air filtration systems are not only efficient but also easy to use. Whether you need filters with specific MERV ratings, powerful HEPA filtration, or negative air pressure capabilities, they've got it covered.

    Conclusion: Clean air is essential for a healthy environment for you and your employees, especially in workplaces. Understanding terms like MERV ratings, types of filters, and what they filter can help you choose the right air filtration solutions. With Industrial Maid's innovative products, you can breathe easy knowing your workspace is clean and safe.

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