HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the backbone of modern clean air systems. Designed to capture ≥99.97% of particles ≥0.3 µm (for H13–H14 grades and better), HEPA and ULPA filters are essential components in GMP pharmaceutical facilities, ISO-class cleanrooms, hospitals, laboratories, semiconductor fabs, and many industrial air purification systems. Farclean supplies durable, low-leakage HEPA modules and custom filter housings optimized for performance, energy efficiency, and easy maintenance.
Why HEPA Filters Matter
- Particle control: HEPA filters remove microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, spores, and many bioaerosols—critical for contamination-sensitive processes.
- Compliance: Proper HEPA selection and installation help facilities meet ISO 14644, GMP, and hospital ventilation standards.
- Product & personnel protection: In pharma and biotech, HEPA filtration protects product sterility and reduces occupational exposure risks.
- Energy & lifecycle cost: High-quality HEPA modules with low initial resistance and proper housings reduce fan energy and extend service intervals.
HEPA vs ULPA — What’s the Difference?
HEPA and ULPA are both high-efficiency filters but differ in rated capture efficiency:
- HEPA (H10–H14): Typical classifications include H13 (≥99.95% at 0.3 µm) and H14 (≥99.995% at 0.3 µm). Commonly used in cleanrooms, hospitals, and HEPA-ventilated equipment.
- ULPA: Ultra-Low Penetration Air filters capture ≥99.999% of particles down to 0.12 µm — used where the highest cleanliness is required (some semiconductor and specialized laboratory environments).
Key Specifications to Consider
| Parameter |
Typical Range / Note |
| Efficiency |
H13 (≥99.95% at 0.3 µm), H14 (≥99.995%), ULPA (≥99.999%) |
| Initial Pressure Drop |
50–200 Pa (dependent on face velocity and media) |
| Media |
Glass fiber media (most common); also PTFE-treated or antimicrobial options |
| Frame |
Aluminum, galvanized steel, or composite frames; flange or cassette designs |
| Sealing |
Low-leak construction with neoprene gasket or PUR sealant recommended |
Common HEPA Configurations
- Cassette HEPA Filters: Easy to replace; used in ceiling-mounted HEPA grids and FFUs (Fan Filter Units).
- Pack & Frame HEPA: Custom pack filters in aluminum frames for AHU and duct applications.
- HEPA Modules for Air Showers & Pass Boxes: Compact modules designed for equipment housings.
- Pre-filter + HEPA Systems: Multi-stage filtration (G4/MERV6 pre-filter → F7/MERV13 secondary → HEPA) to extend life and control costs.
Installation & Validation Best Practices
- Proper sealing: Even high-efficiency media fail if gasket or frame leaks exist. Use low-leak housing and correct gasket compression.
- Face velocity control: Maintain recommended face velocity (typically 0.45–0.5 m/s for HEPA in many cleanroom applications) to balance capture efficiency and pressure drop.
- In-situ testing: Perform DOP/PAO or aerosol photometer tests and scan for leaks after installation, and repeat according to validation schedule.
- Regular maintenance: Replace or service pre-filters and change HEPA modules based on differential pressure and particulate monitoring, not only calendar time.
Applications
- GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing (sterile filling, cleanroom classes)
- ISO-classified cleanrooms for electronics and semiconductor assembly
- Hospital HVAC for operating rooms, isolation wards, and clean air zones
- Laboratories, biotech production, and research facilities
- Food & beverage critical processing areas
Why Choose Farclean HEPA Filters?
- Certified performance: filters tested to recognized efficiency standards.
- Low-leak frames and robust sealing solutions to protect system integrity.
- Custom sizes and module designs for Farclean panels, FFUs, and AHUs.
- Options for antimicrobial media treatments and PTFE-coated media for wet environments.
- Global shipping from our Suzhou factory and turnkey support for cleanroom installations.
Call to Action
Need reliable HEPA filtration for your cleanroom or air purification system? Contact Farclean for a quote and technical consultation. We provide datasheets, performance test reports, and on-site validation support.
Recommended Keywords
HEPA filters, HEPA filter supplier, HEPA for cleanroom, ULPA filters, HEPA cassette, fan filter units (FFU), cleanroom filtration
FAQ
- How often should HEPA filters be changed?
- Change schedules depend on the pre-filter strategy, system loading, and pressure drop setpoints. Monitor differential pressure and airborne particulate counts; replace when DP exceeds manufacturer or system limits or particle levels indicate reduced performance.
- Can HEPA filters be sterilized?
- Most HEPA modules are not designed for repeated high-temperature sterilization. For sterile environments, use appropriate housing and consider sterile-encapsulation strategies or disposable modules as required by your validation plan.
- What is the difference between HEPA and medical-grade HEPA?
- “Medical-grade” often refers to HEPA systems used in healthcare settings with validated installation, low-leak housings, and rigorous maintenance schedules. The media may be similar, but the system validation and installation approach differ.