HEPA FILTERS VS. CARBON FILTERS: WHICH FILTER IS BETTER FOR PURIFICATION AND EXTRACTION?
HEPA filters are carbon filters’ main competitor on the market. If you’ve been wondering what separates these two types of air purification systems, read this blog post to learn about how carbon and HEPA filtration works and the differences between them!
What Is a HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter is a high-efficiency particulate filter. In order to be classified as a true “high efficiency” purifier, the filters must have an ODOR PURIFYING SCORE of at least 190 according to ASTM D6675 standards. This means that it has been tested for its ability to remove carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and 99.97% of particles between 0.03-0.40 microns in size (per ASTM D5582).
HEPA has the reputation as one of the most effective air filters on the market today because it can filter out at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles that are 0.03 microns or larger in size, including pollen and pet dander. The carbon filter is HEPA’s main competitor on the market today.
What Is a Carbon Filter?
Carbon filters are carbon-based air purification items that have a thin layer of activated carbon inside them. This carbon is what traps contaminants and odors, so it’s important to know how effective the carbon filter actually is at trapping smells! According to most manufacturers, carbon filters can remove up to 95% of odors, including those related to welding and construction. While they can remove particulate matter, they aren’t as good at eliminating allergens and other items as HEPA filters are.
What Is the Difference Between HEPA and Carbon Filters?
Both carbon filters and HEPA systems offer amazing capabilities when it comes to eliminating hazardous contaminants in your home or office, but there are some differences between them as well.
Essentially, carbon-based filters are great at trapping fumes and odors. However, they are not as good with particulate matter. So, when looking at HEPA vs. carbon filters, your decision may come down to what contaminants you are working with. You might even need both filter types.
Use of HEPA & Carbon Filters in Fume Extractors & VOC Air Purifiers
When it comes to fume extractors and indoor air purifiers, carbon filters are often preferred because they can trap odors in the room. However, carbon-based filtration systems won’t eliminate particulate matter and allergens all that well. Therefore, a mixed filtration system is often best in industrial applications. For more information on your options for solder fume extractors and VOC air purifiers, speak with IP Systems USA.
Also, Learn How Does VOC Air Purifiers Work?
