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HEPA Filters vs. Electrostatic Precipitators

HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filters are considered the best technology to remove allergens from the air. Electrostatic precipitators are primarily used to trap large amounts of dust in an industrial atmosphere.

  1. HEPA Filters and Allergy Abatement

    • HEPA filters are highly efficient at removing irritants such as dust mites, pet dander and mold spores, trapping at least 99.97 percent of all particles that are .3 microns or larger. They also reduce the presence of cigarette smoke.

    HEPA Filter Design

    • The accordion design makes HEPA filters effective; it becomes virtually impossible for undesirable particles to move through the filter to find a way out. Thus particles stick to filter fibers, constructed of a paper-like material on one side and a polymer on the other.

    Electrostatic Precipitators and Heavy Contaminants

    • Ambient air in industrial applications that produce sulfur, cadmium, lead and coal tar mist is often cleaned by electrostatic precipitators. Particles pass through a chamber with a set of grounded electrodes that attract the offending elements. An electrical charge ionizes the moving particles causing them to be trapped on grids or plates.

    Advantages of Electrostatic Precipitators

    • Electrostatic precipitators are highly efficient, trapping up to 99.9 percent of particles. They can function in temperatures as high as 1300º F. They withstand corrosion and can trap difficult materials such as acid and tars.

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