Facts about an Air Filter

For removing contaminants and solid particulates from the air, an air filter is used. Such a filtration system is useful in places where it is important to maintain the quality of air, for healthy living purposes, or for the efficient functioning of a machine. These devices mainly use fibrous and absorbent materials, for capturing particulates like mold, pollen, bacteria, and dust that may be present in the air, thus improving its quality. Other type of filters use a chemical catalyst for removing molecule sized particles of organic compounds.

People suffering from Asthma, and those prone to allergies, need pure air in their living environment. Purity of air also has a bearing on the overall well being and physical health of people. An air filtration system can greatly improve the health and efficiency of people in their residence and work environment. These filtration devices are often referred to as air purifiers when used for residential purposes, and they are available in sleek portable models as well, instead of a complete ventilation system.

However, you need to select an air filter model that is effective for removing particular type of contaminants, which are prevalent in your environment. For instance, you would need an Ultraviolet (UV) filtration system for eliminating various kinds of harmful microbial organisms present in the air. An electro static filter with ionizer on the other hand, introduces negative ions in the air as a catalyst, which will make the air fresh, and remove particulate contaminants and dust. Whereas, an air filter using HEPA technology, works with physical filtration materials for capturing contaminants and dust, and improving the quality of air.

A HEPA filter is quite common in households, and is certified to remove particles bigger than 0.3 micrometer in dimension. Apart from portable air purification models, the HEPA filtration pad is also used in vacuum cleaners, to cleanse the escaping air that is released from the machine, after it has sucked in the dirt and dust. Another popular air purification system for home is the one using electro static technology. These devices are able to effectively eliminate 90% of viruses and bacteria, and remove about 95% of contaminant particulates.

Air filtration system is also needed for efficient functioning of machines, particularly engines that need an intake of air. The engine in your vehicle is a good example, and it will usually be using filtration materials made out of woven fabric, fibers, or paper. The filtration material will stop small particulates of dust and dirt from entering the inner chambers of the engine, thus improving the performance, and overall life of the engine. Some vehicles use cleanable filters that are a bit more expensive, but do not need frequent replacements, as they can be cleaned, and work out cheaper in the end.

The level of purity of air can be greatly enhanced with an efficient filtration system. Pure air is required for healthy living, and improves efficiency of humans. and machines as well. Thus, the air filter is quite an important device in our modern living conditions.