EPA, HEPA & ULPA Filters

Air filters are essential in various environments such as laboratories, hospitals and factories to reduce air pollution and create a healthier environment. Three common types of filters are EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air), HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) and ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filters. Each type of filter has different levels of efficiency and applications, depending on the size of particles they can remove.

EPA filters

EPA filters, or Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are the most basic form of the three. Designed to filter particles of 0.3 microns or larger, these filters can remove up to 85% of particles from the air. They are often used in situations where air quality is important but where higher efficiency is not necessary, such as in ordinary ventilation systems or in certain industrial applications.

EPA filters are cheaper than HEPA or ULPA filters, but their lower efficiency means they are less effective at removing the finest particles, such as viruses and bacteria.

HEPA filters

HEPA filters are much more efficient than EPA filters and are designed to remove at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. This makes them ideal for applications where very high air quality is required, such as in hospitals, laboratories, cleanrooms and dust-free environments. HEPA filters can remove a wide range of particles, including pollen, mould, dust mites, smoke particles and even some bacteria and viruses.

Because of their higher efficiency, HEPA filters are often used in air purification systems, dust extraction systems and medical equipment, such as respirators and air treatment systems in hospitals.

ULPA filters

ULPA filters go even further than HEPA filters in terms of efficiency. They can filter up to 99.999% of particles 0.12 microns or larger, making them the most efficient choice for applications that require extremely clean air. ULPA filters are typically used in environments such as cleanrooms for the semiconductor industry, pharmaceutical production and certain research institutions. They are also used in air purification systems in hospitals for infection control.

The ultrafine particles that ULPA filters can capture make them ideally suited to highly demanding industries where even the smallest contaminants can lead to serious production or health consequences.

Types of EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters

AAF has a large range of EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters, which comply with EN1822 standards and are also available in different filter classes:

EPA classes E10 to E12: These filters are designed to filter particles of 0.3 microns or larger and can remove up to 85% of particles from the air.

HEPA classes H13 and H14: These filters offer high levels of air purification for various industrial and commercial applications.

ULPA classes U15 to U17: For situations where an even higher degree of filtration is required, we offer ULPA filters that can remove up to 99.999% of particles.

Our HEPA filters are available with various filter frames, such as MDF, plastic, galvanised steel or stainless steel. Each filter comes with a certificate and labelling, and is carefully tested and packaged to ensure the highest quality.

Our EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters comply with EN1822 standards.

Need help or advice on a filter choice?

At AAF and Dinair, we have more than 100 years of experience in the production of EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters and different application areas. Our EPA, HEPA and ULPA filters comply with the EN1822 standard and are available in different efficiency classes. Contact us for help and advice from our EPA, HEPA, ULPA and High Purity specialists.