Comparison of HEPA Filters and EGF (Enhanced Germicidal Filtration)

HEPA is a type of air filter. It is an acronym for "High Efficiency Particulate Air (filter)" as officially defined by the United States Department of Energy.

This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns at 85 liters per minute. The diameter specification of 0.3 microns responds to the worst case, the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Particles that are larger or smaller are trapped with even higher efficiency. Using the worst case particle size results in the worst case efficiency rating (i.e. 99.97% or better for all particle sizes).

There is nothing in the definition of HEPA Filter test standard, which prevents an air purifier designer to combine traditional passive filtration technology with active electrostatic field enhancement to achieve higher retention efficiency to meet the HEPA test standard. The Bio-Net achieves greater than 99.97% particle reduction and is verified by a particle counter.

Each manufacturer has its own philosophy how its product will achieve the high efficiency goal which in the case of air purifiers is to provide a cleaner environment than would exist without the air purifier in operation. Other manufacturers opt to combine two or more filtration technologies with the same clean air efficiency results.

Because the design criteria methods are different by different manufacturers does not mean that one air purifier is "better", "more efficient" or "superior" to all other air purifiers.

First you have your True HEPA systems. All these machines are indicating that their total system efficiency is 99.97% at 0.3 microns or better. Total system efficiency means the air particles 0.3 micron and larger leaving the exhaust of the machine are 99.97% less than the air that entered the intake of the machine, in this case the HEPA filter.

A HEPA filter has always been a good particulate capturing device, although there are some complications in the HEPA filtration process. Let's take a look at TRUE HEPA SYSTEMS.

High air flow restriction. HEPA filters consist of very dense paper media that reduces 0.3 micron particles by 99.97% based on the specified flow rate of the filter. The True HEPA filter will provide the rated efficiency but in many caseswill result in poor air cleaner performance or effectiveness due to reduced airflow. You can have the most efficient filter in the world but if you do not move enough air your air cleaner is ineffective at reducing the contaminants in a room. Many manufacturers make the claim of silent HEPA. The physics behind mechanical HEPA filtration require a dense media which also require a strong motor and blower to push the air through the filter which ultimately results in NOISE. In many cases manufacturers are not pushing enough air through their machines on low or medium when they claim silent or quiet operation. If the unit does not move enough air in the application of use it will not be effective at reduction of contaminants. Furthermore, on high speed we can agree that many TRUE HEPA systems are providing clean air at 99.97% at 0.3 microns but they sound like a jet taking off.

The Bio-Net Air Purifier uses an EGF main filter which is less dense, around 95% at 0.3 microns, but within the system the High Energy field raises the efficiency of the filter to 99.99% at 0.3 micron without restricting the airflow like a TRUE HEPA. The end result is better overall system efficiency than TRUE HEPA with much more airflow. The Bio-Net unit is also much quieter because the motor and blower do not have to work as hard to push the air through the filter.

HEPA - The dense media filter causes dirt loading of the filter which can occur rather quickly. Most HEPA systems are on timers therefore not truly indicating when filters actually need to be changed. In most cases these filters need to be changed every six months.

EGF - With a less dense media filter allows 4X the loading capacity of a similar sized HEPA. With true filter monitoring done by pressure drop across the filter; this indicates when the filter has reached its maximum loading capacity. This will always ensure the consumer is receiving maximum performance from their machine.

HEPA - It has been long known that after media filters become coated they may have the tendency to create a breeding ground for bacteria. When moisture is built up in a filter, bacteria, viruses, and mold have a better chance of staying alive and incubating or reproducing. This can create a very dangerous environment inside the filter media. If filters are not changed timely, microorganisms may possibly breed through the filter or disperse back into the environment when changing the filter.

EGF- Enhanced Germicidal Filtration was developed by focusing on this exact issue of bacteria breeding on the filter. Two metal grids, one on the top of the filter media, and one below the filter media create 18kv of electricity. We are permeating 100% of the filter with 18kv of electricity therefore making the filter media uninhabitable for microorganisms to reproduce. Certified Test Data supports 99-100% virus destruction, 98-100% bacteria destruction, 94-100% mold and fungi capture. This process ensures that microorganisms can not breed through the filter and do not have the ability to disperse back into the environment when changing filters.

A great resource for your HEPA air cleaner / air purifier needs can be found at http://aircleaners.com/

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