Air scrubbers are essential tools for many industries that require clean and safe air in their workspaces. These machines use filters to remove harmful particles and contaminants from the air. There are several types of filters available for air scrubbers, each designed for specific applications. 

Click HERE to see Filters for Air Scrubbers!

One of the key components of an air scrubber is the filter, which is responsible for capturing and removing particles from the air. There are several types of filters available for air scrubbers, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. 

Air-Scrubbers typically have multiple stage filters which need changed at different intervals and for different reasons. While there are multiple options available for secondary stage filters, you only need to chose one primary, one secondary and one FINAL. 

In this blog post, we will explore the differences between pad filters, ring panel filters, pleated filters, carbon pleated filters, and HEPA filters.

Primary: Pad Filters

A pad filter is a simple, disposable filter made from a fibrous material that is often used as a pre-filter in air scrubbers. These filters are low cost, and they are easy to replace, making them ideal for use in environments where there is a lot of dust or other large particles. The pad filter captures larger particles, such as dirt and dust, before they can reach the main filter, extending the life of the more expensive filter.

Secondary: Ring Panel Filters

A ring panel filter is a flat, pleated filter made from synthetic or fiberglass material. The filter is held in place by a metal frame with a round opening in the center. The round opening allows air to pass through the filter and into the air scrubber. Ring panel filters are more efficient than pad filters at capturing small particles, such as pollen and mold spores.

Secondary: Pleated Filters

A pleated filter is similar to a ring panel filter, but the pleats in the filter allow for more surface area, which increases the filter's efficiency. Pleated filters are commonly used in residential and commercial HVAC systems, but they are also used in air scrubbers for industrial applications. Pleated filters capture a wider range of particles than ring panel filters, making them suitable for use in environments where there is a high concentration of airborne contaminants.

Secondary: Carbon Pleated Filters

Carbon pleated filters are similar to pleated filters, but with the addition of activated carbon. Activated carbon is a highly porous material that absorbs and neutralizes odors, chemicals, and gases. Carbon pleated filters are effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, and cooking odors that are harmful to human health. They are often used in combination with other filters, such as pleated filters, to provide comprehensive air cleaning.

Final: HEPA Filters

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most efficient type of filter available for air scrubbers. They are made of densely packed layers of fine mesh that trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. HEPA filters are able to capture a wide range of airborne particles, including smaller particulates such as asbestos fibers, mold spores and lead dust. HEPA Filters are also suitable in healthcare applications to reduce the transmission of airborne virus and bacteria. They are the final piece of the filtration process when using an Air Scrubber/Negative Air Machine.

Comparison Chart

To summarize the differences between the different types of filters for air scrubbers, we have created a comparison chart:

How using Air Scrubbers help filter contaminated air into clean air & create negative pressure in Asbestos Abatement, Lead Renovation, Mold Remediation and Construction!

During asbestos abatement, air scrubbers are used to capture and remove asbestos fibers from the air. Since asbestos fibers can be as small as 0.5 microns, HEPA filters are the most effective filters for capturing them. The air scrubber's fan pulls the air from the environment, and the HEPA filter captures the asbestos fibers, ensuring that they do not spread in the air. Negative air machines are used together with air scrubbers to create negative air pressure in the work area. Negative air pressure ensures that any asbestos fibers that may have escaped are pulled into the air scrubber, thus minimizing the spread of asbestos fibers.

Lead Renovation Lead-based paint is a common hazard in older buildings, especially those constructed before 1978. When lead-based paint is disturbed, tiny particles can become airborne, and if inhaled, can cause lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is a severe health condition that can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. Therefore, during lead renovation, it is crucial to have proper air filtration systems to protect workers and occupants of the building.

Air scrubbers are used to remove lead particles from the air during lead renovation. In this industry, pleated filters are commonly used to remove lead particles from the air. The pleated filters capture the tiny particles and keep them from re-circulating in the air. The air scrubber's fan pulls the air from the environment, and the pleated filter captures the lead particles, ensuring that they do not spread in the air. The captured particles are then disposed of safely to prevent re-exposure to lead.

Mold Remediation Mold is a common problem in many buildings, especially those with high moisture levels. Mold spores can cause health problems such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, mold remediation is necessary to remove mold and prevent its growth. Air scrubbers are essential in mold remediation as they help to capture and remove mold spores from the air.

During mold remediation, a combination of filters is used to capture mold spores of different sizes. Ring panel filters and pleated filters are commonly used in this industry. The ring panel filters capture larger mold spores, while pleated filters capture smaller mold spores. The captured mold spores are then disposed of safely to prevent re-exposure to mold.

Construction Construction sites are usually dusty environments with various airborne contaminants such as silica dust, sawdust, and other construction debris. Air scrubbers are used in construction sites to remove these airborne contaminants, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for workers.

Many times, on construction jobsites, pad filters are commonly used as pre-filters to capture larger particles such as sawdust and debris before they can reach the main filter. Ring panel filters are used to capture smaller particles such as silica dust, while pleated filters are used to capture even smaller particles. The captured particles are then disposed of safely to prevent re-exposure to these harmful contaminants.

Proper air filtration systems are necessary to protect workers and occupants of buildings from the harmful effects of these contaminants. Whether it's asbestos, lead, mold, or construction dust, air scrubbers equipped with appropriate filters help to create a safe and healthy work environment, ensuring that the air we breathe is clean and free from harmful particles. Therefore, it is important to use the right filter for each specific application to achieve the best results and ensure safety.