HEPA Fan Filter Unit

HEPA Fan Filter Unit-An Ultimate and Well Researched Buying Guide by Sunnyda.

HEPA Fan Filter Unit is a cost-effective yet energy-efficient way for removing hazardous particles from cleanrooms, hospitals, and other applications.

It is stand-alone equipment that protects you and your sensitive specimens from harmful particles. Hence, you can conduct your researches in a controlled and safe workplace.

This motorized unit is a vital part of every place where you need a controlled environment for observing the microorganisms-sensitive materials.

This filtering unit contains its own pre-filters, HEPA filters, fan, and motor, etc. These components work together to make the medical facilities, clean rooms, laboratories, and microenvironments free from contamination.

Though these units are tiny in size but efficiently remove unwanted chemicals, particles, and pathogens from the environment, so you may not become a victim of any hazardous disease.

Exposure to hazardous material can ruin the quality of the samples that are under observation and can also create a severe impact on human health. In this case, the HEPA Fan Filter Unit works wonders and protects the personnel and samples.

This buying guide consists of detailed yet comprehensive information on HEPA Fan Filter Unit, so to develop insight, you can stick along.

HEPA Fan Filter Unit Testing

What is a HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

A HEPA Fan Filter Unit uses the HEPA filter for the protection of persons and products from harmful particles, germs, and biohazards. Typically, it is mounted on the ceiling grid to clean the contaminated air that the motor drags from the outside.

The top to bottom flow of air provides laminar flow; just like the laminar flow, it also blows the air with uniform and stable speed; moreover, it also flushes out the polluted air from the surrounding.

HEPA Fan Filter Unit is specifically designed to be used in cleanrooms, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and laboratories. This motorized unit comes in different sizes, so you can pick the size that is suitable for your workplace.

Depending upon the area, every place uses different numbers of this FFU unit; the large spaces contain even hundreds to thousands of filtering units.

With the passage of time, the unit gets dirty and wears out; this way, its efficacy, and working ability decrease. So, you are supposed to replace it with the new one promptly. It is preferable to replace this filtering unit within a year or three years.

As compared to other competitive filters, it reduces the energy consumption level from 15 to 50%; this way, the operation cost also goes down.

Suunyda HEPA Fan Filter Unit

What are the Features of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

The most exclusive features of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit are mentioned below:

• It features different speed levels, so for balancing the air, you can set it at any level (low, medium, high) – its performance is different at every level.

• At medium speed, the average velocity of cleanroom FFU is 90+ FPM, but airflow is 640+ CFM.

• The diffuser panel facilitates uniform and quiet airflow.

• Mostly it is available in low-vibration and quiet design – the sound level is only 49 dBA, but this feature can be configured.

• It is leak-proof and efficiently meets the latest IEST Recommended Practices.

• The filter frame and stainless steel housing make the cleanroom sterilized, but it is also available in cold-rolled steel – the choice is yours.

• It is a stand-alone unit; its air flows unidirectionally.

• Efficiently removes 99.99% of particles that are equal to or less than 0.3 microns size.

• Features 24/7 operation and maintenance-free service life. Normally, service life is one to three years, but it depends upon the air quality and ambient.

• Motor choice can be made by the user, but typically, 1/4 HP Direct Drive is used. This motor drive includes an automatic overload reset, and it is thermally protected.

• Forward-curved centrifugal fans deliver magical performance.

• Along with the HEPA filter, it includes a 30 percent ASHRAE-rated pre-filter.

• Its low-profile design is perfect for the less ceiling space of cleanrooms.

• Guy-wires allow suspension, and for it, 1/4-20 UNC threads are inserted on corners.

Features of HEPA Fan Filter Unit

What are the Excellent Advantages of a HEPA Fan Filter Unit for your Applications?

Following are the six unique and appreciating benefits of a cleanroom HEPA fan filter unit:

Flexibility

It is a self-sufficient unit that can be installed in any area depending upon the needs. You can install different numbers of FFU according to the size of the application.

Due to the flexibility of this self-reliant unit, you can conveniently adjust its features and layout according to your need.

Reusability

Aside from being independent in nature, this filtering unit can also be retained for future use.

For instance, if you have installed it in your cleanroom but it is no longer necessary, then you can take it down, pack it in a box, and place it at a safe place for later use.

Negative Pressure Ventilation

The negative pressure ventilation is a unique feature of the FFU Filter. The negative pressure ventilation makes the environment safe, sealed, and uncontaminated.

Minimizing Operating Costs

At the time of purchase, HEPA Fan Filter Unit seems more expensive than the duct that is also used for ventilation. But, at the time of operation, it provides outstanding benefits, saves energy, and requires zero maintenance.

Short Installation Time

As compared to other filtering units, the HEPA Fan Filter Unit requires a shorter time of construction and installation. This way, it also saves your labor cost.

Saves Space

If FFU DCC MAU is compared with RCU HEPA System, FFU DCC MAU doesn’t require much height for supplying the static box; in fact, it takes very little space in your cleanroom.

What Factors Should you Consider Before Buying a HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

The following are the critical factors that you should keep in mind before buying your HEPA Fan Filter Unit:

• The size must be according to your applications.

• It must be quiet in operation.

• The material must be of higher quality, so the HEPA Fan Filter Unit will become reliable and long-lasting.

• The motor should be energy-efficient.

EC Centrifugal Fan for HEPA Fan Filter Unit

Why is the HEPA Fan Filter Unit Unique in Design and Performance?

The HEPA Fan Filter Unit is unique from other filtering units, and those uniquenesses are due to the given reasons:

The Wind is Uniform and Stable

It works on a special air circulation channel, its design features a current sharing system, so this way, the wind speed remains stable and uniform.

If this system is compared with the old centralized air supply system, it wins due to its ability to stable wind flow and prevention against the unbalanced air volume.

Computer Control, Significant Energy Saving

The HEPA Fan Filter Unit contains small-sized ducts; the small-sized ducts reduce the air resistance; thus, the energy consumption is minimized.

Thus, as compared to the traditional air supply method, this unit can efficiently save a lot of energy, approximately more than 40%.

The maintenance cost of this unit is also less. One another significant factor is its computer-based operation, so you can easily operate it by using the computer.

Shorten the Construction Period

Unlike other systems, the air supply system of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit does not require a huge return air duct, so it is perfect for different cleanroom construction projects.

These efficient features help to reduce the installation and construction time of different cleanroom projects.

Yes, wherever the HEPA Fan Filter Unit is installed, the construction-related tasks become easier and quicker to accomplish.

Static Pressure

The static pressure of this unit creates a safe sealing that prevents the leaking of harmful particles. This way, the environment remains clean and pure.

Air Duct Diversion System

This system helps in reducing pressure loss and noise; these features improve the efficiency and service life of the fan of this unit.

Unique Design of FFU

What are the Applications of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

You can use this unit at any microenvironment or congested place to kill the airborne particles from the air. The common applications are:

• Semiconductor Cleanrooms

• Hospital Pharmacies

• Microelectronics

• Medical Facilities

• Laboratories

• Food and Beverage Industries

• Pharmaceutical Compounding Areas

• Different Sensitive Manufacturing Facilities

Applications of HEPA Fan Filter Unit

What are the Working Principles of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

Generally speaking, a HEPA Fan Filter Unit is integrated with a control system, 99.99 percent efficient HEPA Filter, and 30 percent efficient ASHRAE.

It also includes a spin-put centrifugal fan that offers a volume adjusting facility. These all components work together to maintain the containment in the environment.

This unit work on four basic stages and those stages are:

Inertial Impaction

It works against heavy and large particles that are suspended in the flow stream.

Diffusion

Due to viscous fluid, the little particles do not stay in one place but diffuse with the fluid stream. This diffusion process catches the smaller particles.

Direct Interception

After diffusion, the direct interception process works; it catches mid-sized particles that are left by the inertial impaction and diffusion process.

These particles are oversized than those captured in the diffusion process but smaller than inertial impaction.

Sieving

In the end, the sieving process works; it is a common method in the filtration process that is activated when the unwanted particles are large enough and unable to fit between the fiber spaces.

Working Principle of HEPA FFU

What are the Uses of HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

You can use HEPA Fan Filter Unit at several places for different purposes, but the basic purpose of this unit is stated below:

• HEPA Fan Filter Unit can be used to catch air-borne bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

• It helps you manipulate your products and conduct your experiments safely.

• Provides you with a pure and sterile environment where you can prepare different medicines, microchips, and other sensitive materials.

• Additionally, it also keeps you and your products protected from harmful entities.

HEPA Fan Filter Catch Air Borne  Microorganisms

How Can you Determine How Many HEPA Fan Filter Units are Required for your Cleanroom?

While installing a HEPA Fan Filter Unit, the first factor that you need to consider is air-change per hour (ACH), or you can call it air-change rate (ACR).

The number of times the air is filtered in one hour, known as the air change rate of the building or chamber.

To determine the number of fan filter units for a cleanroom, you also need to figure out the dimension of the cleanroom (L x W x H) as well as the ISO Classification.

Every different ISO class has a different range of air changes or air changes per hour (ACH).

After estimating the ACH, you can use the given formula to determine the number of HEPA Fan Filter Unit.

No. of FFUs = (Air Changes/Hour ÷60) x (Cubic ft. in room÷ CFM*).

Note: the CFM varies for every class, so you can put the calculated figure at the place of it.

Advance Technology FFU

How Often Do you Need to Change the Pre-Filter of your HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

The lifespan of the HEPA filter and prefilter depends upon the ambient conditions.

A pre-filter captures the large particles of the air in a bulk quantity, so it gets dirty easily. If it is installed in a dirtier environment, you are supposed to replace it within one to three months.

If you delay for pre-filter replacement, it will badly impact the blower motor as well as HEPA FFU’s output airflow.

However, besides the pre-filter, you also need to switch the HEPA filter after every 2-3 weeks.

The worn-out pre-filters and HEPA filters are unable to clean the air efficiently; thus, you need to clean them once a month and replace them according to the said time period.

Pre-Filter of FFU

What are the Technical Requirements of a HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

The HEPA Fan Filter Unit can be customized according to your requirements, but its typical technical requirements are:

• Voltage: 120 V, 240 V
• Sound Level: 49 dBA
• Material: Stainless Steel, Powder-Coated Steel
• Size: 2’x2′, 2’x4′, 2’x3′
• Filter: HEPA, Pre-Filter
• Filter Replacement Access: Room-Side, Top Side

Powder-Coated Steel Fan Filter Unit

How Does HEPA Fan Filter Unit Protect your Application Against Contaminants and Pathogens?

The features and specifications of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit are the edges for providing and maintaining a contamination-free environment.

The pre-filter of this unit filters the air by removing the microorganisms, dust, hair, insects, pollen, fibers, etc. It can also remove sand and larger pollutants.

Similarly, the HEPA filter can also get rid of at least 99.97% of particles of mold, dust, pollen, bacteria, or airborne particles that are 0.3 microns.

The control system also monitors humidity, temperature, and particles, since more or less, the control system also plays a good role in maintaining the containment wherever it is installed.

The motor/fan blows the air all around the corner and facilitates air filtration, so the environment remains germs-free.

So, these all features remove the bacterias, pathogens, and biohazards from the environment, ultimately creating disinfection and purification.

Therefore, HEPA Fan Filter Unit is widely used at different places (cleanrooms, mini environments) to remove the particles by circulating the air.

Its aerodynamic performance also uplifts the effectiveness and efficiency of its application.

HEPA Filter of Fan Filter Unit

Is the HEPA Fan Filter Unit an Energy-Efficient Option?

Yes, HEPA Fan Filter Unit is an energy-efficient option because it consumes less energy and saves you from heavy bills.

There are several factors and features that together make it an energy-efficient option, but among all, the motor is at the top.

There are different types of motors (EC Motor and PSC Motor) that you can use for this filtering unit, but EC is the more energy-efficient.

Energy Savings Comparison

Here we have a power consumption comparison of both motor types (watts); it will illustrate to you which motor you prefer and which is more energy-saving.

Cost-Saving Comparison

Due to motors, the HEPA Fan Filter Unit not only saves the energy but the cost as well; the cost-saving comparison of a standard FFU unit is mentioned below:

This comparison is made on the basis of the below-mentioned parameters:

• When the unit operates 24/7.

• Works on low speed for 16 hours and on medium speed for 8 hours for at least five days.

• Operates on low speed for 24 hours; for 2 out of 7 days.

• The operating life is 90,000 hours.

Heavy Duty PSC Motor of Fan Filter Unit

What is the Role of the Control System of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

The control system provides you a chance to monitor the HEPA Fan Filter Unit. You can room-by-room control and monitor your unit; this way, for your ISO Classification, you can easily achieve target pressure differentials.

You can also monitor harmful particles, humidity, and temperature; additionally, this control system also comes with the facility of data logging.

Fan Filter Unit Drive Control System

What are the Configuration Options for HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

The following are designs and features of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit that you can configure according to your choice:

Size

Typically, this filtering unit is available in these three sizes: 2 ft. x 2 ft., 2 ft. x 3 ft, and 2 ft. x 4 ft. by considering the standard ceiling grid (suspended grid).

Filter Efficiency

HEPA FFU is efficient in its performance; it captures extremely tiny particles from the surroundings and makes it hygienic. The HEPA filter of this filter unit removes the particles that are of 0.3 microns or less.

You can also replace the HEPA filter with ULPA Fan Filter Unit that is 99.9995% efficient; moreover, it works well for larger particles that are of 0.12 or less than 0.12 microns, but the HEPA filter kills the particles that are of smaller size, 0.3 microns.

Motor Type

AC Induction and Permanent Split Capacitor are the first-cost options because they save you money.

Electronic Commutated Motor (EC Motor or ECM) is an efficient option as it has onboard microprocessors for increasing the performance of the motor.

It can also be operated by programming, but there is a cost difference in both motors, so you can pick according to your priorities.

Wheel/Blower Type

There are two types of wheels, and you can pick according to your choice:

Forward Curved Wheels

It is an option that is compatible with the constant flow motor program and ECM.

Backward Curved Wheels

Comparatively, it is a more energy-efficient option, but it doesn’t have compatibility with the program of constant flow motor.

2FT Stainless Steel Fan Filter Unit

Why is the HEPA Fan Filter Unit Better than the Air Handling Unit?

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) or the HVAC system is dedicated to air filtration and air processing.

This AHU delivers the filtered air to the cleanroom, but HEPA Fan Filter Unit is far better than AHU because it provides the following benefits to its application.

• Delivers Efficient and Through Filtration

• Easy to Maintain

• Quick to Modify

• Modular and Customizable Changes

The following are the drawbacks of AHU; due to these drawbacks, it loses from the HEPA FFU. Due to the given reasons, HEPA Fan Filter Unit is widely used:

• Requires More Power to Run

• Vulnerable to Filter Loading

• Best for Low ISO Cleanrooms

• Inefficient Configuration

Air Handling Unit Working Principle

How Long Does a HEPA Fan Filter Unit Last?

The HEPA Fan Filter Unit has a three to five years life; still, many manufacturers recommend changing the unit after every two years, no matter how new it looks.

If you do not replace a worn-out unit, your cleanroom (applications) air will not sterilize accurately; the environment will remain dirty; eventually, the entire system will collapse.

So, the timely replacement can save you from the cleanroom shutdowns and extra cost.

The lifespan of HEPA FFU depends upon several factors:

Total Operating Time

If you use your HEPA Fan Filter Unit for 24 hours a day, its life will be less than the filter that you seldom use.

Fan Speed Setting (Airflow Rate)

The life of the filter unit also depends upon its speed setting; if you use your HEPA FFU at maximum speed, it will wear out earlier than the unit that is being used at a slower speed.

Ambient Conditions

It includes the condition of air and moisture of the surrounding where this unit is installed. If the surrounding air is moisture and dirtier, it will wear out earlier, and its lifespan will become shorter.

Pre-Filters Maintenance

Regular maintenance can increase the life of a unit.

Maintenance of Fan Filter Unit

Can HEPA Fan Filter Unit Capture Covid-19?

HEPA Fan Filter Unit plays a vital role in killing microorganisms, even the COVID-19 virus. It dramatically lowers the number of small airborne particles in the air, making the environment safer to breathe in locations where it is installed.

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter captures particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.99 percent efficiency, but SARS-CoV-2 is 0.12 microns in size, so it doesn’t catch a huge portion of these larger particles.

Yet it captures a sufficient portion via direct impact, diffusion, and interception processes and makes the environment safe to stay.

When COVID-19 attaches to larger specks, such as large drops or dust, this efficient unit captures the virus as well as some of the larger particles and makes the air pure. So, wherever this tiny motorized unit is installed, users remain safe from illness.

Due to these useful features, it is being vastly installed in hospital halls, patient rooms, and many other areas to control the contamination.

These medical air filtering systems can be installed in the ceiling to generate negative pressure ventilation, such as in an isolation room.

Fan Filter Unit Reduce Covid-19 Particles

What is the Difference Between a HEPA Fan Filter Unit with a PSC and EC Motor?

The HEPA Fan Filter Unit works great with both motors (PSC and EC), but these motors are a mile different.

Some of the differences are stated below:

Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) Motors

PSC Motors (Permanent Split Capacitor Motors) is a simple yet worthier solution for small-scale projects and low-demand operations.

PSC motors have cheap purchasing costs and are simple to use in cleanroom environments. The HEPA filter with this motor does not require programming configuration and can be simply installed by a remote switch.

Electronically Commutated (EC) Motor

On the other hand, the Electronically Commutated (EC) motor incredibly serves in bigger projects and saves a huge amount of energy.

When the HEPA Fan Filter Unit runs with both motors at 90 fpm face velocity, the FFU with EC motors saves 50% more energy than the HEPA FFU unit with the PSC motors.

The lifespan of these EC FFUs is over 90,000 hours, which is about double that of PSC FFUs.

This high-grade motor has rare chances of downtime and failure. Additionally, due to this energy-saving unit, you can obtain LEED points for the setup of your cleanroom; further, it also lowers the operational costs.

Electronically Commutated HEPA Fan Filter

How to Troubleshoot your HEPA Fan Filter Unit?

If in a case, your HEPA Fan Filter Unit is not working appropriately, you can determine the error by following the given tips:

• Verify the pre-filter media; if you find an issue, then you can clean or replace it, according to the situation.

• If the velocity is less, you should replace the HEPA filter.

• Ensure that there is no hurdle in the airflow pattern; if you find any obstructions, remove that instantly.

• Avoid placing any additional air-moving device in the surroundings of the HEPA Fan Filter Unit because it can disrupt its functioning.

• If the motor is not running, determine the voltage.

• Ensure that the speed controller has sufficient power.

• Conduct the test (smoke and photometer) to check the sealing.

• If the LED light changes into a red color, there is an error in the motor.

• In the case of yellow LED light, you are supposed to replace the filter.

Filter Replacement of FFU Fan Filter Unit

Conclusion.

HEPA Fan Filter Unit is an economical and flexible solution for cleaning and purifying laboratories, cleanrooms, hospitals, and so on. The unidirectional ventilated air efficiently removes the microorganisms and pathogens from the environment, so you can conduct your experiments easily and safely.

Unlike traditional air handling units, it works with more efficiency and alleviates the ultimate contamination risks.

It is quite easy to install and maintain this high-featured HEPA Fan Filter Unit. If you want to unfold more facts, you can read this buying guide from start to end. It covers detailed information that you must know in advance for its safe use.

ISO Approved CE Certified HEPA Fan Filter Unit