Daily Maintenance and Care Methods for Air Filters
2026-05-18
Air filters are one of the most common types of air purification equipment in operating rooms. However, during their operation, we often lose sight of the issues of their maintenance and care. Today we want to briefly talk about why it is so important to maintain and care for your air filters, as well as where you should start with their daily care.
Why is air filter maintenance and care necessary?
1. Reducing the cost of replacing air filters;
2.Increasing the efficiency of using air filters;
3. Reducing staff labor costs;
4.Reduced air flow resistance and reduced energy consumption;
5.Effectively extending the service life of air filters.
Methods for daily care and maintenance of air filters
When transporting and moving air filters, they should be handled with care, avoiding strong shocks and vibrations.
Particular attention should be paid to the installation of high-efficiency filters: the installation direction should not be incorrect, and the connection between the filter and the frame should not be leaking, deformed, damaged or leaking glue. After installing the filter, you need to clean its internal walls.
Inspect the filter carefully, wipe it with a white silk cloth and check for leaks.
Before installing a high-efficiency filter, you must thoroughly clean the room in which the equipment is located, as well as the installation location of the equipment, to ensure that the internal environment does not affect the operation of the filter.
When transporting and storing the High Efficiency Filter, strict adherence to established standards must be observed.
The high efficiency filter must be unpacked on site. Before unpacking, you must check the packaging for damage, and after unpacking, check the filter itself for external damage. Measure the length of the filter sides, check that the diagonals meet the requirements, that there is no rust on the outer frame, and also check that there is a certificate of conformity and that the technical parameters are correct.
For high-efficiency filters of class 100 and above, the requirements of the Cleanroom Construction and Acceptance Code for testing the tightness of high-efficiency filters must be strictly followed.
When installing filters, the direction of the arrows must coincide with the direction of the air flow; When installed vertically, the folds of the filter paper should be perpendicular to the floor.
When installing flat and folding primary filters, you should ensure that the galvanized mesh is located on the air outlet side. When installing bag filters, the length of the filter bag should be perpendicular to the floor, not parallel to it.
Primary and secondary filters are usually replaced after about 2 months. Removed filter materials can be washed in water with the addition of detergent, and after drying, reused. Please note that after washing twice, the filter material must be replaced. It should be air dried without exposing it to sunlight.
With an average operating time of 8 hours per day, bag filters can be used for 3-4 months, and medium efficiency filters can be used for about 6 months under normal operating conditions.
It is recommended to install a pressure gauge in front of the filter so that its operating condition can be assessed at any time. If the pressure drop across the coarse filter exceeds 250 Pa, it must be replaced immediately. The pressure drop on a medium efficiency filter should not exceed 330 Pa, and on a high efficiency filter - 400 Pa. Medium and high efficiency filters are not reusable.
The high efficiency filter must be replaced if the pre-filter is damaged. If the pressure drop exceeds 450 Pa and the outlet air flow rate is reduced to a minimum, the pre- and mid-efficiency filters should be replaced first; If the situation does not change, the high efficiency filter must be replaced. If these situations do not occur, the high efficiency filter should be replaced every 1 to 2 years.
Replacing filters: Low and medium efficiency filters can be replaced without stopping the fan, while replacing high efficiency filters requires stopping the fan first. When operating low and medium efficiency filters, it is optimal to maintain the air flow speed at a level of no more than 2.5 m/s, and for medium and high efficiency filters, the air flow speed should not exceed 1.5 m/s.
After installing the filter, it is necessary to ensure a tight connection to the frame.
The choice of filter type depends on the operating conditions. For example, in high humidity and high temperature environments, filters that are resistant to high temperatures and high humidity should be used.
For biological and medical cleanrooms, filters with a frame made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy should be selected; Filters with a wooden frame cannot be used.
Air filters, being high-precision technological products, are easily damaged during transportation and installation, so every step of transportation and installation of air filters must be carried out in accordance with strict requirements.
After using the air filter for some time, the efficiency and resistance decrease due to the accumulation of excess dust. If the air supply efficiency does not meet the requirements significantly, it is necessary to replace the air filter in a timely manner.
