Exploring The Correlation Between MERV Rating And HEPA Industrial Filters
MERV rating for industrial filters, also known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), is defined as the capability of an air filter to capture contaminants of various sizes. HEPA filters, on the other hand, are a type of industrial filter that is known for capturing particles of the smallest sizes. So how are the two related to one another?
In this blog, Dynamic Filtration, a major industrial air filter manufacturer specializing in custom filters and filter elements in Waterloo, Ontario, explores this correlation in detail.
How Is MERV Rating Connected To HEPA Filters?
MERV filters are set on a scale of 1 to 20, with 1 filtering the least amount of particles and 20 being the most. Most industrial filters are set somewhere in the range of 1 to 16, with 10 and above considered good for most applications. However, HEPA filters are rated from 17 to 20 in most cases, giving them the highest MERV rating among industrial filters.
Even among HEPA filters, there is a further subclassification based on MERV rating, namely:
- MERV 17 HEPA Filters: This is the basic entry level of HEPA filters. Industrial filters with this MERV rating can filter out 99.97 percent of particles from the air between the sizes of 0.3 to 0.1 microns.
- MERV 18-20 HEPA Filters: Since the MERV rating is higher, they can remove even more particles from the air than a MERV 17 filter. This is why they are also known as ultra-low penetration air filters or ULPA filters. These filters are used for highly specialized applications, such as removing carbon dust and even viruses from the air.
However, since higher MERV ratings can diminish air flow due to their low penetration capabilities, choosing HEPA filters requires careful examination of requirements.
Conclusion
To summarize, HEPA filters are set at the higher end of the MERV rating scale. While MERV 17 is the starting range for HEPA filters, they can be as high as MERV 19 or 20 in some cases, giving them the name of ultra-low penetration air filters.
Want to learn more about HEPA filters? Reach out to us at Dynamic Filtration Ltd. today. As a leading manufacturer of filters in Waterloo, Ontario, we offer custom filters and specialized filter elements for a variety of industries such as wastewater management, mining, concrete production, fertilizer manufacturing and more. Contact us at 519-886-0749 today for more details.
FAQs:
What is the recommended MERV rating for HVAC applications?
Since HEPA filters are not very conducive to airflow, HVAC filters should not have a MERV rating of more than 16.
Can HEPA filters be used for medical facilities?
Yes, due to their extremely high filtration efficiency, which can even remove viruses, HEPA filters are recommended for medical facilities.