Removal of microbe-carrying particles by high efficiency air filters in cleanrooms

Whyte, W. , Green, G. and Whyte, W.M. (2012) Removal of microbe-carrying particles by high efficiency air filters in cleanrooms. International Journal of Ventilation, 10(4), pp. 339-351.

Abstract

The removal efficiency of high efficiency air filters against microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) in the air supply of occupied rooms, such as cleanrooms, was determined. Knowing the size distribution of MCPs in the air to be filtered, and the removal efficiency of a filter against individual particle diameters, the overall removal efficiency was ascertained. A variety of filters were investigated, and it was found that a filter 90% efficient, when tested against sub-micrometre particles, used in standard classification methods such as EN 1822, was greater than 99.99% efficient in removing MCPs. The effect of filter efficiency on the quality of the air supply, and the concentration of MCPs in cleanroom air was also studied. No practical improvement in airborne concentrations was obtained by filters that had a removal efficiency greater than 99.99% against MCPs. Use of a filter suitable for removing MCPs, rather than sub-micrometre particles, would give a reduction of about 6 to 8-fold in the pressure drop over a filter, and a substantial reduction in the cost of running a cleanroom.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Whyte, Dr William and Green, Dr Graham
• Authors: Whyte, W., Green, G., and Whyte, W.M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: International Journal of Ventilation
• Publisher: Veetech Ltd.
• ISSN: 1473-3315
• ISSN (Online): 2044-4044
• Published Online: 01 March 2012
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 Veetech Ltd.
• First Published: First published in the International Journal of Ventilation 10(4):339-351
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher