Removal efficiency of high efficiency air filters against microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) in cleanrooms

Whyte, W. , Green, G. and Whyte, W.M. (2013) Removal efficiency of high efficiency air filters against microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) in cleanrooms. Clean Air and Containment Review, 14, pp. 4-8.

Abstract

The removal efficiency of high efficiency air filters was determined against microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) in the air supply to cleanrooms. Knowing the size distribution of MCPs in the air to be filtered, and the filter's removal efficiency against individual particle diameters, the overall removal efficiency was ascertained. The removal efficiency of individual species of microbes with a known size was also obtained. A variety of filters were investigated, and it was found that a filter 90% efficient against the most penetrating particle size (as classified by EN 1822) was greater than 99.99% efficient in removing a MCPs. The effect of filter efficiency on the microbial concentration in both the air supply and the cleanroom air was studied, and no practical improvement in the air quality 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 differential across the filter, and a substantial reduction in the energy costs 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
• Journal Name: Clean Air and Containment Review
• Publisher: Euromed Communications Ltd.
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2013 Euromed Communications Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Clean Air and Containment Review 14:4-8
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher.