ULPAfilter

ULPAFilter, short for Ultra-Low Penetration Air filter, is a high-efficiency filtration device designed to remove very small airborne particulates from the supply air. ULPAFilter media is engineered to capture a very high percentage of particles at or near the most penetrating particle size, typically around 0.12 micrometers. By design, ULPAFilter units offer higher filtration efficiency than standard HEPA filters, making them suitable for environments requiring extremely clean air.

Standards and classifications for ULPAFilter devices are defined in regional and international standards. In Europe, ULPA filters correspond to U-class filters under EN 1822, with specific sub-classes such as U15, U16, and U17 indicating increasing efficiency. ISO 29463 provides a parallel framework that aligns ULPA performance with general high-efficiency filter terminology. Exact MPPS values and performance can vary by class, media composition, and manufacturing, but the defining attribute is very high removal of ultrafine particles.

Construction typically involves deep-pleated glass fiber or synthetic media housed in a rigid frame, with gaskets to prevent bypass. The design emphasizes maximum surface area to achieve high efficiency while managing pressure drop. Proper installation and sealing are essential, and ULPAFilter systems are often paired with prefilters to extend media life and sustain airflow.

Applications are concentrated in industries and facilities where contaminant control at the smallest particle sizes is critical. Typical uses include semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical and medical device cleanrooms, laboratories handling nanoparticulate materials, aerospace environments, and some healthcare settings requiring isolation of airborne contaminants. Maintenance includes periodic leak testing and integrity checks, commonly performed with aerosol challenges and MPPS scanning, and replacement according to manufacturer guidelines and measured performance.

Compared with HEPA systems, ULPAFilter units generally require more robust ventilation design and higher energy input due to their higher efficiency and pressure drop.