Filters for Air Cleaning – Breathe Pure AIr

by Marsha Raven
Air cleaner filters are used to purify the air. This is a common piece of equipment used in cars and small rooms where there is a need of recycling the present air. Most commonly air cleaner filters are devices that remove solid particles from the air like dust pollen mould and also harmful microbes like bacteria and keep the air fresh and clean. Gas turbine engines especially need air cleaner filters as cleaner air makes them significantly more efficient. Air filters use a number of methods to clean harmful particles from the air. A very common method involves the use of fiber elements which are in the air filter as filters. Particles and dust stick to the fiber and thus only cleaner air is discharged. There are other complex methods like the static electric charge method. In this method the air cleaner filters use static electricity to attract dust and other particles thereby filtering out clean air. Oil bath filters were used earlier but now due to sophistication in technology these have fallen out of favor. Over the years major advances in fluid science has brought about major improvements in air cleaner filter technology. They come in very useful in air conditions and gas turbines, helping to improve human health. Cotton filters and paper foam filters are popular components of air filters. To ensure optimum performance of these type of air filters they should be cleaned at regular intervals and changed when due. Air filters can be grouped as either class one or class two air filters. The classification is done based on their flammability. Class one air filters produce a negligible small amount of smoke when burnt. They do not become fuel when they come in contact with flame. Class two filters are the exact opposite as they readily become fuel when in contact with flame. While they burn they produce significant amount of smoke. A lot of research is still being done into the flammability of air filters. Air filters come in various shapes and sizes to match the flow area of air. They are prone to get clogged with dirt from the air and so they should be cleaned or changed regularly. Clogging of air filters causes impure air and reduces the free flow of air along the passages. If this happened in an engine the result is a serious drop in engine performance. Air filters can be used for different applications and situations. Their most common usage includes use in gas turbines, internal combustion engines and air conditioners for both rooms and cars. Paper is one of the most common materials that are used for air cleaner filters in automobiles. This is mainly because they are cost effective as well as efficient. Also these are easily replaceable. Oil wetted foam elements are also known to be used as air filters in automobiles. Foam was a known choice for air cleaners in many applications before the improvement in air cleaning technology.
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