Disposable air filters play an important part in any air filtration system as they are designed and manufactured to provide a cost-effective method of protecting commercial air filtration components such as secondary air filters and cooling coils, and help to improve air quality within indoor environments. Commonly placed over supply and/or return air handlers as pre-filtration devices, disposable air filters capture and remove larger airborne contaminants from the air stream that passes through them.
Over time, air filtration media gets clogged with particulates and air filters must be replaced to maintain the efficiency and performance of air filtration systems. It is generally considered more cost effective to replace and dispose of these pre filters than clean them on-site (washable air filters).
1. Cardboard Pleat
Involves the use of pleated air filtration media that is bonded to a cardboard frame
2. Flat Panel Type
The air filtration media is attached to a metal frame
3. Metal V-Form
Pleated air filtration media is inserted into a channelled metal frame
What are the Characteristics of a Quality Disposable Cardboard Pleated Air Filter?
1. Surface Area
Pleated air filters have a greater surface area and dust holding capacity, as compared to flat panel type filters. The higher the number of pleats, the larger the surface area it can cover. Ultimately, the higher surface area maximises the filtration capability of the pleated air filter.
2. Filter Media Quality
Synthetic filter media are resistant to moisture build up and ideal for preventing the proliferation of mould and mildew. Pleated air filters must be able to sustain a high-efficiency performance, with a relatively low-pressure drop, to be effective in air filtration.
3. Quality Cardboard Frame
Strong, durable cardboard frames should withstand the force of the air stream and support the filter media. Beverage board grade cardboards are resilient against water infiltration that can lead to premature structural deterioration. A stable housing module helps to achieve a longer service life.
4. Quality Media Bonding
Pleated air filters should be safely and tightly bonded to the cardboard frame to prevent air bypass (where contaminants can escape through the small gaps on the sides of the filters).
The combination of all of these design considerations helps to achieve an appropriate airflow static and load capacity that maximises energy efficiency, change out periods of disposable filters and loading.
As a leading national air filtration company, Camfil Airepure is dedicated to providing clients with efficient, innovative and cost-effective commercial air filtration solutions that meet local and international standards.
Here are some of Camfil Airepure's quality, disposable air filters:
AirePleat G4
AirePleat G4 is designed and rated in accordance with EN 779:2012 (European Air Filter Test Standard), to provide a sustained efficiency low-pressure drop that maximises energy saving capacity. The G4 high capacity pleated air filters contain continuous hydrophobic polyolefin fibres used in electrostatic treatment technology to ensure maximum efficiency from operation commencement.
The G4 disposable air filter is available in nominal 25 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm depths. The more pleats, the greater it can capture airborne contaminants. It can be used in upgrading existing flat panel or metal V-form filters. The synthetic fibres employed in the media also help to prevent the growth and spread of mould and mildew.
AirePleat M11
AirePleat M11 high capacity, disposable MERV filter fits any variable air volume system. They are able to catch 3.0 to 1.0 micron-sized airborne contaminants. AirePleat M11 usually operates between 0 to 2.54 m/sec face velocity, and they apply to most HVAC systems.
M11 disposable air filters are designed to satisfy AS 1668.2 (The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings and prolong the service life of most filter media.
AirePleat M13
AirePleat M13 traps relatively small-sized particles between 1.0 micron to 0.3 microns, such as bacteria, cooking oil, smoke and insecticide dust, face powder and most paint pigment. The M13 pleated air filter can be used to enhance existing flat panel, metal V-form, MERV 8 or 11 filters. Just like the other AirePleat filter media, M13 comes in three nominal sizes: 25mm, 50mm, and 100mm. They have continuous synthetic fibres that hinder fibre shredding.
What is the Impact of Selecting Quality Disposable Cardboard Pleated Air Filters over Cheaper Alternatives?
There are many cheap cardboard pleated air filters available in the market today, which use inferior quality components and construction methods. These cheaper alternatives often provide poorer performance, risk product deterioration and mould (a known health risk) and have a shorter service life that requires more frequent change-outs.
The long term costs associated with inferior quality product include more frequent product replacement (and the associated labour cost), increased load on more expensive downstream filters and potential contamination of expensive equipment or components. There is also potential for poorer air quality or health risks associated with product deterioration and mould. Cheap disposable cardboard pleated air filters often have hidden long term operation costs.
Buying sub-par disposable air filters might be a tempting idea because of lower upfront charges. However, it does not guarantee longer service life, high-quality performance, protection of expensive components or better air quality. Would you rather buy a quality filter that will last longer and provide superior performance and protection that helps you save on long-term operating costs or risk the cheaper alternative?
For a seamless and functional disposable air filters and commercial air filtration design considerations, consult with the experts at Camfil Airepure today.