Recently released modern models of vacuum cleaners are increasingly equipped with HEPA filters. Such devices deal with particles, which can only be seen with a microscope.
History of creation
Highly efficient particle retention - this is how the abbreviation HEPA is translated from English. The device and material of these filters allow them to be attributed to fine cleaning devices.
They were developed in the last century, in the forties, when creating the atomic bomb project. The purpose of these filters was to remove radioactive impurities. After some time, the scope of cleaning devices has expanded significantly. They began to be used in mechanical engineering and in medical institutions, in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as in household appliances.
What is a HEPA filter? This device for highly efficient particle retention is made from fine cellulose fiber. During the operation of the vacuum cleaner, dust settles on a network formed from the smallest pores. In this case, even the smallest particles of 0.3 microns in size are retained.
The HEPA filter is manufactured using a special technology. Its main principle is the pressing of cellulose layers and their layout in the form of an accordion. This allows you to significantly increase the filter surface area. The cellulose accordion is fixed with a reinforcing grill.
The HEPA filter can be disposable. In this case, in its manufacture, fiberglass is added to the cellulose. Reusable HEPA filter is made from fluoroplastic fibers.
Destination
Filters for very fine cleaning are used when vacuuming a room. They eliminate microorganisms and allergens. The smallest particles are also very effectively captured. This process is possible with the following HEPA filter mechanisms:
- the effect of meshing of particles on microfibers;
- the effect of inertia, which is expressed for large particles;
- the diffusion effect, which is most evident at low air flow rates.
Can I clean the HEPA filter?
There are times when a rather unpleasant smell of dust appears when vacuuming. This may mean that the filter has exhausted its life and has stopped delaying the particles for which it was designed. In order to correct the situation, it is necessary to replace the cellulose accordion with a new one. You can just wash it. However, this procedure is only possible if the filter is of the waterproof type. The terms of replacement and cleaning conditions are indicated in the instructions for the vacuum cleaner.
Samsung vacuum cleaners do not have dust bags. The main debris and dirt settle in a special plastic container. In addition, the vacuum cleaner is equipped with two filters. One of them purifies the air during suction, and the other when exiting the vacuum cleaner. This is the HEPA output filter for Samsung type H 11. It is waterproof. When contaminated, it is washed under a stream of warm water at least two or three times during the year.