Particulate
Particulate Filtration is the removal of solid objects and some liquid particles in the air.
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We know it best as “dust”. The majority of dust particles in a typical home are human skin, with pet dander, particles from fabrics, and many other sources contributing. Most smoke is particles. Gases are addressed in a separate section.
There are many levels of particle “arrestance” available. The industry has established MERV ratings to standardize the understanding of the filtration level. A qualified HVACR engineer/designer can assist with understanding the filtration capabilities, and match to your needs.
Most people are aware of the term HEPA. It is a specific filtration standard.
High Efficiency Particulate Air(HEPA) filters must satisfy certain standards of efficiency such as those set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). To qualify as HEPA by government standards, an air filter must remove 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometer from the air that passes through. A filter that is qualified as HEPA is superior to those unqualified, but is also subject to interior classifications.
Filtration has costs and trade-offs beyond the filter itself. Understanding these are essential to good filtration decisions.