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What is an ULPA Filter? Definition, Applications, and More

In most cleanrooms, HEPA filters are used to keep the air pure and pristine. However, as advanced as these filters are, sometimes they aren’t enough. In many industries, the smallest particles (and sometimes only a single one) can harm products or the overall manufacturing process. In such cases, cleanrooms may require ULPA filters. In this article, we’ll cover what an ULPA filter is, the differences between ULPA and HEPA filters, their applications, and more.

What is an ULPA Filter?

An ultra-low-penetration air (ULPA) filter is an advanced air filter that can trap and remove tiny particles, even smaller than those captured by HEPA filters. ULPA filters can remove at least 99.999% of particles that are 0.12 micrometers from the air. This measurement is known as the most penetrating particle size, which represents the size that the filters have the most difficulty capturing. In other words, it means that ULPA filters can actually capture large and smaller sizes even more efficiently.

What’s the Difference Between an ULPA Filter and ULPA Filter?

While ULPA filters can trap can particles with 99.999% efficiency at 0.12 micrometers, HEPA filters capture particles of 0.3 micrometers at 99.97% efficiency. On first glance, the difference between the two seems quite small. But if you’re operating a cleanroom that needs to limit the tiniest particles of a certain size as much as possible, then it often makes sense to use ULPA filters. They are used most often in ISO Class 5 environments and stricter spaces.

For a full account of the differences between HEPA and ULPA filters, check out our detailed article here.

What Industries Use ULPA Filters?

Most cleanrooms use HEPA filters, if they can, because ULPA filters are more expensive, make air change rates lower, and have a shorter lifespan. However, when controlled environments need to limit the smallest particles, then they tend to use ULPA ones. Here are a few industries that use them often:

  • Semiconductors: In this industry, a single particle can damage products, which is why they need to limit this as much as possible with ULPA filters.
  • Aerospace: Tiny particles can interfere with important equipment, such as GPS systems, so ULPA filters prevent such particles from causing malfunctions during important missions.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: While ULPA filters may not always be used in pharmaceutical cleanrooms, they may be used inside biological safety cabinets or isolators where critical/important work is performed.

What is an ULPA Filter? The Bottom Line

Simply put, an ULPA filter is an advanced filtration device that is highly efficient, even more so than HEPA filters. They can capture 99.999% of particles at 0.12 micrometers, and for other particle sizes are even more efficient. Though they are expensive and make the flow of air more difficult, they are still used when the highest degree of cleanliness is required. In industries like semiconductors and aerospace, investing in ULPA filters is worth it.

Looking to set up a cleanroom with HEPA and ULPA filters? Reach out to the experts at Allied Cleanrooms today to get a free quote on a new buildout.

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