Cleanroom Filters — High-Efficiency HEPA / ULPA
HEPA / ULPA Filters
HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) and ULPA filters (Ultra Low Particulate Air) are the core filtration components for high-cleanliness environments. Under EN 1822, HEPA covers H13 (99.95%) and H14 (99.995%); ULPA covers U15, U16, and U17, reaching efficiencies up to 99.9999995%. The widely-mentioned H10, H11, and H12 grades are classified as EPA (Efficient Particulate Air) under EN 1822, with efficiencies from 85% to 99.5%, and are typically used as pre-filtration. HEPA filter testing is based on MPPS (Most Penetrating Particle Size, approximately 0.12–0.25μm), which most accurately reflects actual filter performance at the most difficult-to-capture particle size range.
Specification options include standard aluminum-frame gel-seal type, knife-edge seal type, stainless steel corrosion-resistant type, and dry-box type, with aluminum foil or hot-melt adhesive line separators, or separator-free construction. Each unit undergoes individual DOP/PAO aerosol scan testing at the factory, with test reports provided. Selection must consider rated airflow, initial pressure drop, frame material compatibility, sealing mechanism, and test methodology.
Typical applications: semiconductor front-end wafer fabrication and back-end packaging, TFT-LCD and OLED display production lines, BSL-2/3 biosafety laboratories, aseptic pharmaceutical filling zones, positive and negative pressure hospital operating rooms, and PCR testing facilities.
Cleanroom filter selection must align with ISO 14644-1 cleanliness classes: ISO Class 1–3 environments require ULPA U15–U17 filters; ISO Class 4–5 (semiconductor front-end fabs) call for HEPA H14 (99.995%); ISO Class 6 (general cleanrooms) uses HEPA H13 (99.95%); ISO Class 7–8 (packaging areas, laboratories) can use EPA-grade H10–H12. Actual selection must also consider ceiling coverage ratio [verify], FFU recirculation ratio, and terminal installation method (gel-seal vs. knife-edge).
A multi-stage filtration strategy effectively extends cleanroom filter life and reduces total cost of ownership (TCO). The typical three-stage configuration is: pre-filter (G4) capturing particles above 5μm → medium filter (F7–F9) capturing 1–5μm particles → HEPA/ULPA terminal filtration. Medium filter quality directly determines HEPA lifespan — a well-designed configuration can extend HEPA service life by 2–3× [verify], significantly reducing replacement frequency and downtime costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
HEPA filter grade comparison: H10, H11, H12, H13, H14, U15 — how to choose?
Can HEPA filters be washed?
How long do HEPA filters last? When should they be replaced?
What is the difference between HEPA and ULPA filters?
What is MPPS and why is it used as the test benchmark?
What sealing methods are available for HEPA filters?
Is each HEPA filter tested individually before shipment?
How to select cleanroom filters? What specs match each ISO class?
Why is multi-stage filtration needed? Can HEPA be used directly?
Need Custom Filters?
Special sizes, specific efficiencies, special materials — we can customize to your exact requirements. Contact us for a quote.






