HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters like the EVA PAPRFC3 are mechanical type filters that collect particles through several different mechanisms, including impaction, interception, gravity and diffusion.
- Impaction – Occurs when particles leave a streamline due to their inertia and are trapped against a filter fiber. Once captured, attractive forces keep the particles against the fiber.
- Interception – Occurs when particles traveling on air streamlines are carried close enough to the filter fiber to be captured.
- Gravity – causes the settling of particles which can bring them closer to a fiber for capture.
- Diffusion – Occurs when very small particles undergo random movements as air molecules bombard them. They are captured as they near a filter fiber.