For more than 30 years, ProTeam has been a leader in the industry when it comes to innovation. We pride ourselves on backing our vacuums with scientific research and are constantly looking for ways to make our products more efficient, comfortable, and intuitive. ProLevel Filtration performs a critical role in all ProTeam vacuums. This multi-level filtration system captures and contains many allergens and asthma triggers, and prevents them from being reintroduced into the environment. Throughout the years, there have been significant advancements in testing equipment and approaches with filtration. In order to ensure that our users have the most precise data to make an informed decision with regards to our products and the desired cleaning application, we answered these common filtration questions.
What does HEPA stand for?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air.
What is HEPA filtration?
A vacuum system that captures particulate at 99.97% at .3-.5 microns (µm) or larger per the ASTM F3150.
What is HEPA media?
Media in its raw material state on a roll, that captures particulate at 99.97% at .3-.5 µm or larger per the ASTM F3150. HEPA media are typically composed of fiberglass fibers in a randomly arranged mat. They are designed to trap very fine particles through a combination of filtering mechanisms. They are not typically designed to filter gasses and odor molecules; which require different filtration methods.
What is a HEPA filter?
A filter that captures particulate at 99.97% at .3-.5 µm or larger per the ASTM F3150. The LineVacer HEPA contains a certified HEPA filter and meets these capture requirements.
What is a filter made from HEPA Media?
HEPA Media when converted to a filter may cause efficiency to be lower than 99.97% due to leaks from sealing to the gasket/cage, the pleating, size or fit in vacuum design. A HEPA media filter is one of four levels in the ProTeam ProLevel Filtration System and contributes to improved Indoor Air Quality.
What does ULPA stand for?
ULPA stands for Ultra-Low Particulate Air.
What is ULPA Filtration?
A vacuum system that captures particulate at 99.999% at .12 µm or larger per the ASTM F3150. The LineVacer ULPA provides this line of defense. ULPA and HEPA filters are ideal for applications where clean air in a controlled environment is critical, such as cleaning medical facilities, clean rooms, and computer labs.
What is ASTM?
ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes more than 12,000 voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Learn more on their website.
How are vacuum models tested?
Three units of each model are run through the ASTM F3150-15 testing protocol at an independent, third-party laboratory. An average of all the results for each model is then used as filtration efficiency.
What causes a difference in filtration results?
Some models test at a higher filtration capture percentage than others. Variables can impact both laboratory testing results as well as the performance of a vacuum in an actual cleaning environment. Variables include, but are not limited to: the type of surface being vacuumed, the quality of filters within the vacuum system, any obstructions within the airflow path, how securely the hose and other accessories are connected, etc.
Why do vacuums perform at different levels?
ProTeam vacuums are used for many different cleaning applications. It is important to use the correct vacuum to accomplish each task based on the environment and circumstance. Potential reasons vacuums perform at different levels may include:
- Vacuum design construction
- Different components
- Filter size
- Cleaning applications
- Cleaning surfaces
- Vacuum tools
- Motor performance
Where can I use a vacuum with a label that says HEPA?
Any ProTeam vacuum can be used in general, non-hazardous workspaces. For potentially hazardous or sensitive workspaces – such as “clean rooms,” hazardous material clean-up, or “permit-required confined spaces” – users should consult the local governing agency that oversees worker and environment health and safety. Only such regulatory agencies can approve the use of a product in those applications.
For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of the ProTeam LineVacer HEPA and ULPA backpack vacuum model for use with lead-paint abatement under its Lead Safety Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.
If you have further filtration questions, feel free to reach out to a customer service representative here.
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