| ULPA classification | U15: ≥99.9995% efficiency at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS), when tested according to EN 1822 | The filter is tested at its most challenging particle-size range rather than only at a convenient particle size. | Suitable for applications requiring extremely clean air, such as semiconductor, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and critical process environments. |
| Particle-size coverage | Captures particles across a broad size range, including submicron particles; the most penetrating range is commonly around 0.1–0.3 μm, depending on media and test conditions. | Different physical mechanisms work together, so no single particle size determines overall performance. | Helps reduce fine aerosols, dust, smoke, bacteria-carrying particles, and other airborne contaminants. |
| Diffusion | Most influential for very small particles, generally below approximately 0.1 μm. | Brownian motion causes tiny particles to move irregularly and collide with the filter fibers instead of following the air stream. | Improves removal of ultrafine particles that are too small to be stopped efficiently by simple sieving. |
| Interception | Important for particles that follow the airflow but are large enough to touch a fiber. | A particle remains on the airflow path, but its edge contacts a fiber and adheres to it. | Provides continuous particle capture without requiring the particle to travel directly toward a fiber. |
| Inertial impaction | More significant for relatively larger particles and at higher local airflow velocities. | Particles with greater inertia cannot follow the air as it bends around fibers, causing them to impact and remain on the fibers. | Helps remove larger dust and aerosol particles before they pass through the media. |
| Electrostatic attraction | May contribute when the filter media contains electret fibers or retains an electrostatic charge. | Electrical forces attract or retain charged particles and can improve efficiency without proportionally increasing fiber density. | Can support high initial efficiency and compact filter construction; performance should be verified after exposure and conditioning. |
| Mini-pleat construction | Many closely spaced pleats create a large media area within a relatively shallow filter depth. | The expanded media area distributes airflow over more surface, while the pleat pack provides a large number of fiber layers for particle capture. | Enables compact air-handling designs where ceiling height, equipment depth, or available installation space is limited. |
| Airflow uniformity | Depends on the pleat geometry, upstream conditions, gasket seal, housing design, and face velocity. | Uniform airflow reduces localized high-velocity paths that could increase penetration or uneven loading. | Correct installation is essential; leakage around the frame can undermine the efficiency of the filter media. |
| Pressure drop | Varies by media, dimensions, airflow, and loading condition; a clean-filter pressure drop must be obtained from the product test data. | Air resistance results from friction through the fibers and pleat channels. | Selecting adequate media area and operating airflow helps balance high particle efficiency with fan energy consumption. |
| Particle loading | Pressure drop generally increases as captured particles accumulate; the rate depends on dust concentration and particle characteristics. | Collected particles form an additional dust layer that can improve some capture mechanisms while restricting airflow. | Replacement intervals should be based on measured pressure drop, operating conditions, and the system’s maintenance limits. |
| Best-use conditions | Final-stage filtration in controlled environments where very low airborne particle concentrations are required. | The filter combines high-efficiency fiber media, multiple capture mechanisms, pleated area, and a properly sealed housing. | Choose based on the required efficiency class, airflow, dimensions, pressure-drop limit, temperature, humidity, and installation standard. |