The Importance of Air Filtration
The air we breath, made up of oxygen, nitrogen, and traces of other gases, contains particulate material and other gases often generated by man and industrial processes. For our health and comfort, it is important that the air of indoor occupied spaces be considered and efforts taken to address air contaminants. Air filtration, in the form of air filters, provides a mechanism to reduce air particulates and increase cleanliness.
The standardized method of rating the performance of an air filters’ ability to capture particles is called the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV. MERV ratings range from 1-16 and different filters have different MERV ratings.
Manufacturing
In our Bucks County PA production facility, using all American made materials, Calhoun Associates manufactures disposable, custom and standard size pleated, polyester and fiberglass air filters. The manufacturing process utilizes specifically designed machinery to fold chip board, cut filter media and assemble air filters. We have the capacity to manufacture most size air filters.
Fiberglass, polyester (synthetic) and poly-scrim filters
Calhoun Associates manufactures custom and standard size fiberglass, polyester and poly-scrim air filters. While the fiberglass media is not formally tested, these disposable filters generally rate ranging from 2-4 on the MERV rating system. The synthetic polyester media is formally tested and MERV rated between 4 and 8 depending on the filter depth. These filters capture larger particles such as pollen, textile and carpet fibers or large dust. They are available in any size with depths ranging from one-half inch to two inches. We stock a variety of standard size fiberglass and polyester air filters.
Polyester Air Filter Data Sheet
Fiberglass Air Filter Data Sheet
Pleated filters
Calhoun Associates manufactures custom size pleated air filters. They are an extended surface air filter with media that forms pleats. The MERV rating of pleated air filters includes a MERV 10, MERV 11 and MERV 13 filter. They are available in any size with depths ranging from one-half inch to two inches. Pleated filters are available in standard capacity or high capacity. A high capacity has 1-1/2 times more pleated media resulting in more surface area available to capture particles. Depending on their MERV rating, pleated filters capture mold, many types of dust, spores, bacteria, most smoke, auto emissions and droplets. A MERV 10 pleated filter is commonly referred to as a “standard pleat” and in a multi-filter HVAC system, these filters typically serve as a pre-filter.
Distribution
For those products we do not manufacture ourselves, Calhoun Associates distributes air filters, pads and rolls for all air filter applications and MERV ratings.
Pleated filters
We distribute standard size pleated air filters in all sizes with depths of one, two, four and five inch depths in MERV 10, 11 and 13 ratings. We stock a variety of MERV 10 and MERV 13 standard size pleated air filters.
Mini-pleat filters
The extended surface Mini-pleat filter is designed for use in a wide variety of air filtration systems and equipment where medium to high efficiency filtration is required. A mini-pleat air filter is available in fiberglass or synthetic media, MERV 11-MERV 15 ratings, in two or four inch depths, and a die-cut frame, plastic frame or metal frame.
Pocket (Bag) filters
A Pocket or bag air filter is an extended surface air filter consisting of multiple sewn pockets supported by a galvanized metal header frame. They are designed for use when medium to high efficiency filtration is required. As air flows through the filter the pockets open and expand so that more media is exposed. Pocket air filters are available in fiberglass or synthetic media, three to twelve pockets and with MERV 11-15 ratings.
Rigid Box filters
A rigid box filter is an extended surface air filter in a rigid frame designed for use in most commercial or industrial HVAC systems when medium to high efficiency filtration is required. The media in this air filter is bonded to metal backing and the pleats are held in place by cardboard or plastic pleat stabilizers. Rigid box filters are available with synthetic or fiberglass media, as a straight box or with a header, in six and twelve inch depths and with MERV 11-15 ratings.
Rigid Cell filters (ASHRAE filter)
A rigid cell filter, sometimes referred to as an ASHRAE filters, is an extended surface air filter constructed of high strength water resistant fiberglass in a pleat design held in a rigid frame. This air filter is used when medium to high efficiency is required. A corrugated aluminum separator is placed between each pleat to maintain pleat space and prevent them from touching. A rigid cell filter is available as a straight box or with single or double headers, upstream or downstream gasket and in MERV 11-15 ratings.
V-Bank (V-cell or V-Flo) filters
The V-Bank filter, sometimes referred to as a V-cell or V-Flo, is an extended surface air filter constructed of media that forms multiple mini-pleat panels configured into a V shape in a rigid plastic frame. This filter is used when medium to high efficiency is required. Because of the increased amount of filter media they have a lower pressure drop and corresponding longer air filter life. There are no metal components. They are available with 2-4 V options and in MERV 11-15 ratings.
HEPA filter
HEPA filters are designed to meet the critical filtration requirements where airborne contaminants can cause damage in manufacturing processes, equipment, or may cause health hazards. HEPA filters are defined as those air filters that have a minimum particle collection efficiency of at least 99.97% for 0.3 micrometer mass median diameter particles. HEPA filters under go rigorous testing to ensure this efficiency. They are an extended medium filter situated in a rigid frame and are designed to ensure a proper fit in the HVAC unit. HEPA filters are not included in the MERV rating scale but historically were referred to as a MERV 17-20 filter. Instead they are described based on their efficiency, either 99.97% or 99.99%. HEPA filters are available in a variety of framing materials, straight box or header, upstream or downstream gaskets, and 99.97% or 99.99% efficient.
Ring Panels, Link Panels and Sleeve filters
Panel and sleeve air filters are made from two or more layers of filter media that are sewn or thermally sealed around a wire frame. They are designed for HVAC systems, paint booths or fan coil units. Panel and sleeve filters are available in a wide range of sizes, tackified or dry. Panel filters are available as a single ring panel or a continuous roll of link panels for side access systems. A sleeve filter allows for a reusable wire ring to be placed in the media layers.
Metal Mesh filter
A metal mesh air filter is designed for all applications where a permanent filter is required such as; industrial, commercial, schools, office buildings and outdoor air units. A metal mesh filter has the ability to be removed, cleaned and put back into the system for continued use. They are available in steel, aluminum or stainless steel metals.
Carbon filter
A carbon filter is often a pleated filter that provides air purification by using activated carbon as the air cleansing agent for the removal of odorous contaminants. The carbon does not change the ability of the filters to capture particles and contaminants.
Bulk Filter Media and Pads
Calhoun Associates offers a wide range of fiberglass, synthetic, pleated, carbon or paint arrestor material for commercial and industrial application. They are available in rolls or pads.
Additionally, we offer cube filters, ceiling diffusion media and filter housing units.
We have described the most common types of air filters here. If your HVAC system requires any other types of filters, please contact us to discuss your individual needs.
Contact us to learn more about our air filter products and services.