What is the function of air purifier filter

The main function of the air purifier filter is to filter pollutants in the air and improve indoor air quality. Different types of filters correspond to different types of pollution sources. Common types and functions are as follows:
1. Remove particles
• Filter type: primary filter, HEPA filter
• Main function: effectively filter PM2.5, dust, pollen, hair and other particles
• Filter effect: HEPA H13 grade can remove more than 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles
2. Absorb harmful gases
• Filter element type: activated carbon filter element
• Main function: absorb formaldehyde, benzene, TVOC and various odors
• Filter effect: porous structure has good adsorption capacity for chemical pollutants
3. Antibacterial and virus removal
• Filter type: antibacterial filter, silver ion filter, photocatalyst filter
• Main function: inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria, viruses and mold
• Application scenario: suitable for home, office and medical environments that require hygienic protection
4. Auxiliary humidification (applicable to some models)
• Filter type: Humidification filter
• Main function: Regulate humidity while purifying the air to relieve dry environment
Comprehensive filtration system
Most air purifiers use a multi-layer composite structure (such as primary filter + HEPA + activated carbon) to achieve multiple filtration of particulate matter, harmful gases and microorganisms, improving the overall purification efficiency.
The air purifier filter is a core component, which is directly related to the purification effect. It can comprehensively deal with air pollution problems of particulate matter, chemical pollutants and microorganisms, and ensure a healthy breathing environment.
Materials and applicable standards for common air purifier filters
1. Pre-filter
• Material: nylon mesh, non-woven fabric, polyester fiber (PET), aluminum mesh
• Function: intercept large particles in the air, such as dust, hair, pollen
• Features: strong structure, can be washed and reused many times
• Applicable standards:
G1–G4 grade (EN779 standard, now replaced by ISO 16890)
ISO 16890 – Coarse grade, used for particle primary filtration evaluation
2. HEPA high efficiency filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter)
• Material: ultra-fine glass fiber, polypropylene (PP) meltblown cloth, PTFE membrane (for high-end scenarios)
• Function: Highly efficient capture of suspended particles such as PM2.5, smoke, pollen, bacteria, etc.
• Performance level:
European standard EN1822: H10 to H14 levels are commonly used in air purifiers, of which H13 can filter 99.95% @ 0.3μm particles and H14 can reach 99.995%
ISO 29463: International general standard, replacing EN1822, suitable for the global market
ASHRAE 52.2 (US standard): corresponding to MERV 17 to 20 levels
3. Activated Carbon Filter
• Material: coconut shell charcoal, coal charcoal, columnar activated carbon, honeycomb activated carbon
• Carrier structure: composite substrates such as non-woven fabrics, foam, honeycomb panels, etc.
• Function: adsorb formaldehyde, TVOC, benzene, odor, ozone and other gaseous pollutants in the air
• Key indicators:
Iodine value (reflects adsorption capacity), high-quality activated carbon iodine value is usually ≥900mg/g
Desorption rate and saturated adsorption capacity are evaluated according to GB/T 18801 or ISO 10121
• Applicable standards:
GB/T 18801-2022 (China Air Purifier Performance Standard)
ISO 10121 (International Gaseous Pollutant Filtration Performance Test)
4. Antibacterial filter / photocatalyst filter / silver ion filter
• Material: antibacterial non-woven fabric, nano silver ions, copper ions, zinc-based antibacterial materials, photocatalyst uses TiO₂ (titanium dioxide) coating
• Function: inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and molds, and assist in the decomposition of organic pollutants in the air
• Testing standards:
ISO 20743 / JIS Z2801: Antibacterial performance evaluation standard for antibacterial materials
GBT 23761: Photocatalyst formaldehyde degradation performance test
• Sterilization effect: High-efficiency antibacterial materials can kill more than 99% of common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
5. Humidification filter (applicable to air purifiers with humidification function)
• Main materials: plant fiber paper, synthetic fiber, ceramic fiber, foam
• Main function: absorb water and evaporate, increase air humidity, and relieve dry environment
• Testing requirements:
Environmentally friendly and safe materials: comply with ROHS and REACH certification
Antibacterial treatment: preferably pass JIS Z2801 antibacterial test
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Our Air Purifier Filter are Available in a Variety of Shapes and Materials, Depending on the Customer's Specifications and Requirements.
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