Molecular filters to the process of removing gaseous, odorous, or otherwise molecular contaminants from the air using media that adsorb, absorb, or react/bond with the molecules. Rather than capturing particles, like typical air filters, molecular filtration targets airborne molecules through chemical or physical bonding (e.G., adsorption or absorption), often utilizing materials like activated carbon or specialized chemical media. This type of filtration is particularly useful in environments where clean, odor-free air is paramount or where harmful gaseous contaminants need to be controlled, such as laboratories or industrial settings, ensuring a safe and compliant atmosphere by addressing both particulate and molecular pollutants.
Large ventilation volume
Molecular filters have a large ventilation volume and can effectively handle a large amount of gas or liquid, which is suitable for occasions that require high-efficiency filtration.
Stable adsorption efficiency
Molecular filters have stable adsorption efficiency and can continuously and effectively remove impurities and pollutants to ensure the consistency of the filtration effect.
Diverse appearance
The design of molecular filters can be diversified, and the appearance can be customized according to specific needs to meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of different scenarios
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Working Principle of Molecular Filters
A molecular filter is a device used to remove impurities or solid particles from a fluid, such as filtering mud in water or dust in the air. Its working principle is to trap impurities or solid particles in the fluid in the filter medium through physical or chemical action, so that the fluid becomes purer after passing through the filter.
Specifically, the working principle of the filter can be divided into the following steps:
The filter medium separates impurities. The filter medium can be various materials, such as sand, activated carbon, cellulose, etc. When the fluid passes through the filter medium, impurities or solid particles will be trapped by the filter medium.
The pressure difference increases. As the fluid continues to pass through the filter medium, the impurities or particles in the medium increase, and the pores of the filter medium will gradually be blocked, which will increase the resistance of the fluid through the filter, resulting in a significant increase in the pressure difference.
Clean the filter medium. When the pressure difference of the filter increases to a certain extent, the filter medium needs to be cleaned so that the filter can be used again. The cleaning method can be backwashing, changing the medium or exposure. After cleaning, the filter can be restored to a normal filtering state.
Through the above steps, the filter can effectively remove impurities or solid particles in the fluid, thereby achieving the purpose of purifying the fluid.
In the united states, air quality has become a significant concern, not only due to the increasing pollution levels but also because of the rising awareness about its impact on health, environment, and overall well-being. Molecular air filtration emerges as a critical solution in this scenario, offering a way to combat indoor air pollution effectively. This article delves into the various aspects of molecular air filtration, emphasizing its benefits, environmental impact, cost considerations, and the regulatory landscape in the u.S.
Molecular filters defined
Molecular air filtration uses specialized media like activated carbon to remove gaseous pollutants from the airstream. This is a process sometimes referred to as gas-phase filtration. Activated carbon is extremely adsorbent, causing gaseous particles to bond to the media’s surface as air flows through.
Harmful pollutants are adsorbed into the filter media, effectively removing them from the environment. Molecular filters capture pollutants that exist in a gaseous state at room temperature and are far too small to be captured by even the most efficient hepa and ulpa filters. The gaseous pollutants include:
● Nitrogen oxides
● Ozone
● Sulfur oxides
● Volatile organic compounds (vocs)
● Health benefits
Molecular air filtration systems are designed to remove a wide range of airborne contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (vocs), toxic gasses, and odors. These systems work by adsorbing pollutants onto a filter medium, typically activated carbon. Still, there are other specialized materials capable of doing this as well such as alumina impregnated with potassium permanganate, thus preventing them from circulating in the indoor environment. The removal of these harmful substances can significantly improve indoor air quality, leading to numerous health benefits. Individuals may experience fewer respiratory issues, reduced allergy symptoms, and a lower risk of long-term health problems associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants.
Environmental impact
Implementing molecular air filtration systems can also have a positive impact on the environment. Specialized molecular air filters are used to remove harmful f gaseous exhaust pollutants generated by industrial processes.
Additionally, premium molecular air filters in 2024 are designed with the explicit goal of reducing environmental impact in three main ways:
● Using materials that have a minimal environmental footprint
● Optimizing efficiency for decreased energy usage over the filter’s lifetime
● Being built to last so that replacement and disposal are less frequent
This approach not only helps in improving air quality but also supports broader environmental conservation efforts.
Cost considerations
While the initial investment in a high-quality molecular air filtration system may seem substantial, it is essential to consider the long-term savings and health benefits. High-quality air filters can lead to reduced healthcare costs by preventing diseases related to poor air quality. Additionally, selecting filters that offer the best combination of efficiency, capacity and pressure drop will provide the best overall lifetime costs of clean air solutions, including energy consumption, maintenance, and replacement costs.
Light-duty comfort air applications (e.G., city family): Ideal for improving indoor air quality in residential and commercial settings by removing common pollutants and odors, enhancing comfort and health.
Medium to heavy duty applications (e.G., camcarb): These filters are designed for more demanding environments where higher concentrations of gasses and odors are present. They are suitable for airports, helipads and areas with significant outdoor pollution.
Heavy-duty applications (e.G., procarb): Also known as deep bed scrubbers, these are used in scenarios where airflow and or gas concentrations are very high, gasses are highly toxic or corrosive and/or high removal efficiency is required. They are suitable for industrial applications involving toxic gases like toluene diisocyanate (tdi) or for protecting electronic equipment from corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulfide.
Including v-bank rigid style filters, bag filters,and pleated filters, perform both particulate air filtration and molecular air filtration. This dual functionality ensures that both particulate matter and gases are effectively removed from the air, providing comprehensive air quality improvement in a single stage of filtration.
For industrial applications where gas concentrations are extremely high, camfil’s deep bed air filters provide high removal efficiency. This is crucial in applications like hydrogen sulfide odor at wastewater treatment plants or process gas exhaust from memory foam mattress manufacturing, where achieving near-zero concentration at the outlet is essential for safety and compliance.
Control and electric rooms of wastewater treatment plants, pulp mills and oil and gas refineries as well as data centers and museum and archive artifacts are susceptible to corrosion due to process and traffic gases being drawn into the space. Molecular filters effectively remove these gases to meet equipment warranty guidelines and cultural heritage asset protection standards.
Using data from its unique iso10121 test rigs and proprietary simulation software, offers customizable solutions, such as the camcarb and procarb lines, where the media can be filled in various filter shapes like cylinders, cassettes, trays or beds. This flexibility allows for tailored air filtration solutions to meet efficiency, capacity, energy consumption and lifetime requirements.
Molecular air filtration uses certain types of media that we call ‘absorbent’ in air filters, such as activated carbon filters, to remove contaminants from the airstream in gas form. Some pollutants can be harmful to people and processes. The molecules are adsorbed and get inside the air filter’s media and are thereby removed from the environment. These media are usually porous and have a very high internal surface area, which is used to adsorb a high concentration of contaminants.
Major uses of molecular filtration are:
Odour control: Removing odorous gases before they get into occupied spaces.
Comfort: Some people are more sensitive to specific gases, so the removal of those contaminants for improved air quality is important.
Removing highly toxic gases: Hydrogen sulphide, for example, is a gas that, in high concentrations, can be lethal. Especially in the industrial sector, we find molecular air filtration applied to get rid of this highly toxic gas and other highly toxic gasses.
Protecting equipment or processes, corrosion control: Removing acid gases in a wastewater treatment plant and or paper mill. Also commonly found in oil and gas refinement .
Cultural heritage: E.G. Protecting priceless paintings, a historic sword, or very important archives.
There are thousands of volatile organic compounds found in any environment. The most common sources are vocs released from furniture. Other sources include paint on walls, markers used in schools and offices, and perfumes. Cleaning products are major sources of vocs, especially in processes that use heavy cleaning agents. Activated carbon air filters are great at removing these and other vocs.
Can a merv-13 or merv-14 air filter remove volatile organic compounds (vocs) from the air?
Vocs are gases, so any high-level merv air filter won’t remove them. Molecular air filtration needs to be applied to get rid of vocs. Pm1, pm2.5, and pm10 particles can be removed by the appropriate merv-rated air filters, and molecular air filters remove vocs and other harmful gases. It is imperative to use both in tandem. Hepa air filters remove at least 99.97% of particulate matter, but not gases.
If poor indoor air quality is caused by a gas, molecular air filtration is necessary.
Why are they called molecular air filters and not simply “carbon air filters?”
They are called molecular air filters because they use molecular adsorption to bond with gases and keep them out of the air. There is more than a single type of media. Activated carbon is the most common and will work for 90 to 95% of the gases that we know of, but there are other types of media that have different base materials, such as aluminum, that are very effective in dealing with acid gas.
Potassium permanganate is added to aluminium and such media does not use carbon. People use the term “carbon filtration” to describe molecular filtration. That term is not technically accurate and not descriptive of the actual media required.
There are two types of activated carbon air filters. One uses coal as a base, and the other uses coconut shells. In this case, the molecule gets inside the carbon and then sticks to the surface. Molecular air filters have channels, and the molecules to be removed go through the macropores and micropores. Gas gets into the micropores and gets compressed, keeping it in the pore.
It’s imperative to place a particulate air filter with its particulate-removing media in the first stage of air filtration and place a molecular air filter with its molecule-removing media in the second stage of the process.
If you're installing molecular filters in a cleanroom for the first time, it's important to handle the filters with care to prevent damage to the delicate fiberglass material and maintain the integrity of the cleanroom environment. Proper handling and installation of molecular filters require practical techniques and precautions to ensure optimal performance.
Unpacking and inspection: When unpacking molecular filters, handle them with clean, dry hands or wear clean gloves to prevent contamination. Carefully inspect the filters for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or bent filter media. If any damage is detected, do not install the filter and contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
Use dedicated tools: Use dedicated tools specifically designed for handling molecular filters. These may include filter clamps, filter holders, or filter installation frames. Avoid using tools or equipment that may put excessive pressure or bend the filters, as this can cause damage to the delicate filter media.
Gentle handling: Handle molecular filters with extreme care to avoid bending or twisting the filter media. Hold the filters by their edges or designated handling points, and avoid touching the filter media directly. Do not drop, stack, or pile filters on top of each other, as this can result in damage.
Proper installation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing molecular filters in the designated filter housing or air handling unit. Ensure that the filters are inserted correctly and securely in the filter holders or frames, without any gaps or leaks. Avoid using excessive force or pressure during installation, as this can cause damage to the filters.
Safe storing: If you need to store molecular filters before installation, do so in a clean and dry environment. Store the filters in their original packaging or in clean, covered containers to protect them from dust, moisture, and other contaminants. Avoid storing filters in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity, as this can affect their performance.
Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of molecular filters is essential to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filter replacement and maintenance schedules. During maintenance activities, handle the filters with extreme care, avoiding any bending or twisting of the filter media.
Proper disposal: When it's time to replace molecular filters, follow local regulations and guidelines for their proper disposal. Seal used filters in appropriate containers to prevent particles from escaping and contaminating the environment. Dispose of the filters in designated waste disposal areas, following proper procedures to prevent contamination.
Through 18 years of focusing on air purification equipments , Shenzhen Xiangnan High-temp has been the leading supplier of the big companies such as Foxconn, LG , BYD , Oppo, Huawei etc for supplying the air clean systems. our Dr. engineers has almost 25 years of experience in the field of air filter so we have the ability to manufacture high quality air filters and clean room enquipments on the international markets, aways satisfying various of any designing demands from the clients.
