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Air cleaner filters are used to purify the air. This is a common piece of equipment used in cars and small rooms where there is a need of recycling the present air. Most commonly air cleaner filters are devices that remove solid particles from the air like dust pollen mould and also harmful microbes like bacteria and keep the air fresh and clean.

Gas turbine engines especially need air cleaner filters as cleaner air makes them significantly more efficient.

Air filters use a number of methods to clean harmful particles from the air. A very common method involves the use of fiber elements which are in the air filter as filters. Particles and dust stick to the fiber and thus only cleaner air is discharged.

There exist yet other intricate techniques such as the use of static electric charge. This method uses static electrical current to attract particles and dust from the air thus filtering the air. In the past there was also the use of oil bath filters but modernization and improved technology have made this redundant.

There have been many significant improvements in air cleaner filter technology due to advancement in fluid sciences. These filters are most important in gas turbines and in air conditions that help to preserve the human health. Paper foam and cotton filters are also most commonly used in the air cleaner filters. These air filters should be cleaned or changed at regular periods of time to ensure the optimum performance of the engine.

Air filters can be grouped as either class one or class two air filters. The classification is done based on their flammability. Class one air filters produce a negligible small amount of smoke when burnt. They do not become fuel when they come in contact with flame. Class two filters are the exact opposite as they readily become fuel when in contact with flame. While they burn they produce significant amount of smoke. A lot of research is still being done into the flammability of air filters.

The air filters are designed in many shapes and sizes to fit the area of flow of air. The air filters should be regularly changed as they get clogged over time filtering out air. The clogging of air filters not only produces impure air but also reduces the airflow through the passage.

In an engine such a clogging would cause a drop in performance. Applications of air filters are wide and varied. Common applications of air cleaner filters include air conditioners for rooms and cars, internal combustion engines and gas turbines.

Paper is one of the most common materials that are used for air cleaner filters in automobiles. This is mainly because they are cost effective as well as efficient. Also these are easily replaceable. Oil wetted foam elements are also known to be used as air filters in automobiles. Foam was a known choice for air cleaners in many applications before the improvement in air cleaning technology.

Tags: Electronics