Mi a HEPA?
A high-efficiency fibrous particle filter. Standards require it to remove 99.97% of 0.3 µm particles. Air has to be forced through dense filter media, so its resistance is high and a saturated filter must be replaced.
MESP vs HEPA – a comparison
A HEPA filter captures particles in dense fibrous media, MESP with an electric field. The two solutions can be similar in efficiency but differ significantly in pressure drop, energy demand, maintenance and the treatment of pathogens.
The two technologies
Mi a MESP?
Micro-electrostatic precipitation: an ionising stage negatively charges airborne particles, which are then captured by the strong electric field of a washable honeycomb filter. The filter has low resistance and does not need replacing.
Technical comparison
HEPA and MESP side by side
Typical values; MESP data are from the manufacturer. For a calculation for your specific system, request a technical consultation.
| Criterion | HEPA | MESP |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration efficiency | 99.97% for 0.3 µm particles; no data on the smallest particle captured | Up to 99.99% for 0.3 µm particles; smallest particle captured: 0.01 µm |
| Pathogens | Captures them but does not inactivate them | Up to 99.99% inactivation according to the manufacturer |
| Pressure drop | 150–350 Pa | 10–50 Pa |
| Energy cost | Significantly more fan energy because of the high resistance | Air passes through the filter easily |
| Maintenance | The pre-filter and main filter must be replaced and disposed of regularly | Periodic washing in a few minutes |
| Service life | Saturates quickly without effective pre-filtration | No replacement needed with proper maintenance |
| Zaj | High pressure drop – more noise | Low pressure drop – quieter airflow |
| Humidity | Generally max. 70% relative humidity | Up to 95% relative humidity |
| Fire safety | Combustible filter material | Non-combustible filter material |
Capture or inactivation?
Viruses attach to airborne particles and droplets. A HEPA filter captures some of them but does not inactivate them: captured pathogens can remain active and the airflow can release them back into the air. That is why replacing and disposing of used HEPA filters requires special care.
According to the manufacturer, the strong electric field of MESP also inactivates captured bacteria and viruses, and captures particles as small as 0.01 µm.
Which one when?
Medical-grade HEPA filters can also achieve very high efficiency, but they are more expensive and need frequent replacement. Where pressure drop, energy costs and the burden of filter changes matter – in air handling units, fan coils and continuously operated spaces – it is worth considering MESP.
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