Tue. Dec 3rd, 2024

In many different industries, including HVAC systems, automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and more, pleated filters are a common type of air filter. To increase the surface area and capture more particles, these filters are constructed from multiple layers of filter media that have been folded or pleated together. 

What are pleated filters?

Pleated filters are a type of air or liquid filter that consist of multiple layers of filter media, typically made of materials like paper, polyester, fiberglass, or a combination of these. These layers of filter media are folded or pleated in a uniform pattern, creating a larger filtration surface area within a compact space. The pleats also create small channels or gaps between each layer, allowing for more efficient air or liquid flow through the filter.

Pleated filters are used in various applications, including HVAC systems, industrial equipment, air purifiers, and water filtration systems. They are available in different sizes, shapes, and filtration efficiencies to meet different needs and requirements.

What does the 25x30x1 standard pleat entail?

The air filter 25x30x1 standard pleat refers to a pleated air filter with a size of 25 inches by 30 inches by 1 inch. This is a common size for residential and commercial HVAC systems, indicating that the filter is designed to fit into a filter housing or grille that can accommodate a filter with those dimensions.

The term “standard pleat” refers to the type of pleating used in the filter, which is a basic, uniform pattern that creates pleats of equal size and spacing. This type of pleat is common in pleated air filters and is effective at capturing a range of particles, such as dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants.

It’s important to remember that the kind and caliber of the filter media employed can impact how well the filter performs. Pleated filters are offered in various MERV ratings, from 1 to 16 or higher, depending on filtration efficiency. The filter’s capacity to capture particles of multiple sizes is indicated by its MERV rating, with higher ratings showing better filtration performance. It’s crucial to choose a pleated filter with a MERV rating that meets the application’s needs while also considering elements like airflow resistance and filter lifespan.

Benefits of pleated filters

Pleated filters offer several benefits compared to other types of air or liquid filters, including:

  • Greater filtration surface area made possible by the filter’s pleated design increases its ability to capture and remove various airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and other contaminants. Higher MERV ratings indicate better particle capture performance. Pleated filters come in different filtration efficiency levels.
  • Longer filter life: Because the filter’s pleated design offers a larger surface area for particle capture, the filter can function for longer before needing to be replaced. As a result, filter replacements happen less frequently, saving time and money on maintenance.
  • Reduced pressure drop: The filter’s pleated construction also improves airflow, which lowers the pressure drop across the filter. This implies that the HVAC system or other apparatus using the filter can run more effectively while using less energy.
  • Pleated filters can help to improve indoor air quality by capturing a wider variety of airborne particles, which lowers the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems brought on by exposure to indoor air pollution.

Conclusion

Compared to other filter types, the pleated design enables a longer filter life, greater filtration efficiency, and lower pressure drop. Thus, pleated filters have several advantages, such as better air quality, less energy use, longer equipment lifespan, and lower maintenance costs. 

By Manali