Fan Filters

A fan filter like an exhaust fan filter or box fan filter is an accessory that is designed to be used with fans and blowers. Typically made of a mesh or other porous material, fan filters are placed over fans of electronic devices and enclosures to remove particles from the air.

A basic assembly of a fan filter is usually made up of these four parts,

• Outer cover/frame: To hold the filter in place
• Filter pad: Remove particles from the air
• Mesh screen: Provide additional support and prevent filter pad from collapsing
• Finger guard: Protect fingers from accidents involving the fan's moving blades

How Fan Filters Work

A fan filter removes any dust or small particles from the filter fan, improving air quality and preventing the buildup of dust and other contaminants in the fan. This process helps to maintain optimal airflow, reducing the risk of overheating in electronic components and ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the equipment.

Extractor fan filters and exhaust fan filters are essential in commercial and industrial settings, as they keep the internal environments of machinery clean and free from harmful particles. By trapping debris, these filters contribute to a more stable and reliable operation of fans and associated equipment.

Types of Fan Filters

Fan filters are available in various shapes, styles, sizes and materials. The selection of a fan filter depends on the size and type of fan and environment it is to be used. Some of the attributes that must be considered are:

• Fan filter frame size
• Filter frame material
• Fan filter type
• Filter material

Besides these attributes, fan filters can be categorised according to different types. These include:

• Exhaust Filter: Designed to remove dust and particles from the exhaust air, ensuring clean air output. Exhaust fan filters are essential for maintaining air quality in various settings.
• Extractor Filter: Used in extractor fans to trap grease, dust, and other contaminants, improving the efficiency and lifespan of the fan. Extractor fan filters are common in kitchens and industrial environments.
• Cooling Filter: Ensures that cooling fans operate efficiently by preventing dust buildup on the fan blades and internal components. This type helps maintain optimal cooling performance.
• Exit Filter: Positioned at the exit point of the airflow to capture any remaining particles before the air is expelled. This type ensures that the outgoing air is clean.
• Mesh Grease Filter: Typically used in kitchen and industrial applications to trap grease particles, protecting the fan and ductwork from grease buildup.
• Metal Filter: Made from durable metal materials, these fan filters offer long-lasting performance and can be easily cleaned and reused. They are suitable for high-temperature and demanding environments.
• Pleated Panel: Features a pleated design to increase the surface area for filtration, capturing more particles and extending the device's lifespan. This type is effective for capturing fine dust and debris.

Exhaust Fan Filter

An exhaust fan filter is designed to remove dust, particles, and contaminants from the air being expelled by an exhaust fan. There are various types of exhaust fan filters, including exhaust mesh, pleated panels, and metal filters. These filters are commonly used in environments where air quality is crucial, such as commercial kitchens, factories, and cleanrooms, improving the longevity of equipment by preventing dust build-up, and safeguarding employee health by capturing contaminants.

Extractor Fan Filters

Fan filters are a staple in the kitchen to protect extractor fans, cooker hoods, kitchen exhausts, and air ducts from kitchen grease. An extractor fan filter is designed to capture grease, smoke, and other contaminants, preventing them from clogging the fan and ductwork. To ensure a higher quality of air for extractor fans, activated charcoal or carbon on the fan filters will absorb harmful soot and oil gases into its pores, leaving purified filtered air.

Commercial and industrial extractor fan filters come in various types, including mesh grease filters, activated carbon filters, and pleated filters. They are commonly used in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and industrial settings to maintain clean air and efficient ventilation, promoting a contaminant-free and healthy environment for equipment, product, and employees.

Applications of Cooling Fan Filters

Fans and fan filters are used in every industry where heat is generated and the components around it must be kept cool. Some of the most common are:

• Electronic Enclosures: Data cabinets, electrical control cabinets & outlet boxes, server racks
• Motors and Machines: CNC, electrical motors, welding machines
• Equipments: Projectors, laptops, CPU
• Heating & cooling fan coils in heating or cooling systems

Box Fan Filter DIY to Improve Air Quality

Ventilation is a top concern for global citizens and just opening windows or doors isn't going to be too helpful. Places like laboratories, offices and classrooms are among some of the most common enclosed spaces where clean air and good circulation is vital to prevent the spread of any viruses.

While air purification units such as those with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration are expensive, inventions like the Corsi-Rosenthal Box solved this issue. With smart manipulation of an axial box fan and fan filters to create DIY filtration units, these box fan filters effectively reduce levels of airborne viral particles in indoor settings, ensuring clean and odour-free air.

How to Choose the Right Fan Filter for Your Needs

Before you buy exhaust or extractor fan filters, learn how to choose the right fan filters for your needs.

First, consider the specific application and environment your fan filter will be placed in. Check the filter material to ensure it can capture the contaminant you are looking to remove. For example, a typical exhaust fan screen is great for capturing dust, but an exhaust fan filter with activated carbon would be more suitable for getting rid of odours. Finally, ensure the size of the filter matches your fan and airflow requirements.

Buying Fan Filters: Ordering & Delivery

Buy extractor fan filters or exhaust fan filters from a reliable supplier and distributor in Australia. RS carries a wide range of mesh filters and fan screens for commercial and industrial applications. Our range includes brands like Rittal, Pfannenberg, Schneider Electric, and more. To place an order online, simply browse our extensive catalogue, filter your preferred products based on our extensive specifications, and add to your cart.