Cleanrooms are environments where even the smallest dust particle can ruin products, experiments, or processes. That’s why air filtration is the backbone of any cleanroom design. Two of the most common options are HEPA filters and ULPA filters—but which one should you choose?
Both are high-efficiency filters used in cleanrooms, but with different performance grades under ISO 29463/EN 1822 standards.
If you’re looking for a HEPA filter manufacturer in India or researching the best air purifiers in India, this guide will help you understand the difference and make the right decision.
What Are HEPA Filters?
- Used in: Pharmaceuticals, hospitals, electronics, and air purifiers.
- Benefits: Reliable, widely available, cost-effective.
- Example: Many of the top air purifiers in India utilize HEPA technology to capture dust, allergens, and bacteria.
What Are ULPA Filters?
- Used in: Critical cleanrooms like semiconductor manufacturing, biotech labs, and aerospace.
- Benefits: Higher filtration efficiency, essential where even a single particle can cause contamination.
- Limitation: More expensive and higher airflow resistance compared to HEPA.
Key Differences Between HEPA and ULPA Filters
| Feature | HEPA Filters | ULPA Filters |
| Efficiency | 99.95–99.995% (H13/H14, EN 1822) | ≥99.9995% (U15–U17, EN 1822) |
| Applications | Hospitals, pharma, general cleanrooms, air purifiers | Semiconductor, biotech, aerospace |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher cost |
| Airflow Resistance | Lower (more energy-efficient) | Higher (needs stronger fans) |
How Do You Decide Which Filter is Best for Your Cleanroom?
Ask yourself these questions:
- What industry are you in?
- Pharma labs usually go with HEPA.
- Semiconductor and nanotech need ULPA.
- What are the contamination standards?
- For ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms, HEPA is sufficient.
- For stricter ISO Class 3–4, ULPA is recommended.
- ISO Class 1–2 cleanrooms require ULPA by default (used in chip/nanotech).
- What’s your budget?
- HEPA filters are cost-effective and widely supported by Indian manufacturers.
- ULPA requires higher investment in both filters and supporting HVAC systems.
Why This Matters for Indian Manufacturers
India is becoming a hub for pharmaceutical exports and electronics manufacturing. With tighter quality standards, choosing the right filter directly affects compliance, cost savings, and international approvals.
That’s why working with a trusted HEPA filter manufacturer in India ensures you get filters that meet ISO and WHO-GMP standards, tailored to your cleanroom requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing between HEPA and ULPA filters depends on your cleanroom’s industry, contamination standards, and budget. While HEPA remains the most practical choice for many facilities and the best air purifiers in India, ULPA filters are the gold standard for industries that can’t risk even the tiniest contamination.If you’re planning or upgrading a cleanroom, it’s best to consult with an experienced HEPA filter manufacturer in India to find the right solution.
FAQs on HEPA vs. ULPA Filters
1. Which filter lasts longer?
Both depend on usage, but HEPA filters are easier to replace and maintain.
2. Do ULPA filters replace HEPA filters completely?
No. HEPA is still widely used where extreme efficiency isn’t required.
3. Can HEPA filters remove viruses?
Yes, most HEPA filters capture particles the size of viruses, making them effective in hospitals and air purifiers.
4. Are ULPA filters worth the cost?
Only if your industry demands ultra-strict contamination control.
5. How often should HEPA/ULPA filters be replaced?
Depends on pressure drop (usually 1–2 years for HEPA in pharma, 3–5 years for ULPA in semiconductor under controlled use).