What is the relationship between airflow rate and filter efficiency?

The relationship between airflow rate and filter efficiency is crucial to understanding how air filters function. Higher airflow rates can lead to lower filter efficiency due to several factors. As the airflow increases, the speed of air passing through the filter also rises. This can reduce the time particles spend in contact with the filter media, allowing larger particles to pass through without being captured. Additionally, very high airflow can create turbulence, which can disrupt the effective capture of particles.

Filters are typically designed for optimal performance within a specific range of airflow; if that range is exceeded, the balance between filtration efficiency and airflow can be compromised. As a result, operating a filter at too high a flow rate may diminish its ability to effectively remove contaminants from the air. Therefore, understanding the relationship between airflow and filter efficiency is fundamental for proper filter selection and system design.