CT26 Hepa Filter - How to Know when to Replace?

[ScotF]

I bought a CT 26 earlier this year and have used it to suck up construction debris, mortar, cement and some wood.  When I replaced the bag today I noticed that there was fine dust around the inside of the motor and the Hepa filter looked a little dirty.  I took it out and tapped it and strummed the pleats and a lot of fine dust came out.  My question is, how do you know when you need to replace it?  Since there was fine dust around the motor should I replace it or do you think that the gentle tap and shake is sufficient?  I would rather not buy a new filter if I can avoid it for now, but I would rather buy one than risk damaging my CT.  I have always used it with a bag.  My guess is that the fine cement dust and thinset I sucked up was finer than the filtration of the bag and that is what I was seeing. 

Appreciate any comments.

Scot

 

[ajones]

Hi

The dust will not harm the ct in anyway but if fine dust is getting past the filter you need to see why that is, the best way to clean the filter would be with compressed air but taking care not to get close to the filter with the jet of air or you could damage the filter. clean from  the inside, out

 

[AlexThePalex]

The HEPA filter stops dust smaller than you can see. If you can see dust that has passed the filter it's because the seal is broken in someway. This could be because the filter is punctured, which would be clearly visible, or because the filter not seating well in it's place. 

 

[ScotF]

Thanks...I do not think any dust escaped the tub and so the filter did its job, the small amount of dust I saw was around the inside of the black plastic covering the motor to the right of the filter.  This is fine cement dust that is smaller than filtration of the 26 fleece bags.  My concern is if the Hepa now needs replaced.

Scot

 

[Brice Burrell]

Scot, I wouldn't worry.  I use my 26 for heavy construction debris regularly and I don't see any signs to give me concerns about the filter. 

 

[tbellemare]

If the filter was compromised, you would have dust in the outlet area, above the filter. Generally, just tapping it with the debris side down should clear it and it's safer than using compressed air.

Tom

 

[ScotF]

Thanks, guys.  I think I am OK then...no dust outside the filter. 

Scot

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Sorry for not responding sooner, but here's a quote from our website on the matter of changing the HEPA filter. This was written for RRP, but can be applied to general HEPA filter maintenance.

This is highly subjective depending on degree of use, including frequency, duration, and conditions. Foremost, we strongly urge the use of pre-filter bags which filter dust down to 5 microns, helping to prevent loading of the main HEPA filter, and protect the filter from damage from larger particles of dust and debris. The RRP rules do not provide guidance on this matter, and each different manufacturer may have their own stated guidelines or recommendations. Though it is not possible to apply a hard and fast rule across the spectrum of users or applications, we can provide these basic guidelines:

- The HEPA filter should be visually inspected at every single bag change.

- With every other bag change the filter should be removed and the seal (including the filter and the area on which it mounts) should be inspected for debris that could compromise the seal. Carefully remove any debris with a light, clean, non-abrasive cloth with minimum pressure.

- NEVER use compressed air to 'clean' the filters as it may compromise the efficacy of the filter and the rated filtration.

- In case of any damage to the filter, replace it at once.

- Depending on the degree of use, a filter may need to be replaced every month or any other interval up to 6 months. Filters should be replaced every 6 months to maintain the rated performance.

- Avoid direct contact with the filter element (white cloth-like material).

- Replace filter immediately if it comes into contact with any sharp object or other harsh debris.

- One way to ensure the integrity of your CT Dust Extractor for use in RRP-related applications, as well as to help prevent cross-contamination of lead dust and debris would be to designate a CT Dust Extractor, dedicated solely for the purpose of working in lead-based paint applications. A secondary CT Dust Extractor could be designated for non-lead-based work.

- Replace filter immediately if used without a pre-filter or if the HEPA filter is left in place during a wet extraction operation.

- If you have any question or doubt as to the integrity of the HEPA filter, it is recommended that it is replaced at once.

 

[ScotF]

Sorry for not responding sooner, but here's a quote from our website on the matter of changing the HEPA filter. This was written for RRP, but can be applied to general HEPA filter maintenance.

This is highly subjective depending on degree of use, including frequency, duration, and conditions. Foremost, we strongly urge the use of pre-filter bags which filter dust down to 5 microns, helping to prevent loading of the main HEPA filter, and protect the filter from damage from larger particles of dust and debris. The RRP rules do not provide guidance on this matter, and each different manufacturer may have their own stated guidelines or recommendations. Though it is not possible to apply a hard and fast rule across the spectrum of users or applications, we can provide these basic guidelines:

- The HEPA filter should be visually inspected at every single bag change.

- With every other bag change the filter should be removed and the seal (including the filter and the area on which it mounts) should be inspected for debris that could compromise the seal. Carefully remove any debris with a light, clean, non-abrasive cloth with minimum pressure.

- NEVER use compressed air to 'clean' the filters as it may compromise the efficacy of the filter and the rated filtration.

- In case of any damage to the filter, replace it at once.

- Depending on the degree of use, a filter may need to be replaced every month or any other interval up to 6 months. Filters should be replaced every 6 months to maintain the rated performance.

- Avoid direct contact with the filter element (white cloth-like material).

- Replace filter immediately if it comes into contact with any sharp object or other harsh debris.

- One way to ensure the integrity of your CT Dust Extractor for use in RRP-related applications, as well as to help prevent cross-contamination of lead dust and debris would be to designate a CT Dust Extractor, dedicated solely for the purpose of working in lead-based paint applications. A secondary CT Dust Extractor could be designated for non-lead-based work.

- Replace filter immediately if used without a pre-filter or if the HEPA filter is left in place during a wet extraction operation.

- If you have any question or doubt as to the integrity of the HEPA filter, it is recommended that it is replaced at once.

Excellent!  Thank you!

Scot