Common Mistakes in the Installation and Maintenance of Filtration Systems

The installation and maintenance of air filtration systems are crucial for ensuring safety and performance in any laboratory. However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can compromise both the system’s efficiency and the safety of the environment. What are these common mistakes, and how can they be avoided? Here’s what you need to know to ensure that your air filtration system operates optimally.

One of the most frequent errors is selecting an air filtration system that doesn’t meet the specific needs of the laboratory. Not all filtration systems are the same, and choosing the right one depends on the types of contaminants expected in the environment. For example, in laboratories that handle chemical or biological materials, the filtration system must meet specific standards to filter hazardous particles.

Solution: Assess the contaminants and the laboratory’s workflow to select a filtration system that meets the requirements. Gas filtration cabinets, such as Cruma’s Plug&Play or ECO2 series, are excellent options for laboratories that need to filter harmful gases and vapors.

Incorrect placement of air filtration systems is another common mistake. Placing the equipment in areas with poor ventilation or unstable airflow can reduce filtration efficiency and, in the worst cases, allow contaminants to escape.

Solution: Ensure that the system is installed in an area where airflow is constant and not exposed to external air currents. Cruma’s H+ gas extraction cabinets are designed for effective installation in controlled environments, preventing these issues.

Every air filtration system comes with detailed technical specifications that must be followed exactly. Ignoring these details, such as the fan’s power or the filter size, can reduce the system’s effectiveness.

Solution: Always consult the manufacturer’s technical manual before installation. Ensure that the system is suitable for the laboratory’s characteristics and that the filters are appropriate for the substances being handled.

The maintenance of an air filtration system largely depends on proper filter replacement. A common mistake is allowing filters to become saturated before replacing them, which affects air quality and reduces the equipment’s lifespan.

Solution: Create a regular maintenance schedule that includes replacing filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. HEPA and carbon filters, like those used in vertical laminar flow cabinets, should be replaced frequently to maintain efficiency.

Air filtration systems are often not inspected as often as needed. Critical components such as airflow sensors can fail without warning, putting laboratory safety at risk.

Solution: Set up a program of regular inspections. For example, PCR-V ventilated cabinets include monitoring systems that can detect problems before they affect performance.

A major maintenance error is using non-certified parts for replacements. Replacing filters or other parts with uncertified components can compromise the system’s effectiveness.

Solution: Always use certified replacement parts and filters from the manufacturer. This ensures the system meets safety standards, such as those found in Class II A2 biological safety cabinets, which are designed for safe and effective performance.

Compliance with safety standards is essential in both the installation and maintenance of air filtration systems. These standards not only ensure the safety of personnel but also guarantee that the equipment operates at full capacity. At Cruma, cabinets such as the H+ gas extraction cabinet and horizontal laminar flow cabinets are designed to meet international standards, offering a safe and effective solution for all types of laboratories.