Metal mesh filters are commonly used in many demanding applications with critical airflow, such as heating and air-conditioning systems, electronic enclosure cabinets, and portable cooling equipment. But are they the best choice? At Permatron, we make top-rated metal mesh filters, with the shortest lead times in the industry. But many of our customers choose our washable PreVent® Model R Air Intake Filters instead, and for good reason. Our environmentally friendly Model R filters are sturdily constructed with one or two layers of 3-dimensional black honeycomb polypropylene electrostatic air filter media and are encased in a 1/8″-3/8″ rigid galvanized steel frame. They can be customized to fit the exact perimeter of any air inlet or outlet, and are so cost-effective they’ve been selected as a Building Magazine “Money-Saving Product” winner. Let’s look at some other reasons why they are better than standard metal mesh filters.
- Cleans Easier
Our washable PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters do not shed fibers, absorb moisture, and are impervious to mold, bacteria and fungi. It is easy to see when they are dirty since they are positioned on the outside of the equipment, and the smooth surface fibers make them easy to clean—all you need to do is wipe them
off and you’re done. On the other hand, cleaning metal mesh filters can be a challenge because of their multiple layers of aluminum—even though these filters claim to be washable and “easy to clean.”
- Perform Better
Due to their inherent electrostatic charge, our electrostatic polypropylene PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters capture and hold smaller particles with an arrestance efficiency of 72%, and a dust holding capacity of 100 gm. Metal mesh filters, however, need to be sprayed down with a tackifier so they can catch dust (and, as a result, makes these filters a chore to clean). And don’t worry—the electrostatic discharge from our PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters won’t wash out or diminish over time.
- Built Sturdier
Our washable PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters are made from woven polypropylene, a tough material that stands up to extreme outdoor or indoor exposure, corrosive chemicals, high-velocity airflow, and heavy-duty industrial cleaning and maintenance. Metal mesh filters, however, are typically made from aluminum, a softer metal that is easily dented or smashed over time with repeated handling. That can potentially block critical airflow, and harm the machinery the filters are meant to protect.
- Withstands More Extreme Elements
Our PreVent Model R Air Intake Filter’s polypropylene is heat-resistant in environments up to 250 degrees, heat-treated against shrinkage and resistant to abrasion, most acids, alkalis, bleaches, solvents, aging and indirect sunlight.
- Installs Faster and Easier
Installation takes minutes, with no tools. The durable and rigid galvanized steel frame of our PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters easily slides into the air filter holding channel. They can also be fitted with our patented magnetic strip and stuck to the outside of the equipment enclosure. This lets them be easily (and simply) removed for quick access and visual inspection, plus quick spray and wipe cleaning.
- Blocks Less Air
Independent testing, conducted by UL Laboratories, shows our PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters have a remarkably low initial airflow resistance of .02-.05″ w.g. depending on the layers of filter media. That’s up to three times better than the initial airflow resistance of a typical 1/4″ thick “rangehood” filter.
- More Versatile
Our PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters are available in a variety of frame options including stainless steel, aluminum, or painted black steel (for applications larger than 1,000 square inches we recommend multiple custom-made filters that fit together with our custom Z bracket frame support). The steel frames can be converted to 1/2″ or 1″ depth to add more room for covering a protruding air intake.
- More Cost-Effective
Our sturdy, durable PreVent Model R Air Intake Filters not only last longer than your typical metal mesh filter but extend the life of your equipment. No wonder they are widely considered the most cost-effective filter available. They also come with a standard 5-year warranty and a 2-year warranty for the magnetic attachment.
Beyond Metal Mesh Filters—Why Permatron is Simply Better
Permatron has been designing and manufacturing air filters in the USA, and for industrial and commercial use, for more than 60 years. In fact, we created the first washable electrostatic air filter. With custom-designs, incredibly fast turnarounds, the highest quality, and a nearly endless variety of materials and frames to choose from, Permatron is the industrial and commercial air filter leader for a reason: we go beyond metal mesh filters to deliver a wide range of cost-effective and superior options. That’s why Permatron filters are simply the best.
Contact us and learn more about our PreVent filters.
