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Vacuum Filter bag – Types & Technology
The vacuum filter bag has been around for many years as the key filtration component of most early vacuum machines. In recent times vacuum bag technology has developed significantly with the introduction of new, synthetic filter materials that have increased airflow performance, dirt retention and durability.
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Single Walled Paper Bags
Typically used with very early model vacuum cleaners and still common on commercial machines which use ‘open ended bags’ such as backpack vacuum cleaners, where they are supported by a secondary filter ( cloth bag ) and replaced frequently.
Also still available for some older model domestic machines, but this type of bag should be changed frequently as the dust penetrates the paper filter medium readily.
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Twin Walled Paper bags
Developed to provide higher efficiency and longer life, twin walled bags have an ‘inner liner’ within the exterior paper bag. The inner liner helps stop dust penetrating the outer paper bag, so air can pass thru more readily. The Quality of the inner liner has a big impact on the performance of the filter bag, with synthetic liners being the most effective and lightweight tissue paper being the least effective. Joins and seams are glued and folded for strength.
Twin walled Paper bags are the most commonly used vacuum bags, and are still supplied as standard by many brands, but quality and price vary greatly across the replacement market. At vacbagdirect our range includes superior quality twin walled bags with synthetic liners. |
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Synthetic Bags
Manufactured from multiple layers of non-woven material, with welded seems (edges), these bags will provide consistently high airflow even when they are completely full.
While the level of filtration is not necessarily higher than paper filter bags, the synthetic versions are extremely durable, will not burst and are less susceptible to moisture, which easily destroys paper bags.
This type of bag is commonly included as standard with the higher value Brand machines manufactured today. At vacbagdirect our range of synthetic bags use 5 layers of material to provide superior performance,
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HEPA Filters
HEPA refers to ‘High Efficiency Particulate Air’. A HEPA filter by definition must be capable of capturing 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns in size from the air which flows through it.
HEPA filters are used in conjunction with filter bags, commonly ( but not always) the HEPA filter is used as the final air filter, also referred to as the ‘exhaust filter’ before the vacuumed air is exhausted from the machine. Used in this way The HEPA filter collects any residue that passes through the bag, plus any carbon dust emitted from the motor.
Some manufacturers produce washable HEPA filters, others can only be cleaned by brushing with a soft brush or vacuuming. At vacbagdirect we suggest you replace your HEPA filter at least once every year to keep your machine working efficiently and cleanly. |
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Motor Inlet and Exhaust Filters
Motor inlet or ‘pre-motor’ filters are usually located in the bag compartment of a vacuum machine, they are designed to capture large debris in the event of a bag failure ( split or burst), and to protect the motor.
Exhaust filters are located in a compartment behind the motor, and filter the air leaving the machine.
Both of these filters types come in many shapes, sizes and in a range of densities.
As these filters do collect dust in the normal course of your vacuum operation, we recommend they be changed with every pack of replacement bags ( usually 5 bags ). At vacbagdirect our universal filter includes 3 pieces of filter, 1 each of ‘Fine’ , ‘Course’ and ‘Micro’ material, so you can match correctly to your machine.
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