Hospitals and Health Care Facilities

Here in Illinois, Hospitals are governed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). In 1993 the State of Illinois issued updated standards and guidelines for usage of pre-filter and final filters in central station HVAC equipment, and a new standard for unitary fan coil / packaged units as to air filter selection. Below is a synopsis of those IDPH codes. These codes are largely based on standards adopted by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) in their 1999 Applications Manual for Health Care Facilities.  For the State's complete document please contact us or the IDPH.

  • FILTER BED #1 --    Upstream of HVAC components to be rated on ASHRAE test standards at 30% (e.g. dry, straining type common with pleated style filters.)
  • FILTER BED #2 --    Downstream of HVAC components to be rated on ASHRAE test standard at 90% (e.g. dry, straining type common with rigid box or non-supported bag type filters.)
  • Filters for packaged fan coil units in non-treatment areas to be rated at 10% efficiency (common fiberglass or polyester throwaway media) and in patient treatment areas at 30% (pleated type).  THIS IS NEW FOR ILLINOIS HOSPITAL REGULATIONS.

ASHRAE recommendations for a third FILTER BED to be HEPA type rated at 99.97% on 0.3 micron DOP test in all surgical areas for control of infection from air borne contaminants.

FILTER BED #1

pleated pre-filer in 1", 2", and 4" depths

 FILTER BED #2

Rigid Box Type final filter in 6" and 12" depths

 FILTER BED #2

Non-supported bag type filter with many depths and #s of pockets


 

dp filters has vast experience with numerous hospitals and health care facilities in Illinois. As a member of ASHE (American Society of Healthcare Engineering) we are up to date on all IDPH codes and Joint Commission regulations, and can help your facilities plan for new regulations coming down the pike. Our healthcare industry customers enjoy so much more than quality air filtration products, including:
  • Full facility survey to determine all of your filtration needs and to familiarize our company with your systems.
  • Free seminars for your staff on IDPH codes, air filtration principles, and proper installation and maintenance.
  • Guaranteed timely and damage free shipping.
  • Delivery of products labeled by location or air handler for simpler and faster installation.
  • Easy ordering by location or air handler, and blanket orders for regularly scheduled filter change-outs.
  • Consultation on new construction and renovation.

dp filters prefers to recommend the box type ASHRAE final filters over the bag type filters for many reasons. A rigid box type filter will maintain its integrity throughout the life of the filter. With a metal frame they are more durable and much less likely to release previously captured dust and dirt. The illustration below will show what happens to bag type filters in a VAV system where the air flow changes depending on the needs of the air handler. The bags will droop when the air flow is lowered, and they will shake vigorously when the air flow is at maximum, with the pockets rubbing against each other compromising the strength and integrity of the filters.


Built-up filter bank with bag filters installed. Are you sure you are getting the level of filtration you need from this design?


Farr Glide/Pak filter housing with 2" Farr 30/30 pre-filters and 12" Farr Riga-Flo final filters installed. This design has the lowest leakage rating in the industry. 

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