The installation of Gel Seal HEPA filters is a decisive step in ensuring their final sealing performance. It has extremely high technical requirements and must be carried out by trained professionals in accordance with standard procedures. Below are the key points that must be noted during the installation process, which can be regarded as an installation operation manual.
Pre-Installation
1. Environmental Control: Installation must be carried out after all civil construction and installation works, including air conditioning systems, ducts, ceilings, walls, and floors, have been completed and thoroughly cleaned. The indoor environment must be in a clean state, and operations should not be conducted in dusty environments. It is recommended to set up a temporary dedicated clean area.
2. Product Verification and Inspection
2.1 Unboxing Inspection: Carefully open the packaging and inspect the filter frame for any deformation or damage on a flat surface. Check if the knife edge is straight and free from bumps, and ensure there is no damage to the filter media.
2.2 Dimensional Verification: Use a high-precision tape measure to recheck the dimensions of the filter frame and the gel trough of the installation frame to ensure compatibility. This is the first step to prevent installation issues.
2.3 Cleaning the Frame: Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the gel trough of the installation frame with non-woven fabric dipped in isopropyl alcohol or alcohol to ensure there is no grease, dust, moisture, or old sealant residue.
3. Preparation of Tools and Personnel
3.1 Personnel: The operation must be carried out by trained professionals, usually requiring the cooperation of two people.
3.2 Tools: Prepare a level, laser rangefinder, sealant gun, scaffolding or hydraulic lift platform, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
3.3 Materials: Have the matching gel sealant ready and check its type (non-drying/drying) and expiration date.
Installation
4. Final Frame Verification: Before sealant injection, it is essential to recheck the overall flatness and levelness of the installation frame using a high-precision level and laser instrument. When multiple frames are joined, the height difference at the joints must be kept to a minimal range (usually <0.5mm).
5. On-Site Sealant Injection: Using a dedicated sealant gun, start from one end of the gel trough and inject the sealant at a uniform speed and continuously to avoid generating bubbles. Sealant quantity: Typically fill to 2/3 or 3/4 of the gel trough depth (strictly follow the manufacturer's requirements). Overfilling will cause the sealant to overflow when inserting the filter, contaminating the filter or the site; underfilling will result in an ineffective seal.
6. Filter Installation:
6.1 Peel the Film: Remove the protective film from the filter knife edge just before insertion.
6.2 Alignment: Two people should lift the filter from both sides, ensuring it is perfectly horizontal, and precisely align the knife edge with the gel trough opening.
6.3 Smooth Insertion: Insert the filter knife edge into the gel trough vertically, smoothly, and slowly, allowing the filter to sink into place by its own weight until fully seated. Do not press down on the middle of the filter, as this may cause deformation of the frame or damage to the filter media.
6.4 Seal Inspection: After insertion, check that the gel sealant evenly and slightly bulges around the knife edge, with no bubbles or breaks in the seal.
7. Installation of Clamping Device: Immediately install the mechanical clamping blocks or bolts after the filter is in place. This not only provides a double safeguard against dislodgement but also helps to better position the filter.
Post-Installation
8. Cleaning and Protection: Immediately after installation, gently wipe off any dust or sealant residue from the filter surface and frame with a clean non-woven fabric dipped in alcohol. Protect the finished product to prevent subsequent construction from colliding with or contaminating the installed filter.
9. On-Site Leak Testing (The Most Critical Step):
9.1 After the filter installation is completed, it is mandatory to conduct an on-site PAO (DOP) leak test on the entire installation unit, including the filter itself, the gel seal interface, and the frame connections.
9.2 This test is the only standard to verify the success of the installation. It can detect any minor leakage points.
9.3 The test must be carried out by trained professionals and a formal report must be issued. Systems that have not undergone leak testing or have failed the test must not be put into official use.
10. Documentation: Record the serial number of each filter, installation location, installation date, initial resistance value, and leak test results, and file them for future maintenance records.
Don'ts
- Do not install in an unclean environment.
- Do not operate alone, as this can easily lead to filter bumps and tilting.
- Do not touch the filter knife edge and filter media directly with bare hands.
- Do not inject sealant without cleaning the gel trough.
- Do not press or strike the middle of the filter forcefully.
- Do not skip the installation of mechanical clamping devices.
- Do not omit the on-site leak test.
The installation of Gel Seal HEPA filters is a task where "a miss is as good as a mile." Successful installation relies on the combination of qualified products, precise preparation, standardized operation, and strict verification. It is essential to entrust this task to a professional team with rich experience and a good reputation.
If you need a professional team, please contact us.
