Rapid economic development has brought about a new normal of complex air pollution, comprised of particulate matter (PM) , chemically hazardous gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) , and even microbial aerosols. Faced with this threat, single purification technologies often have limited effectiveness. Therefore, a systemic approach has emerged: integrating the physical interception of HEPA /ULPA filters , the chemical decomposition of catalytic oxidation, and the broad-spectrum adsorption of activated carbon into a comprehensive, integrated solution through precise engineering design.
Working Mechanisms of the Three Core Components:
1. Physical Interception: HEPA/ULPA Filters. As the first line of defense in the system, it specializes in capturing solid particulate matter. Through multiple physical mechanisms such as inertial impaction , interception effect, Brownian diffusion, and electrostatic adsorption, HEPA filters can efficiently remove particles ≥0.3 microns, with an efficiency of no less than 99.97%; while ULPA filters can capture even smaller particles, with an efficiency exceeding 99.9995%. In chip manufacturing, aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other applications, they serve as an impregnable Great Wall against dust, bacteria, viruses, and metal particles.
2. Chemical Decomposition: Catalytic Oxidation Technology. For gaseous molecular pollutants that HEPA filters cannot capture, especially the notorious VOCs, catalytic oxidation technology offers an “eradication” solution. For example, catalytic technologies such as ColdFire , which operate at room temperature, can directionally decompose harmful organic compounds such as formaldehyde into harmless carbon dioxide and water. This process does not rely on consumable adsorption and does not require frequent replacement, achieving a fundamental leap from “pollution transfer” to “pollution elimination.” Some advanced systems also utilize photocatalysis or plasma-assisted technologies to generate strong oxidizing substances, completely destroying the molecular structure of organic pollutants.
3.Broad-Spectrum Adsorption : Activated Carbon and its Modification Technology. Activated carbon is a versatile agent for dealing with complex gaseous pollutants. Its huge specific surface area (up to 800–1500 m²/g) effectively captures VOCs, odors, and various harmful gases through physical adsorption. Modified activated carbon, through impregnation with chemical substances (such as potassium iodide and precious metals), can specifically enhance its removal capacity for certain pollutants (such as hydrogen sulfide and mercury). For example, honeycomb activated carbon can significantly reduce system air resistance while maintaining high adsorption capacity.
The Design Logic and Application Value of the “HEPA + Catalytic Oxidation + Activated Carbon” Solution: Orderly Process Design: Following a purification logic of “physical first, then chemical,” the airflow typically first passes through pre- and medium-efficiency filters to remove large particles, protecting subsequent precision filter media; then, HEPA/ULPA filters remove fine particles; next, relatively clean air flows through the activated carbon layer to adsorb gaseous pollutants; the catalytic oxidation module acts as the final “killer,” degrading the most difficult-to-treat organic matter. This design prevents particulate matter from clogging the activated carbon micropores, maximizing the lifespan and efficiency of each stage of filter media.
Synergistic Effect: The integrated design produces a “1+1+1>3” effect. Catalytic oxidation technology can decompose some of the organic matter adsorbed by activated carbon, to a certain extent “regenerating” the adsorption capacity of activated carbon and extending its lifespan. Meanwhile, pre-removal of particulate matter ensures the cleanliness of the catalytic reaction surface, maintaining high catalytic efficiency.
Application Areas of the “HEPA + Catalytic Oxidation + Activated Carbon” Solution:
High-end Indoor Environments: In newly renovated residences, it can effectively handle long-term releases of formaldehyde,TVOCs , and dust pollution. For example, air purification systems employing catalytic decomposition and multi-layer activated carbon composite technology can reduce formaldehyde concentrations exceeding standards by tens of times to below safe levels within 15-40 minutes.
High-end Industrial Production: In lithium battery production, U15-grade or higher separatorless ULPA filters are responsible for isolating all metal dust that could cause short circuits, while integrated activated carbon or catalytic layers simultaneously control harmful VOCs such as NMP solvents . In semiconductor and biopharmaceutical workshops, it not only ensures cleanliness but also protects personnel from the hazards of chemical gases.
Special Public Places: In places such as underground parking garages in junior high schools, the composite system can effectively treat particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides from vehicle exhaust. Combined with intelligent sensing and linkage control, it provides a healthy air environment for teachers and students.
Trenntech believes that the ultimate significance of any cutting-edge technology lies not only in achieving peak functionality, but also in its ability to coexist harmoniously with a larger environmental system. The integrated “HEPA + catalytic oxidation + activated carbon” solution popular in Munich is based on innovative physical and chemical methods. It shifts the focus from pursuing a single, extremely high filtration efficiency to building an intelligent, targeted, and self-sustaining collaborative purification system, thereby creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable production and living spaces.