What is a cyclone filter for a vacuum cleaner
Cleanliness in the apartment is the concern and problem of the owner. It’s good that manufacturers of household appliances have made sure that part of the work is taken on by reliable assistants – vacuum cleaners.
They collect debris from various surfaces and purify indoor air.
The quality of their work depends on many factors. Among them, such a component part of the device as a filter is important.
Currently, vacuum cleaners use one of the following types of filters: bag, water, cyclone.
In our article we will look at one type of filter - a cyclone.
The content of the article
What is a cyclone filter
The most popular brands today use a filter named after a natural phenomenon.
What is a cyclone filter?
Unlike paper or fabric dust bags, devices with cyclone filtration are equipped with a special container or flask. They are an integral part of the structure, but are not located inside the device, but are attached from the outside. High-strength transparent plastic is used to make such flasks.
Depending on the vacuum cleaner model, this container may be in the shape of a washer or a cylinder.
Regardless of the shape, the containers have a lid that fits tightly onto the body, preventing dust from entering the room. There may be filter material on the cover.
The internal capacity of the flask in some models has partitions that divide the volume into several sectors. In this case, garbage of different structures (more and less large) is collected in different compartments of the container.
The volume of the component part of the unit can also be different, up to 2 liters.
Types of cyclone filters
The location of the part also matters.
The designers chose 2 options for placing cyclone filters: in the body and on the handle.
- The flasks located in the vacuum cleaner itself are usually attached to the side. But there are also models in which the dust collector is inserted from above. Regardless of location, the containers are easily removed for cleaning.
- Another arrangement option is called a vertical filter. Such elements are found not on the body, but on the handle of the device.
These models are also easy to use.
Placing it on the handle made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the device itself, making it lighter and more convenient for storage.
Important! Designs with filters on the handle, due to their size, are more mobile and can penetrate hard-to-reach places.
Principle of operation
The location of the air purifying element does not change its operation. According to the principle of operation, these devices are the same.
Of course, all designs that make cleaning easier have something in common. When turned on, they draw in air along with particles of dust, debris and dirt.
In models with bags (paper, fabric), these contaminants are transferred to the bag, where they accumulate.
Cyclonic species got their name due to a special air stream.It is more powerful than usual, in addition, it has some turbulence, reminiscent of a natural cyclone.
Elements of dirt removed from the room, under the influence of this artificial vortex, cannot calmly descend into the flask. They fall on its walls along the entire circumference and height of the container.
At the same time, a certain separation of waste occurs. Since most vacuum cleaners have 2 compartments, they are filled differently.
Filtering stages
The intermediate sector is used to collect larger fibers or particles (large litter, hair, animal hair, etc.).
Contaminants enter this part of the container after passing through 1 stage of filtration. It is carried out using a plastic mesh. Its cells are quite small, so larger elements cannot get further and remain in the intermediate sector.
The main unit is designed for fine soft dust. It is reliably retained in the flask by a special cotton pad (HEPA filter) at stage 2.
The cone-shaped shape of the dust collector itself also improves the quality of cleaning.
Important! The design is designed so that neither large nor small particles of debris have the opportunity to return from the flask to the room.
Experts consider this filling to be more rational.
Characteristics of the cyclone filter
To get a more complete picture of such devices, let’s get acquainted with its pros and cons.
Advantages
The use of such models of household appliances has revealed many advantages of the devices.
- Increasing the long-term operation of the vacuum cleaner, which is ensured by a two-level waste collection system (large separately, small separately).
- Improving the quality of cleaning.More powerful suction, creating a swirling jet, makes it easier and more effective to clean a variety of surfaces. This is especially important for cleaning textiles (carpets, upholstery, etc.).
- By improving the quality of the process, the time spent on cleaning is reduced.
- Convenience of design. Vacuum cleaners with a cyclone filter are less bulky, lighter, and more compact than other models. Therefore, their use requires less effort from a person.
- Simplicity and ease of care. A filled flask is easier to clean from dirt and prepare for further use than bags.
- Economical use. The dust containers in devices with a cyclone filter are durable and reliable. They do not require replacement, as is necessary with paper filters. This means that such household appliances do not require additional expenses.
Flaws
But it would be wrong to dwell only on the positive aspects of these devices. For the sake of objectivity of the assessment, we note which factors are perceived by users as negative.
- Such devices can accumulate static electricity. A person can feel it upon contact with the device. It should be borne in mind that such a phenomenon is possible, but not a necessary accompaniment of cleaning.
- Separate placement of garbage has opened up another side that appears when the vacuum cleaner is operating. Since large contaminants are moved to a special compartment, they can make tangible sounds. After all, they do not have a soft dust layer between the solid debris particles and the durable plastic of the flask. Therefore, the cyclone filter is currently not the quietest in the model line of household cleaning appliances.
- Devices with vertical filters, as well as other compact models, also have their “weaknesses”. The disadvantages are related specifically to the dimensions of the device. Since the capacity of the flask in them is smaller than others, it becomes full faster. When filled, their suction power decreases, and therefore the quality of cleaning.
- Cyclone vacuum cleaners, especially compact ones, are not the most powerful. This leads to the fact that it is more difficult for them to cope with light, weightless contaminants, such as, for example, fluff, tiny particles of dust or wool.
- Similar devices are sold for higher price. This is also perceived by consumers as a negative side of the product.
Knowing the pros and cons of devices will help when deciding on the type of vacuum cleaner to purchase for a particular family.
Cyclone filter care
As mentioned above, such elements of household appliances do not require special skills and are not difficult.
We'll tell you how to care for them.
- The container is removed from the vacuum cleaner. There is no need to put any effort into this. The manufacturers did everything to make it easy to remove. Excessive pressure or pressure may cause cracks!
- Debris is removed from the inner container of the flask.
- You can use the dry method to clean the flask. In this case, wipe the walls of the container with a dry cloth. After this, the flask can be immediately returned to its place.
- You can also use the wet method. To do this, after there is no dust left in the container, you need to wipe its walls and bottom with a damp cloth. Rinsing is also allowed. Before inserting the flask into the vacuum cleaner, wipe it dry and dry it thoroughly.
- A clean filter is inserted into a permanent place. They also do it effortlessly and easily!
The vacuum cleaner is ready for further work.
A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone filter is a modern device that belongs to the household appliances of the 21st century. Ease of use, reliability and quality of operation of devices made by popular brands have made this model one of the most popular among cleaning devices.