Tristar Motor Filters

[eurekastar]

The standard pre-motor filter on Compact/Tristar vacuums is a thin sheet of foam.  However, I've also used an aftermarket pre-motor filter that is purportedly of HEPA quality.  When I've used them, I did not notice any diminished suction or airflow.  However, I was wondering if anyone knows if it actually does improve on filtration?  Thanks! 



http://www.totalvac.com/COR-1805ES.html

 

[JDrums0789]

I bought one of these after I cracked the stock foam one when I was washing it.

It seemed to be of decent quality, and I didnt notice any reduction in performance either.
After using it for a year in my beat up Tristar (I kinda use it like a shop vac)
the front was a little dirty, but the motor side was clean as a whistle.

 

[kirbylux77]

Patriot Medik-Aire HEPA Filter....

Bill, I have used this dome HEPA filter for Tri-Stars that you have. It is sold under 2 names, VacFx & DustCare. I use it in my Miracle Mate, as there's no way of using a external filter with it besides the Technostat filter it's designed for.

I have noticed the same thing as you & Jason....performance seems to be normal when using it. However, I can't attest to whether it captures EVERYTHING though....I bought it last year, used my Miracle Mate as a driver for about a month, put it back in it's box & haven't touched it since. I didn't bother checking behind the filter to see if there was dust on the motor itself or if there was dust on the back of the filter. So, I guess we will have to take Jason's word as evidence it doesn't leak, unless someone else here says otherwise.

My only concern about using this dome HEPA filter is that you don't get much material for the $15 to $20 dollars that most shops charge for it. So, even if it does capture all the dust particles down to 0.3 microns that pass thru it, thus making it a Sealed HEPA System, how long would it maintain it's full efficiency? If I remember oorrectly, the filter is supposed to be changed every 6 months; if that's true, that says a lot about how long that filter keeps it's efficiency.

If I could make another suggestion....buy & use the Patriot vacuum's Medik-Aire HEPA filter on your TriStar. Yes, the initial cost is high, but the filter lasts for 3 years according to Patriot's manufacturer. And the filter is HUGE too I might add....I personally think that if the filter bags are changed regularly, & the cloth bag & dome foam filter are washed & maintained on a regular basis, the Medik-Aire HEPA filter should last at least 5, if not 6, years in normal household use.

The online retailer I linked to below, Oregon City Vacuum, is selling it for $135....whereas SREC is selling it in their online store for $199. $135 stretched over 5 years seems a reasonable cost to me. Check it out & give it some thought.

Rob

http://www.oregoncityvacuum.com/patriot-medik-air-hepa-filter.html

 

[floor-a-matic]

Micron vs. HEPA exhaust filter

Does it make a difference with air flow whether using the micron or HEPA exhaust filter on the EXL & MG Series TriStar?

Micron filter link:


http://www.totalvac.com/70306.html

 

[floor-a-matic]

And the EXL/MG Series HEPA filter:

http://www.totalvac.com/70308.html

 

[Sanifan]

Based on the difference in permeability between the pleated HEPA media and the stock foam filter, there MUST be some restriction in airflow when using the HEPA filter.

That's not to say the vacuum won't still work very well; my CXL works great with the HEPA filter on it. No complaints, there.

If you really want to see how the motor really blows, try taking off all the bags and filters, open the lid, and let her rip. Feel the incredible force of wind coming out of the exhaust port. It's impressive!

I did that to dry out the residual moisture from my CXL after wiping out with a damp rag. It's just like those Xcelerator hand dryers that you see at the movie theaters and at IKEA. It's very powerful. Quite impressive!

The bags and filters do damp it down quite a bit. But then again you do need those to vacuum the house