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Here at MD, we are willing to show you the different types of central vacuum filtration mechanics, and let you choose which is best. We hope to prove that the MD style of filtration works best (Vertical Bag Filtration). The three animations below show the differences between Inverted Bag Filtration, Cyclonic Flow, and Vertical Bag Filtration. Remember, the term "Cyclonic" simply refers to the flow of air within the unit. It does not refer to the efficiency or cleaning power of the unit.
| Inverted Bag Filtration (Top Mounted Motor) |
Cyclonic Flow (Top Mounted Motor) |
Vertical Bag Filtration (Bottom Mounted Motor) |
Ametek, the manufacturer of the motors in most systems on the market, states specifically in their warranty "typical signs of abuse [including] dirty motors, failure of which was caused by inadequate filtration, will not be considered in-warranty failures." In other words, the designers of central vacuum systems are required to adequately protect the fan blades of the motor from debris or risk being out of warranty.
Bottom Line: How can adequate filtration be provided to protect your motor without reducing vacuum performance by restricting airflow? What are the implications both short term and long term? Your investment decision should take these all-important facts into consideration.Cyclonic Filtration
Contrary to what a few manufacturers claim, none achieve a "true cyclonic," in which ALL filtration is achieved by centrifugal force and gravity to separate the impurities from the intake air. Vacuflo and Vac-U-Maid come very close to being "true cyclonic," but both have some type of additional filter, as mentioned in their service manuals. Vacuflo says, "A guard screen is located directly above the dirt pan inside the power unit. It should be inspected and cleaned occasionally. This is to prevent such things as carpet fiber, cloth, etc. from getting into the motor's impeller blades. A buildup of dirt or other larger, clogging-type material may result in loss of vacuum." Their service manual goes on to say that, "much excessive, loose lint and nap, normal in all new floor coverings, is removed in these early cleanings, and some will tend to settle on the screen, allowing a buildup that will impair the suction power unless removed." Believing that they are buying a "true cyclonic" system, many homeowners don't properly maintain the added filters, which severely impairs the efficiency of the vacuum and limits the life of the motor.
While cyclonic action does remove the heavy particles, the light fibers and dust are emitted through the fan blades creating havoc with the motor and decreasing its life. Vacuflo claims that their system will "maintain up to 98% efficiency. The remaining 2% consist of small particles which are exhausted outside." That's why their service manual states that when low suction exists, "the exhaust line may be clogged." Their manual also states that "overfilling of the unit may cause motor damage."
Again, Vacu-Maid's manual states, "overfilling could cause debris to be drawn into the impeller blades which may severely damage your power unit." In all the literature, the one stated advantage of cyclonic filtration is that there are no replacement filters or bags to buy. But - consider this: $15.00 per year or less is a lot less than the cost of replacing or repairing the entire unit prematurely.Whether they are cloth, foam, geotextile, self-cleaning, or never-clog cloth, all cyclonic systems use filters to try to protect the motor. The cyclonic action does eliminate a high degree of the debris; however, fine dust and lint need to be kept from the motor for thorough protection.
To maintain maximum performance, some manufacturers like Hoover recommend that "the filter should be cleaned every time the dust container is emptied." Easy-Flo suggests, "To extend the life of your vacuum change your filter." Beam states, "it is recommended that once a year the filter should be cleaned thoroughly." Again, in the trouble-shooting section of Beam's manual you will see as the number one remedy for loss of suction, "clean out dirt receptacle. Inspect and brush off filter."Finally, most cyclonics must be vented outside the living areas, "because it eliminates the very fine dust and bacteria not trapped by the system's filter." Let's look again at what Ametek says: "If their filter is too porous, dirt and other foreign material can build up on the fan blades over time." "A motor can handle a certain amount of this," says Stormy Greer of Ametek, "but what really causes a problem is when this material breaks away unevenly. When this happens, the vibration in the motor increases. The high-speed operation of the motor makes balance critical and as vibration increases, premature motor failures can result. This is one reason we are so concerned about adequate filtration. The amount and rate of dirt build-up on the fans in an inefficient design or unmaintained system can cause problems sooner than a customer expects. When this happens, we all have a problem."
The constant build-up of debris in the motor over a period of time is often ignored by the big-name manufacturers. The main reason for this is that they expect their systems to only last five or six years. At MD Manufacturing, we maintain that normal, residential usage should provide at least twice that motor life.Filtered Systems
It should be noted that filtered systems are, in theory, more restrictive of airflow than cyclonic systems. As the trash receptacle fills up with debris, airflow will diminish - despite one manufacturer's claim of a unit "designed to permit full air flow and full cleaning power at all times." The key to filtered system's superiority is designing a unit that protects the motor from damage while maximizing vacuum power.
The filtration system used by MD Manufacturing is a paper bag supported by a tapered cloth bag. The tapering adds surface area for greater particle distribution and less vacuum loss. Tests with twenty pounds of flour did not significantly impede the flow of air. In fact, many of our dealers have reported servicing units where the tank was filled to the lid and still had good suction! Undoubtedly, there was airflow loss but because no debris was getting to the motor, no damage was done to the unit!
Further observations of testing with twenty pounds of flour revealed a turbulent airflow pattern created as debris entered the trash receptacle. This means the filter actually "cleaned itself" as the air swirled around. (You might like to try this yourself with our Acrylic Lid, Part #97C. It's absolutely fascinating!)We at MD will be the first to admit that our bag filtering system will affect performance as the paper bag fills up but we qualify that statement with the fact that properly maintained bag filtration systems are the best for the performance and life of your system. Semi-annual replacement of a paper bag makes a lot more sense than the loss of performance and motor replacement costs on cyclonic systems.
For super-filtration, where extremely fine particles are being picked up (such as aluminum oxide in dental labs, plastic dust in circuit board manufacturing, or sanding debris in auto body shops and marble polishing), a combination of the above systems has proven most effective. A cyclonic separator is first installed to remove the large debris and then a separate paper bag filtration unit catches the fine particles. A "micro-filter" can also be installed which filters down to .1 micron at a 99.7% efficiency. This will certainly minimize motor failure. Obviously, however, the finer the filter, the quicker the loss of performance.
2. 12-gallon tapered dirt receptacle only needs to be emptied around twice a year.
3. MD Manufacturing's primary filtering consists of a 3-ply HyperFlow disposable bag and then two secondary filters. HyperFlow has over 1500 square inches of surface area for maximum airflow and effective filtration at .3 microns. The filter bag is supported by a porous heavy-duty cloth secondary filter (blue). Notice the taper of the bags, which allows maximum surface area for maximized airflow.4. The air in this open area around the bag and near the motors is tremendously cleaner than cyclonic models, thus protecting the fan blades from build up which causes early failure.
5. The last stage of the secondary filtering is made of breathable foam/plastic mesh.6. High performance motors in the motor compartment are kept clean by the filtration system above it.
7. While cyclonic models normally need to be vented outside, this filtration system keeps the exhaust much cleaner without any need for venting outside.To summarize, every central vacuum system needs a filtration system to protect the motor. And any filter you install (screen, cloth, foam, paper, etc.) will impede airflow in some manner. What makes one system better than another is its ability to minimize debris around the motor while maximizing airflow for vacuum power. At MD Central Vacuum, we believe we have designed a superior system that is the most powerful, efficient and with maximum longevity. We hope you'll give us a chance to demonstrate that to you.
Questionnaire for central vacuum buyers to use before purchasing:
To maximize your investment in your central vacuum system, and to help you determine which system best suits your home, we have provided a list of important questions to ask your central vacuum local dealer. Go here to locate the MD Dealer in your area - Dealer Finder:
We are confident at MD Central Vacuums that you will find our products and service tops in the industry. Please contact us for any further information or advice.
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