Recently, Hayden introduced two new advances to filter technology to replace the traditional foam filter, the thermoplastic cellulose standard pleated filter and the hydrophobic polyester "washable" filter.

Typical filtration efficiency for the pleated cartridge is 99.9% at 3 micron particle size. This compares to 90% at 5 micron for the foam filter. This is a major improvement in filter efficiency. Another major advantage is the increased surface area that a pleated filter allows for the passage of air to the fan blades. The standard pleated filter has a surface area approximately eight times that of the foam filter. This larger surface area is important to motor life since the pressure drop across the filter is one eighth the pressure drop across the foam filter. This can be calculated from the equation Pressure = Force/ Area.

The force is provided by the fan motor. If the area is eight times larger the pressure drop will be eight times less. This results in cooler motor operation and longer life.

The pleated cartridge filter does not depend on penetration into the media for improved filtration. It filters at the media surface. Therefore the medis size is very important for efficiency. Another benefit of SuperVac's cyclonic dirt separation system is the high speed air flow that travels perpendicular to the pleats and helps to vibrate the pleated surface and shake off some of the dust impinging on the filter.

Filter cleaning, as it is on any vacuum cleaner, is very important. To clean the cartridge filter, follow the removal instructions. Shake it clean into a bag or container. If dust and debris remain on the pleats, the large black base of the filter may be tapped against a solid object such as a wall to dislodge the dirt. If required, a whisk brush may be used gently but firmly to sweep between the folds of the pleats. DO NOT DAMAGE THE PLEATS. If the pleats are damaged, replace the cartridge with a new SuperVac cartridge filter available from your Hayden SuperVac dealer. Do not use water to clean the standard pleated filter. It is identified by the pleats extending beyond the perimeter of the two rubber rings.

The most recent advancement to filter technology is the introduction of the "hydrophobic" washable filter. Made from a new polyester material, the washable filter combines high media surface area in a pleat configuration with the ultimate in cleaning convenience. To be cleaned it only needs to be run under clean water. The washable filter is identified by the rubber rings extending beyond the perimeter of the pleats.

The filter should be cleaned after every 15 hours of operation, usually the same time that the canister is emptied.

With regular proper maintenance both filters will provide many years of excellent performance. The canister and the filter cleaning interval will be indicated by a flashing light on the VacTrack™ module. If the unit is not equipped with VacTrack™, a good rule of thumb is to empty the bucket and clean the filter every three months of normal use. If the home is equipped with new carpet or used to vacuum animal hair, the unit should be cleaned every three weeks for the first few uses. New carpet will shed considerable amounts of lint.