Filter classes
Filter classes for air filters Replacement filters or replacement filters in filter systems
Why particulate matter is so dangerous for humans and what you can do about it. The latest studies show around 400,000 deaths per year worldwide!
What is particulate matter and why is it so dangerous?
Particulate matter consists of the smallest solid and liquid particles, which are divided into different particle fractions. Particles with a diameter of up to 10 μm (PM10/PM = particulate matter) are referred to as fine dust. Particles around 3-10 μm in size are deposited in the nose and throat. Particles around 2.5 μm (PM2.5) are respirable. Particles smaller than 1 μm (PM1) even enter the bloodstream via the alveoli. The health effects range from irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes to damage to the alveoli and increased plaque formation in the blood vessels. According to the WHO, long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to arteriosclerosis, impair births and trigger respiratory diseases in children. The Federal Environment Agency estimates that around 47,000 deaths per year are attributable to particulate matter.
Differentiation of dust classes according to DIN EN 60335
Class M is used with almost all common filter cartridges and allows the separation of fine dust with occupational exposure limits >= 0.1 mg/m³ with a maximum permeability of < 0.1 %. Class H must be used if workplace limit values < 0.1 mg/m³ and carcinogenic substances are extracted. In this case, higher quality filter cartridges with a maximum permeability of < 0.005 % must be used. The workplace limit values are specified in TRGS 900, with the exception of tested filter devices with W3 approval from the IFA (Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance).
Filter classes, differentiation according to DIN EN 1822
HEPA filters are always used where high and highest demands are placed on the
purity of the air. They are primarily used to separate aerosols and toxic dusts. Experience and comparative measurements have shown that filter classes H13 and H14 are comparable to the separation efficiency of dust class H, whereby H14 almost always meets the requirements and H13 does not always.
Regular checks protect the health of your employees.
The easiest way to ensure that your system is working properly is to regularly check the filter and extraction systems. A measurement by experienced personnel with appropriate measuring equipment will give you the certainty of whether and to what extent something needs to be done. We are also happy to help you with this.
Classification of particle air filters according to EN 779 and from 01.07.2018 according to ISO 16890
In Germany and Europe, the coarse and fine dust filters used in ventilation systems are generally selected according to the classification described in the standard DIN EN 779 “Particulate air filters for general ventilation systems”. It describes a test procedure that was developed around 40 years ago. It tests the efficiency of particle air filters with a synthetic aerosol at a uniform particle size of 0.4 μm. The result serves as the basis for classifying particulate air filters into filter classes M5 to F9. Coarse dust filters are classified using a standardized test dust (ASHRAE).
The new international standard ISO 16890 creates four new filter groups based on the particle size of dusts.
ISO Coarse (assessment of retention capacity against ISO A2 dust)
ISO PM10: fine dust particles ≤ 10 μm
ISO PM2.5: fine dust particles ≤ 2.5 μm
ISO PM1: fine dust particles ≤ 1 μm
ISO 16890 also describes the test measures for determining the most important characteristics of air filters and will replace the previous test standard EN 779 after a transition period from mid-2018.
In the past, filters were only subjected to and evaluated with particles of 0.4 μm for classification purposes. Now the filter performance is measured for three different particle fractions (PM1, PM2.5, PM10). This test scenario is suitable for selecting a filter that is suitable for the local particulate pollution and corresponds to the desired degree of separation.