We will explain how to identify the filtration level of an air filter and understand the meaning of the symbols related to the ISO 16890 standard.
The ISO 16890 standard, which replaced the old EN 779 standard in 2016, establishes a method for classifying air filters based on their efficiency in capturing different sizes of fine particles present in ambient air. The standard is more representative of real-world conditions, taking into account fine particles PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.
Content of the ISO 16890 standard
- PM10: particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.
- PM2.5: particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
- PM1: particles with a diameter of 1 micrometer or less.
- Gravimetric efficiency measurement: overall efficiency in capturing particles of various sizes.
- Measurement of initial efficiency and after conditioning: the filter is tested before and after being exposed to an electrostatic charge, which helps assess its actual long-term efficiency.
Classification of filters according to the ISO 16890 standard
- ISO ePM10: for filters with at least 50% efficiency on PM10-sized particles.
- Example: a filter with 65% efficiency on PM10 particles will be classified as ISO ePM10 65%.
- ISO ePM2.5: for filters with at least 50% efficiency on PM2.5-sized particles.
- Example: a filter with 80% efficiency on PM2.5 particles will be classified as ISO ePM2.5 80%.
- ISO ePM1: for filters with at least 50% efficiency on PM1-sized particles.
- Example: a filter with 70% efficiency on PM1 particles will be classified as ISO ePM1 70%.
- ISO Coarse: for filters with less than 50% efficiency on PM10 particles. These filters are mainly used to capture coarser particles.
Classification examples:
- ISO ePM10 60%: the filter captures 60% of PM10-sized particles.
- ISO ePM2.5 75%: the filter captures 75% of PM2.5-sized particles.
- ISO ePM1 85%: the filter captures 85% of PM1-sized particles.
- ISO Coarse 90%: the filter captures 90% of large particles (> 10 micrometers).
Advantages of the ISO 16890 standard
- Increased representativeness: ISO 16890 is more representative of real-world conditions compared to the previous standard (EN 779), which focused solely on efficiency in capturing synthetic particles of a single size.
- Global application: enables the harmonization of filter classification standards worldwide.
- Focus on fine particles: the standard emphasizes the filtration of fine PM1 particles, which are the most harmful to human health.
Technicis Filtration in a few words
Since 1992, TECHNICIS FILTRATION has been the leading French manufacturer of pleated cardboard filters for paint booths.
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