Air Filter International Classification Standards

1. EN 779 (Replaced by ISO 16890 in 2018) INHOUSE TEST LAB CALIBRATED NABL EQUIVALENT

 

• EN 779:2012 classified filters based on their minimum efficiency at removing particulate matter. It divided them into groups such as G1-G4 for pre-filters and M5-M6 for fine filters.
• This standard has been superseded by ISO 16890, which provides a more comprehensive approach.

2. ISO 16890: Air Filters for General Ventilation

• ISO 16890 classifies air filters into four groups based on their ability to filter particles of different sizes:
  • Coarse filters: Often used as pre-filters, capturing large particles (ISO Coarse 30%-90%).
  • ePM10, ePM2.5, and ePM1 filters: Fine filters targeting particles ≤10 µm, ≤2.5 µm, and ≤1 µm, respectively.
• Pre-filters: Typically classified as ISO Coarse filters.
• Fine filters: Typically fall into the ePM categories.

3. IS 17570: Air Filters for General Ventilation (Latest equivalent to ISO 16890) INHOUSE TEST LAB CALIBRATED FOR COARSE GRADE AS OF NOW NABL EQUIVALENT

• ISO 16890 classifies air filters into four groups based on their ability to filter particles of different sizes:
  • Coarse filters: Often used as pre-filters, capturing large particles (ISO Coarse 30%-90%).
  • ePM10, ePM2.5, and ePM1 filters: Fine filters targeting particles ≤10 µm, ≤2.5 µm, and ≤1 µm, respectively.
• Pre-filters: Typically classified as ISO Coarse filters.

Fine filters: Typically fall into the ePM categories

 

4. ASHRAE 52.2: Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices INHOUSE TEST LAB CALIBRATED NABL EQUIVALENT

 

• Filters are rated using a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale (1-16).
  • Pre-filters: Typically MERV 1–8.
  • Fine filters: Typically MERV 9–16.
• MERV ratings correlate to the filter’s efficiency at capturing particles within specific size ranges.

5. INDIAN STANDARDS (IS) INHOUSE TEST LAB CALIBRATED NABL EQUIVALENT

 

• IS 7613:1975: Specification for air filters used in general ventilation and air conditioning.
• India may also adopt ISO 16890 for consistency with global practices.

Recommendations for Selection

1. Pre-filters: Designed to capture large debris and extend the life of finer filters. Examples: G3, G4 (EN 779) or ISO Coarse 60-90%.
2. Fine filters: Target finer particles for better air quality, used in cleanrooms, hospitals, and electronics. Examples: M5, M6 (EN 779) or ePM10, ePM2.5, ePM1 (ISO 16890)

FOR HEPA FILTERS

The standards for HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters) are well-defined by various international and regional organizations, focusing on particle retention efficiency, performance, and testing methods. Below are the most commonly referenced standards:

1. EN 1822: High-Efficiency Air Filters (EPA, HEPA, ULPA) INHOUSE TEST LAB CALIBRATED NABL EQUIVALENT

• Widely used in Europe and globally recognized.
• HEPA filters are classified based on their particle filtration efficiency:
  • H10 to H12: EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air filters).
  • H13 and H14: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters).
  • U15 to U17: ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air filters).
• Efficiency criteria:
  • H13: ≥ 99.95% (MPPS – Most Penetrating Particle Size).
  • H14: ≥ 99.995% (MPPS).
• Includes tests for:
  • MPPS efficiency.
  • Pressure drop.
  • Leak testing.

2. ISO 29463: High-Efficiency Filters and Filter Media

• Aligns with EN 1822 but structured differently.
• Classifies filters as EPA, HEPA, and ULPA based on efficiency at capturing MPPS:
  • ISO 35E to ISO 40U:
    • ISO 35H (HEPA): ≥ 99.95%.
    • ISO 40H (HEPA): ≥ 99.995%.
• Standardizes testing methods for particle filtration.

4. IEST-RP-CC001: HEPA and ULPA Filters

• Used in industries like aerospace and pharmaceuticals (U.S.).
• Classifies filters based on particle retention at 0.3 µm:
  • HEPA: ≥ 99.97%.
  • ULPA: ≥ 99.999%.
• Specifies testing for penetration, airflow resistance, and uniformity.

 

Key Considerations for HEPA Filters

1. Applications: Cleanrooms, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical production, nuclear facilities, etc.
2. Testing Methods:
   • MPPS testing (EN 1822, ISO 29463).
   • Particle challenge testing (IEST).
   • Leak testing to ensure no bypass.
3. Certification: Filters should include test certificates specifying efficiency and performance metrics.

 

NOTE – Let us know if you’d like specific guidance or details on these standards.