Changes to air filter testing standards

International testing standards for classifying air filters changed on 1 July when ISO 16890 replaced the previous industry standard EN 779.

This signifies a radical change in the evaluation of air filters, with the new standard providing greater transparency and practical relevance. The separation efficiencies of filters are now realistically differentiated across a broad particle spectrum using four dust classes, while the evaluation parameters correspond to those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and environmental authorities.

Dr Thomas Caesar, director of Filter Engineering, Industrial Filtration at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, was involved in the development of ISO 16890. “Filter testing now takes into account the actual particle sizes present in the air and specifies their separation rates to an accuracy of 5%.  This enables users to select the best possible filters for their individual requirements.”

Air filtration solutions that comply with ISO 16890 ensure the constant performance of gas turbines and compressors or the purity and hygiene in the production of food and beverages. Using the company’s e.FFECT software, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies can calculate the most efficient filter solution in line with the ISO 16890 standard. Freudenberg experts are available to answer questions about the new testing standard via the email hotline ISO16890@freudenberg-filter.com.