VENTILATION SYSTEMS Testing particle sizes
ePM1
ePM2.5
ePM10
>50% arrestance 10 µm
>50% arrestance 2.5 µm
>50% arrestance 1 µm
More fine filters
More course filters Figure 3: A visual representation of general filter categories.
is illustrated in Figure 4. Following testing, these commercially available filters achieved the following % arrestance for the particulate sizes ePM1, ePM2.5 and ePM10. The final ISO 16890 classification is expressed as a % of the finest particulate captured at an arrestance rate of >50%. For example, a filter capturing 71% ePM1 will be classified as a ‘ePM1 70%’ filter. Three other examples highlighted in the figure are described below: n The DriPak SX M6 is classified as an ePM10 65%, and arrests 65% of the ePM10 particles, but a lower percentage of the ePM2.5 and ePM1.
n The DuraVee DVHXL95 is classified as an ePM1 70%, and arrests 71% of the ePM1 particles, and a higher percentage of the ePM2.5 and ePM10.
n The HydroVee HV90 is classified as an ePM1 50%, and arrests 54% of the ePM1 particles, and a higher percentage of the ePM2.5 and ePM10.
An example of a typical filter label applying the ISO 16890 classification is shown in Figure 5. This filter, installed in an air-handler, is an ePM2.5 70% filter – a grade typically used in commercial offices in urban areas. The selection of the right filter for the
HVAC systems in your hospital depends on the specific requirements for the facility, and the quality of the outdoor air where you are located. This topic will be tackled in a future healthcare engineering article, but some excellent online guidance is available in the following publications: n Eurovent 4/23 – 2022 Selection of EN ISO 16890 rated air filter classes for general ventilation applications. Fourth Edition.1
n The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) publication, Design Application Manual 15 – Air Filters and Cleaning Devices – Selection and Application.2
The transition to the ISO 16890 standard will occur over a two-year period commencing from mid-2024, with the publication of the AS/ISO edition of the standard by Australian Standards. Until then, the AS1324 filters classification will continue to be used by commercial suppliers as we transition to the new system. Hospital engineers and their mechanical contractors should become familiar with the new ISO classification scheme as filter manufacturers and suppliers transition to the new standard.
Figure 4: Selection of the correct ISO classification for filter performance.
n Acknowledgment
This article, titled ‘An introduction to filter classification using the ISO 16890 standard’, was first published in Autumn 2024 issue of Healthcare Facilities, the official journal of the Institute of Hospital Engineering, Australia. HEJ would like to thank the author, the IHEA, and the magazine’s publisher, Adbourne Publishing, for allowing its reproduction in slightly edited form here.
References 1 Eurovent 4/23 – 2022 Selection of EN ISO 16890 rated air filter classes for general ventilation applications. Fourth Edition.
https://tinyurl.com/32ub7j7r
2 The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) publication, Design Application Manual 15 – Air Filters and Cleaning Devices – Selection and Application. https://tinyurl. com/brfmdwa3
Gregor Riese
Figure 5: An example of a typical filter label applying the ISO 16890 classification.
Gregor Riese is a director and principal consultant for the indoor environment and risk management consultancy, Opira. He is a qualified occupational hygienist, and his work focuses on indoor air quality, controlled environment testing, and supply of laboratory equipment. Gregor is also on the Board of the Association of Biosafety Australia and New Zealand (ABSANZ), and is on the Australian Standards ME-080 Committee dealing with filters.
August 2024 Health Estate Journal 35
Source: AAF 2018
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