49 instead of 9 filter classes –
The Air Filter Standard ISO 16890 in an overview.
In December 2016, the ISO 16890 standard became effective in globally regulating various standards such as EN 779 or ASHRAE 52.2.
Know How
With robatherm always compliant with ISO 16890.
The transition to ISO 16890 and the associated number of 49 filter classes, instead of the previous 9, indeed shows uncertainty and a need for clarification. Especially the fact that last filter classes cannot be automatically assigned to a new class continues to cause discussions.
Causes and Advantages of the New Approach.
Various studies, amongst others, initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are engaged with the impacts of fine dust on human health. The results are clear. Air pollution, especially the tiny particles in the air, is harmful to health and, in part, leads to fatal respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. These particles are categorized into different PMclasses, namely PM1 (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1 μm), PM2.5 (≤ 2.5 μm), and PM10 (≤ 10 μm). The abbreviation PM means “Particulate Matter”, e.g., fine dust.
ISO 16890 in an Overview.
The EN 779 standard does not consider the air’s fine dust pollution; instead, only the filter’s degree of efficiency concerning 0.4 μm-sized particles. However, this does not meet the actual requirements. On the contrary, ISO 16890 observes three areas of different particle sizes and, thus, is more realistic. The test results, therefore, render a better conclusion concerning the filter’s actual performance during real operation.
The following chart allows an overview of the new filter classes. The classification of the previous filter classes F7, F8, etc., are meant to only serve as a guideline.
Great Air and Well-Advised.
As a premium manufacturer, robatherm feels the responsibility of intensively engaging itself in this subject matter and to meet the upcoming questions with compact information.
Our experienced staff is looking forward to advising you concerning which filter classes appear most useful for your specific application.