How to select EN ISO 16890 rated air filter classes for general ventilation applications?
Brussels, 14 December 2017. The Eurovent Association has officially released the first edition of its long-awaited code of good practice Eurovent 4/23 (2017) on the “Selection of EN ISO 16890 rated air filter classes for general ventilation applications”. The publication is addressed to all HVAC professionals dealing with ventilation systems, particularly design consultants, facility managers and manufacturers of equipment incorporating air filters. It was jointly developed by participants of the Product Group ‘Air Filters’ (PG-FIL).
To provide a general overview of how classifications correspond to each other, Eurovent has prepared a comparison of EN 779 and EN ISO 16890 rated classes of the same filters, based on real test data. The comparison reflects an actual overlapping of respective classes and was developed using data from the ‘Eurovent Certified Performance’ programme for air filters for general ventilation operated by Eurovent Certita Certification. This programme includes both full EN 779 and EN ISO 16890 tests performed in accredited third-party laboratories. Manufacturers participating in this programme represent a cumulative 70% share of the European market.
Jan Andersson, Chairman of the Eurovent Product Group ‘Air Filters’ states: “The efficiency classification established in EN ISO 16890 differs fundamentally from the efficiency definition of EN 779. Substantial differences in the approach to the classification definition, but also to test methods, brought us to the fact that filter classes rated according to EN ISO 16890 and EN 779 cannot be directly compared or converted by means of any calculation method. If done so, it would nullify the large potential the ISO standards has to offer in terms of Indoor Air Quality.”
Thomas Caesar, Vice-Chairman of the Product Group, added: “Although the ISO 16890 classification establishes an effective Indoor Air Quality design tool for engineers and maintenance staff, at the time of publication of our document, there are no available corresponding European guidelines on correct filter class selection for various applications taking a sufficient Indoor Air Quality into account. With our new Eurovent Recommendation 4/23, we aim to fill this gap. The document reflects a deep technical understanding and the combined know-how of the many filtration experts within the Eurovent Association, and particularly our Product Group.”
The Recommendation Eurovent 4/23 (2017) can be downloaded free-of-charge at www.eurovent.eu. It is also attached to the online version of this Press Release. Although a standard by nature, the document was published in a guidebook style, allowing engineers on the road to easily carry it with them. A printed version can be requested at all filter manufacturers that are members of the Eurovent Association. The Recommendation will be regularly updated once new testing data become available.
