air filtration excellence for buildings

Understanding the new Air Filtration Standard: EN 779: 2012 & Eurovent 4/11 A guide to Energy Classification of Air Filters for General Ventilation Purposes

EN 779: 2012

A New Test Standard for Filter Efficiency

particulate

Air filters generally rely on two main principles for capturing contamination: one being mechanical and the other electrostatic.

Mechanical filtration basically relies on a barrier of fibres interwoven to form a matrix through which the air has to pass, the closer or tighter the matrix, the higher the filter efficiency. The electrostatic principle is employed to charge material fibres (often with a more open matrix) during production in order to enhance filter efficiency. It has been established beyond doubt that certain types of challenge such as combustion particles in normal atmospheric air may neutralise such charges resulting in serious loss of filter efficiency. This has led to three fundamental changes within the 2012 standard (differing from the 2002 version):
1. Compulsory discharge of all media: High efficiency filters of F7 - F9 are subject to a discharge process to remove any electrostatic charge inorder to establish an initial untreated efficiency. 2. Minimum Efficiency value introduced: Filter grades F7 - F9 were previously determined by an average efficiency. The new standard requires that in addition to this, minimum efficiency values must also be met. The minimum efficiency value is defined as: the lowest efficiency among the discharged efficiency, initial (clean filter) efficiency and that established throughout the full dust loading test. The minimum efficiency values required to be met are detailed in the table below. 3. Medium Grade classification introduced: Filter grades previously defined as fine grade filters F5 & F6 are now classified purely as medium grade filters, M5 & M6 (no minimum efficiency requirement is applied to the M grades.

Classification of Air Filters according to EN 779: 2012 Class

G1 G2 G3 G4 M5 M6 F7 F8 F9
Final Pressure drop (Pascals 250 250 250 250 450 450 450 450 450 Average Arestance of Synthetic dust 50 Am < 65 65 Am < 80 80 Am < 90 90 Am 40 Am < 60 60 Am < 80 80 Am < 90 90 Am < 95 95 Am Average Efficiency of 0.4 m particles Min. Efficiency of 0.4 m particles 35% 55% 70%

EUROVENT 4/11

Guideline on Energy Efficiency

Eurovent 4/11 is a guideline that defines a method of air filter classification with regard to energy-efficient operation. The method allows for an energy rating classification of filter grades G4, M5 & M6 and F7 to F9, and is based on the testing of air filters against EN 779: 2012, with a calculation that encompasses three set and one variable criterion. Set criteria: A rated air volume (0.944 M3/s), a filter operation time based on 12 months (6000 hours) and a fan efficiency of 50%. Variable value: an average operating pressure loss, determined by establishing a nominated final filter pressure loss at a given test dust holding capacity (this varies for different grades and is detailed as MG, MM and MF in the table below). The average pressure loss is the mean between the initial (clean filter) pressure loss and the nominated final pressure loss. The calculation used is:

W=

q p t V
1000

Where qV = 0.944 M3/s; t = 6000 h and = 0.5.

Where: W = qV (air volume: 0.944) x p (average pressure loss) x t (time/hours: 6000) x 1000 (fan efficiency: 500) The resultant W being the comparative value for energy use as kWh/year. This value is then applied to kWh values in table 2 to determine an Energy Class (A to G). Energy efficiency class limits for each filter class to EN 779 measured at 0.944 M3/s are below:

Filter class
MTE ASHRAE

G4
MG = 350 g

M5
MM = 250 g

M6
-

F7
35%

F8
55% MF = 100 g

F9
70%

kWh

kWh
0 650 >650 780 >780 910 >910 1040 >1040 1170 >1170 1300 > 1300

kWh
0 800 >800 950 >950 1100 >1100 1250 >1250 1400 >1400 1550 > 1550

kWh
0 1200 >1200 1450 >1450 1700 >1700 1950 >1950 2200 >2200 2450 > 2450

kWh
0 1600 >1600 1950 >1950 2300 >2300 2650 >2650 3000 >3000 - 3350 > 3350

kWh
0 - 2000 >2000 - 2500 >2500 - 3000 >3000 - 3500 >3500 - 4000 >4000 - 4500 > 4500

A B C D E F G

0 600 >600 700 >700 800 >800 900 >900 1000 >1000 1100 > 1100

The Unique Bacticell Air Filter Cartridge

TESTIMONIALS
The Bacticell Filters we have fitted in our plant have not only increased the air quality in our food processing facility, it has helped us reduce our carbon footprint in 3 ways : 1. Reduced our running costs by between 9% to 12 % whilst helping us realise cost savings of >7k due to the increased surface area. 2. The requirement for filter changes has reduced, which means less waste to dispose of. 3. Less changes mean less service visits, so less fuel used in running vehicles. We are very satisfied with the continued support and innovation provided by the team at Nationwide and hope to continue our partnership with them.

Energy performance detail in conjunction with Eurovent 4/11 for a Grade F8 Bacticell tested in accordance with EN 779: 2012

the benefits of the Bacticell Air Filter Cartridge extend beyond its primary function as an alternative to the conventional bag filter ... (H&V News Judges, 2012)

Nominal Air flow: Initial efficiency 0.4 m: Minimum efficiency 0.4 m: Annual energy consumption:

0.944 m3/s EN779 68 % 68 % 1345 kWh/annum

3 filter grades, 3 standard face sizes, 3

header depths

Initial

pressure loss: 86 Pascals 100 Pascals (F8) 105 Pascals (F9)

(F7),

Standard

filter depth of only 300mm valuable space-saving opportunities at design stage. for standard size bag filters

Completely interchangeable as replacements

NFC is the only UK manufacturer to produce a cartridge with a re-usable housing, reducing waste at disposal and cost in supplying and fitting replacement cells. Bacti-G treated, water-repellent glass paper is uniformly pleated and sealed into individual cells, then fitted in a vee-formation within the housing. The totally rigid structure ensures that the filter will not sag or collapse under reduced or nil airflow, eliminating the possibility of particulate sieving caused by air turbulence.

We installed the first 'batch' 2 years ago and following their performance we have now changed all our bag filter plants in favour of the Bacticell Cartridge. The installed life of the Bacticells is working out to be virtually 3 times greater than that of the bag filters (as you indicated it would). My 'filter change' labour costs have been reduced considerably as has our waste filter disposal.

Environmental Features
Re-usable housing Replacable filter cells

Unique Benefits from the Bacticell Air Filter Cartridge

Lower waste disposal costs. Less down-time at filter change. Lighter and less bulky to transport. Eradicates bacterial/fungal growth on contact to reduce contamination of ductwork and occupied areas, and reduces health risk for engineers at filter change. Uses up to 30% less fan energy compared to an equivalent grade bag filter. Entire filter conforms to stringent independent test standards in respect of flammability and toxic smoke emission. Full test certificate available.

Our site has been upgrading all their Air Handling Units as parts of their energy reduction programme. The upgrade includes replacing bag filters with Bacticell filters which have significantly lower pressure drop and reduce the energy required to run the units. The additional benefit is that they need replacing less often and the modular design reduces the manual handling of the filters. This AHU upgrade programme has currently contributed to a 7% energy reduction across the site.

Bacti-G anti-microbial protection Energy consumption Flammability & toxic smoke emission

This list represents some of the micro-organisms that can be eradicated upon contact with the Bacticell Cartridge
BACTERIA Salmonella E-coli Listeria Sp Pseudomonas Sp Proteus Sp Klebsiella Sp Flavobacterium Sp Bacillus Sp Alcaligenes Sp Strep. faecalis Staph. aureus Aeromonas Sp Achrombacteria Sp Prot. vulgaris Clost. welchii Strep. mutans M.R.S.A. E.coli 0157 Legionella FUNGI Streptomyces Sp Aspergillus Sp Cephalosporium Sp Fusarium Sp Paecilomyces Sp Cladosporium Sp Penicillum Sp ALGAE Chlorella Sp Oscillatoria Navicula Scenedesmus Melsira YEAST Coniophgoraputeana Monilia albicans Candida Sp Rhodotorula Sp Cryptococcus Sacchromyces

VIRAL CHALLENGE MS2 coliphage (synthetic test virus)

F6-F9 Rigid Pack Cartridge

Performance Detail
Initial pressure loss ranging from 80 to 105 Pascals dependent on grade selection. The NFC Rigid Pack cartridge is available in energy class A or B, dependent on grade. This cartridge provides a low-cost option for clients wishing to receive the benefits of a rigid structure to avoid the risk of bags deflating or sagging, and the potential to make some energy savings as a result of a lower initial pressure loss. However, the unit requires complete disposal. The filter is constructed from high efficiency glass paper, close pleated and separated by hotmelt beeds. The pleat packs are then sealed within a heat resistant plastic case with an integral header frame. Environmental Features
Standard depth 300mm Life-span Energy consumption

Rigid Pack Benefits

Standard depth for all grades provides opportunities for spacesaving at AHU design stage. Can last up to 3 times longer than a conventional bag filter. Lower energy consumption compared with a conventional bag filter due to increased media filtration area.

M6-F8 ESB Micro-safe Glass Bags

Performance Detail
Whilst installed life and environmental benefits may not be as great as with the Bacticell Cartridge, NFCs standard class ESB (Energy Saving Bags ) Micro-safe glass bag filters can also provide an alternative energy saving option. The range is also available as an NFC Class A option catering for additional levels of protection against flammability and toxic smoke emission. All NFC ESB (Energy Saving Bags) are manufactured from micro-safe glass fibre to meet energy class A, B or C dependent on number and length of pockets (greater material area reducing operational pressure loss). In some circumstances the ability to switch to a cartridge filter is not feasible. Nationwides ESB Micro-safe Glass Bags provide greater consistency in performance compared with synthetic bags, and in the case of Nationwide they conform to stringent independent test standards in respect of flammability and toxic smoke emission. Full test certificate available.

Applying EN 779: 2012 in conjunction with Eurovent 4/11 (Energy classification)

Due to the requirement for F7 to F9 filter grades to meet minimum efficiency requirements, certain filter types previously available will undoubtedly undergo re-classification. Bag filters manufactured from synthetic materials are most likely, as the majority rely on electrostatic properties to enhance performance/efficiency. Independent tests conducted on many of these products indicate minimum efficiency levels (after discharge) to be well under 30% for previously graded F7 and F8 classes. (Minimum efficiencies now required to be met are: 35% for F7, 55% for F8 and 70% for F9). Products relying mainly on mechanical properties to achieve filter efficiency requirements (such as glass bag filters and cartridges manufactured from filter paper materials) are less likely to require re-classification as these typically achieve minimum efficiency levels (after discharge) in the order of: >50% for F7 and >70% for F8. In addition to meeting the above requirements, air filter manufacturers and suppliers must now support product claims with independent testing by a laboratory authorised to test products against EN 779: 2012. Without such tests being conducted, an energy rating classification to Eurovent 4/11 cannot be applied.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

NORTHERN OFFICE Sales & Technical Enquiries, Manufacture Tel: 01524 389713 Fax: 01524 555769 NFC House, Vickers Industrial Estate Mellishaw Lane, Morecambe Lancashire LA3 3EN SCOTLAND OFFICE Tel/Fax: 01355 226811 info@nationwidefilters.com www.nationwidefilters.com SOUTHERN OFFICE Contract Management Tel: 01372 728548 Fax: 01372 742831 Unit 16, First Quarter Business Park Blenheim Road, Epsom Surrey KT19 9QN

NFC/EN779-4/11/Issue 1