A science-based approach to selecting air filters

Posted on 15/05/2013 by Camfil Farr

Article by Steve Devine, Sean O’Reilly, Andy Stillo, and Don Thornburg

This useful article provides an overview of science-based factors to consider when selecting HEPA filters. Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the material compatibility of HEPA filters is essential for engineers and end users seeking to optimise filter selection for performance reliability and sustainability. In order to give the reader a basic understanding of how filters work, it is essential that the principles of filtration are clearly defined.

Optimising the filter selection is crucial to maximising filter life and energy savings. Filter selection and optimisation software allows facility operators to select filters based on scientific data. The result is verified savings in the hundreds of thousands of pounds per year on HVAC filters with little or no capital investment.

Find out how to maximise clean indoor air quality in your buildings by calling (0)1706 238000 or email filtersales@camfil.co.uk

Camfil’s CREO software will help you understand:

Clean room theory and design
Human particle generation calculations
LCC (Life Cycle Cost) calculations
Steady state condition calculations for various designs
Air handling system design specific to the selection of air filters
Latest and historic clean room standards.

The CREO manual & software development was driven by Sean O’Reilly, Camfil’s Global Director for the Clean room segment, with support from a team of internal experts in Camfil corporate R&D & marketing in Sweden, Malaysia & the USA. These tools along with another recently published booklet named, “Life Sciences Industry Insights” demonstrate Camfil’s world-renowned expertise in air filtration applications for cleanroom environments.

Click to download the “CREO,Clean Room Design & Energy Optimisation manual” or download it from Camfil’s web site.

The Camfil Group is a world leader in the development and production of air filters and clean air solutions. With 50 years of experience in air filtration products and solutions, Camfil delivers value to customers all over the world while contributing to something essential to everyone – clean air for health, well-being and performance.

Avoiding the air fare

Posted on 30/04/2013 by Camfil Farr

This article first appeared in Public Service Review: Health and Social Care: Issue 35

Simon Birkett, Founder and Director of Clean Air in London, warns of a growing air
pollution crisis, and considers how the dangers can be better recognised and mitigated…

indoor air quality uk

The Department of Health has, for the first time, published estimates of the health impact of long-term-exposure to air pollution for every local authority in England. Public Health Indicator 3.01 has revealed that 5.6% of all deaths in England were attributable to ‘man-made’ air pollution in 2010 alone, with a range from 3.2% in the Isles of Scilly to 9.0% in the City of London.

It is clear therefore that air pollution is much worse than most of us have realised. For example, it is twice World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and legal limits near our busiest streets. The number of deaths attributable to long-term exposure to ‘invisible’ air pollution dwarfs that from short-term exposure to ‘visible’ air pollution such as during the Great Smog of 1952 (when nothing was known of the health impact of long-term exposure to air pollution). After considering separately exposures, impacts and health outcomes, it has been found that only smoking and perhaps some chronic dietary problems cause more early deaths now.

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Understanding EN13779 and how to improve your indoor air quality – Presentation

Posted on 22/10/2012 by Camfil Farr

A recent report by Campaign for Clean Air in London (CAL) highlighted the lack of understanding among senior managers and others that few buildings comply with indoor air quality standard EN: 13779. Buildings may have mechanical ventilation, air conditioning and/or air filtration or none of these and few buildings comply with indoor air quality standard EN:13779.

EN:13779 Improving your indoor air quality from Camfil Farr

In London for example many Local Authorities do not know if their buildings comply and many Local Authorities do not know about compliance in their schools and that significant opportunity exists to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy costs.

So what can I do?

Ask Camfil Farr for an ‘Opportunity Assessment’ this will help you:

Understand the system condition of your Air Handling Unit (AHU)
Request a report at no cost that proposes an itemised solution
Choose the best solution using low energy air filters
Give your existing AHU plant a new and efficient lease of life
Reduce running costs and get peace of mind

Follow this simple checklist:

Use easy access mountings and ensure seals are effective
Use low energy glass fibre bag filters, with high surface area, rather than synthetic or ultraviolet type filters to extend life and reduce energy cost
Use carbon filters to reduce gaseous pollutants
Consider upgrading fans as current ones may be energy inefficient
Clean cooling coils and heat exchangers
Clean air handling units and duct systems
Use pressure gauges to monitor on-going filter efficiency
Regularly maintain the system and establish operating practices

Finally you should ask Camfil Farr to certify your building as complying with EN 13779.

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