Air filtration in transition: new testing standard coming

Dr. Thomas Caesar explains the changes around ISO 16890 in the expert interview. (Image source: Freudenberg Filtration Technologies)

Schedule for the implementation of the ISO 16890 testing standard. (Image source: Freudenberg Filtration Technologies)

The evaluation of air filters according to EN 779 will soon be a thing of the past – ISO 16890 is coming and will replace the old standard by mid-2018 at the latest. The experts from Freudenberg Filtration Technologies support customers and users in already informing themselves about important updates and preparing in time for the new standard.

The World Health Organization WHO and environmental authorities have been using the evaluation criteria for some time now; the industry is now following suit: With the introduction of the new testing standard ISO 16890, filter separation efficiencies are determined based on fine dust classes PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. This classification now evaluates filters according to their actual operational behavior and helps users select their filter products much more targeted than before.

Freudenberg presents insights on the transition

The experts from Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, who have participated in the key committees developing the new testing standard and actively contribute to it, are important contacts for users of filter elements and systems during this transition phase. For example, Freudenberg provides information on the special website www.freudenberg-filter.com/de/iso16890 about the fundamental differences between the old EN 779 and the new testing standard ISO 16890, the new testing methodology, and the future classification of air filters into groups. Additionally, Freudenberg specialists are directly accessible for filtration enthusiasts: They can send questions about ISO 16890 to the email address iso16890@freudenberg-filter.com and will receive a prompt, personalized response.

Expert interview on ISO 16890

An in-depth expert interview with Dr. Thomas Caesar, head of global filter technology at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, explains the changes associated with the upcoming testing standard in detail: measurements based on different particle sizes, evaluation according to specific application conditions, and the new classification into filter groups instead of classes. After watching the video on the Freudenberg Filtration Technologies website (or on the YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/FreudenbergFilter), there should be hardly any questions remaining. The goal of Freudenberg Filtration Technologies is to provide transparent clarification and to dispel any uncertainties customers and users might have regarding the transition to the new ISO 16890.