Minimize risks, follow recommendations

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to increased discussions about indoor air hygiene in Germany. One component of this is the equipment of ventilation systems or room air technology (RLT) systems. These systems make an important contribution to protecting people, employees, and ensuring safe production processes. In addition to regular inspection and maintenance, it can help to replace existing filters and upgrade to more efficient filters.

The ventilation technology market currently presents different opinions and concepts. In a recommendation by the German federal government titled “Infection-Proof Ventilation” from September 2020, it states that, in addition to increased fresh air supply, ventilation systems should be regularly checked. Ventilation of indoor spaces should be improved through increased air exchange and intensified outdoor air intake or appropriately filtered air in such a way that infection risks are minimized. Therefore, employers are encouraged to inspect all RLT systems in buildings for proper functionality and to carry out necessary maintenance work.

Furthermore, the operating parameters of RLT systems in buildings should be optimized – this includes, for example, extending the system’s operating time, checking parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, air movements, as well as increasing fresh air intake and reducing recirculated air.

The recommendation: In RLT systems with recirculation operation, a filter upgrade should be carried out – by replacing air filters of class F7 with air filters of the ISO ePM1 70% filter class (formerly F8) or better ISO ePM1 80% (formerly F9), provided the system’s technical conditions allow for it.

Upgrade to a 2-stage filter concept

With a 2-stage, efficient filter system consisting of an ISO ePM1 70% (formerly F8) cassette filter followed by an ISO ePM1 80% (formerly F9) cassette filter, particles can be almost completely removed, thus effectively reducing the airborne virus load in the room air. In cases where space is limited, single-stage concepts with a 2-in-1 filter solution can be implemented. MaxiPleat cassette filters from Freudenberg Filtration Technologies meet these requirements with the highest filter efficiency and space-saving design. For years, they have proven themselves in sensitive applications such as laboratories and pharmaceuticals. Their advantages: safe processes, high separation efficiency, robust design, short delivery times.

To accelerate the process, the German federal government decided at the end of August 2020 to establish a 500 million euro funding package for the COVID-19 compliant retrofit and upgrade of ventilation and air conditioning systems in public buildings and assembly halls. This is limited to 2020 and 2021. This also demonstrates political support for modern, demand-controlled, high outdoor air ratio room air systems that significantly contribute to reducing infection risks in buildings.

Expertise in air quality management

Beyond filter upgrades, further measures for system assessment to optimize ventilation systems can be useful. For example, a comprehensive system evaluation according to the current guidelines of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), including action recommendations. Or a thorough hygiene inspection according to the relevant guideline of the German Engineers Association (VDI 6022). Freudenberg Filtration Technologies offers corresponding analyses with the Viledon filterCair air quality management and various service packages.