The ISO 16890 standard is LIVE and is the new global standard for testing and classification of air filters, and replaces the existing EN779:2012 norm. This new ISO 16890 standard is a big change in the way air filters are evaluated.
Why a new filtration standard ISO 16890?
The new ISO16890 test method shifts the focus on filtration performance to the classes of particulate matter size (PM) and is therefore a much more realistic test criteria than the theoretical EN779:2012.
What is different?
This means that with the new ISO 16890 standard filter efficiencies will be determined based on particulate matter size classes PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 (also called ePM1, ePM2,5 and ePM10), which are also used as evaluation parameters by the WHO (World Health Organization) and other authorities. Based on these parameters it will be easier for users to select the right air filter based on their requirements.
ISO 16890 – The new group classification
The new ISO16890 standard divides air filters into four groups. A prerequisite for each group is that a filter captures at least 50% of the appropriate particle size range. If a filter, for example, captures more than 50% of PM1 particles, it will be grouped as an ISO ePM1 filter. The respective efficiency is then reported, rounded in 5 % increments.
Alongside fine dust filters, the new ISO standard also evaluates coarse dust filters as ISO coarse: that is, filters that capture less than 50 % PM10.
What does PM1 mean?
PM1 means all Particulate Matter with size smaller than 1 micron (a thousandth of a millimetre), just to be clear:
1µ= 0.001mm (=PM1)
2.5µ= 0.0025mm (=PM2.5)
10µ= 0.01mm (=PM10)
ISO 16890 benefits
The new ISO 16890 standard offers several improvements when compared to the EN779 Standard:
- One global international standard
- The ISO16890 records their performance at a particle spectrum of 0.3 up to 10 microns (versus the EN779 test which qualified fine filter performance at 0.4 microns)
- Fractional efficiencies of the filter prior to and after IPA discharge of any electrostatic properties can be seen.
- Filters can be chosen for their specific performance related to the need of the application.
Are you ISO 16890 ready?
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