The mats in a filter fan help to keep the electrical panel inside protected from dust and other pollutants and for this reason it is important to understand their degree of filtration.
In fact, if forced ventilation is used, in addition to the importance of maintaining a stable temperature inside the enclosure, it’s strongly recommended to use systems that allow the filtration of the air introduced into the electrical cabinet, to extend the life of its components.
How is the air filtered in an electrical panel?
The main task of filtering the incoming air is delegated to the mat mounted inside the filter fan, which must have certain characteristics in order to perform at its best.
The air flow passes through the filter fibers and the solid particles, with a diameter greater than the distance between the fibers that make up the filter, are stopped exactly as happens through a sieve. This mechanism is valid for coarse dust particles. The smallest particles, on the other hand, are fixed along the filter fibers by effect of elementary electrical forces.
Different types of filtration
There are different types of filter mats depending on their degree of filtration. Until a few years ago, the reference standard DIN EN 779:2012 defined the minimum efficiency degree as the lowest data detected between the efficiency of the clean filter, the initial efficiency degree and the lowest efficiency measured during loading. .
Since 2018, UNI EN ISO 16890 is the only internationally authoritative standard for the tests and classification of air filters. As a result, the performance evaluation of each filter has become more transparent and realistic: the separation efficiencies are determined over a broad spectrum of particles using the four ISO dust classes ePM10, ePM2.5, ePM1 and ISO coarse. The new UNI EN ISO 16890 standard has therefore allowed a unique classification throughout the world, ensuring uniformity of technical language in all production areas.
In the product data sheets of our filter fans there are the values of both the G2, G3 and G4 standards referring to DIN EN 779: 2012 which correspond approximately to the ISO Coarse 30%, 55% and 70% referring to UNI EN ISO 16890, so that you can choose the most suitable for the needs of the electrical panel.
The life of the filter mats
In addition, the operating life of a filter is another important fact: the mat has an initial and final drop due to the resistance it places to the air flow and its clogging. Determining how quickly the filter reaches this loss of performance depends on both its technical characteristics and the environment in which it works: dusty, slightly dusty, clean, sterile, etc.
The filter mats used in our filter fan are made of polyolefin fibers and are particularly resistant to the chemical action exerted by solvents, acids and alkaline solutions, used in cleaning work environments.
The high resistance of the materials of the mats allows them to be cleaned up to ten times by washing, blowing or beating, preserving their shape and their filtering properties, allowing to limit the production of waste and to save on the cost of maintenance and replacement filters.
In addition, if a filter unit is combined with our electronic Sensis device, it is possible to predict the loss of ventilation efficiency and consequently the clogging of the filter mat, by monitoring various parameters.
To find out more about all our products for enclosures, keep browsing our blog, visit our website fandis.com or send an email to support@fandis.com. Our staff will answer you as soon as possible.
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