13/11/2025
🌬️ TYPES OF AHU FILTERS (Air Handling Unit Filters)
Filters in an AHU are arranged in stages — from coarse to fine to high-efficiency — to ensure clean air supply and protect HVAC equipment and occupants.
🧱 1. Pre Filter (Primary Filter)
Short form: PF / PRF
Function:
Removes large particles like dust, lint, hair, and pollen.
Protects the downstream filters (fine and HEPA).
Efficiency: 80–90% arrestance (G3–G4 class as per EN 779 / ISO Coarse 60–70).
Material: Synthetic fiber, washable media, metal frame.
Used in:
First stage in AHU
Utility areas, production halls, offices, HVAC intake air
Purpose: Increases life of fine and HEPA filters.
🌫️ 2. Fine Filter (Secondary Filter / Intermediate Filter)
Short form: FF
Function:
Removes smaller particles (dust, mold spores, and fine smoke).
Ensures medium air cleanliness before final filtration.
Efficiency: 60–95% (F5–F9 class / ISO ePM1/ePM2.5).
Material: Pleated synthetic or fiberglass media.
Used in:
Second stage in AHU after Pre-filter
Cleanrooms, laboratories, and pharmaceutical areas
Purpose: Protects HEPA filters and improves air quality.
🧪 3. HEPA Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter)
Short form: HEPA
Function:
Removes microscopic particles, including bacteria and viruses.
Captures particles ≥0.3 µm with ≥99.97% efficiency.
Efficiency Class: H13–H14 (EN 1822).
Material: Fine glass fiber or PTFE media with aluminum separator.
Used in:
Final filtration stage in AHU
Cleanrooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, operation theaters, semiconductor industries
Purpose: Ensures ultra-clean air for critical processes.
🦠 4. ULPA Filter (Ultra Low Pe*******on Air Filter)
Short form: ULPA
Function:
Removes particles down to 0.12 µm with 99.999% efficiency.
Efficiency Class: U15–U17 (EN 1822).
Used in:
Highly sterile areas — microelectronics, advanced pharma, isolation rooms
Purpose: Achieves maximum purity beyond HEPA levels.
💧 5. Carbon Filter (Activated Carbon Filter)