With filters being exposed to broader range of particle sizes, which require high levels of filtration maintenance, filter technology manufacturer Freudenberg Filtration Technologies says attention should be drawn to the new ISO 16890 standard for filter assessment and testing
With the new standard, implemented last year, filter efficiencies will be determined in regard to the particulate classes PM1, PM2.5 and PM10, says FFT MD Andrew Hersey.
“The old EN 779 test standard applied exclusively to the particle size 0.4 μm. ISO 16890 considers a range of particle sizes between 0.3 μm and 10 μm. With the introduction of the new ISO 16890 standard, actual operating conditions will be more effectively taken into account,” Hersey says.
FFT offers a maintenance service to prepare filtration systems for extended shutdown and quick start-up after the holiday season, he adds.
“During filtration system maintenance, the filter differential pressure status needs to be checked to determine the filter’s estimated lifespan. The maintenance team needs to remove and clean the filter unit, inlet and out sections, as well as clean filter elements and wash [them] in the case of fully washable FFT Viledon filters.”
Further, the differential pressure instrumentation needs to be cleaned and maintained, while the fan and motor units need to be assessed and maintained according to original-equipment manufacturer maintenance instructions.
Hersey explains that, before starting a filtration system after the holiday season or long periods during which the system was offline, certain steps should be followed. “The intake of the filtration system should be free of any obstructions, the filter elements should be installed and sealed, and all of the electrical and rotating equipment should be secure and installed correctly.”
To further ensure that the process is done effectively, the FFT Service division offers a service and maintenance proposal to ensure that all systems installed on a specific site are maintained correctly during the production span, but are also prepared and maintained during the off season.
However, he points out that FFT installations of industrial applications are in use 24/7 and would be shut down only for critical maintenance.
