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  1. Energy Saving Through Air Filtration Optimisation

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    Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality and thermal comfort. However, HVAC systems also account for a significant consumption of energy in many buildings. One way to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of HVAC systems is by optimising the air filtration used in such systems.

    How HVAC air filtration systems work

    Air filters are an essential component of HVAC systems, performing a crucial role in protecting people and processes by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen and bacteria from the air. However, any air filter(s) will also create a resistance to the air flowing through the system, which increases the energy consumption of HVAC systems. The higher the resistance, the more energy is required to move air through the system. Therefore, it is vital to select air filters that provide an appropriate filtration efficiency whilst also minimising resistance to airflow.

    Optimising Air Filtration for Energy Efficiency

    There are several ways to optimise air filtration and reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems:

    Choosing the Right HVAC Air Filters

    The selection of air filters should be based on the needs of each application. A higher efficiency filter will provide better air quality, but it will also create higher resistance to airflow and increase energy consumption. It is essential to select air filters with the right balance of filtration efficiency and resistance. You can read more on selecting the right filter for your application in our guide to air filter selection.

    Regular Maintenance and Replacement

    The dirtier a filter becomes, the more resistance to airflow increases and the more energy consumption rises. It is crucial to maintain and replace air filters regularly to ensure that they perform at their best. Regular maintenance can help to reduce airflow resistance, improve air flow, and reduce energy consumption. You can read more on appropriate air filter maintenance.

    Consider HVAC Air Filtration Retrofitting

    Air filter retrofitting involves replacing existing filters with filters that have a lower resistance to airflow. In many cases this is straightforward and will deliver improved air quality, whilst drastically reducing energy consumption and allowing more air to be delivered through the system. Retrofitting can also help to extend the life of HVAC systems and reduce maintenance costs. Discover the transformative benefits of air filter upgrades.

    Optimisation of air filtration is a highly effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of HVAC systems. A combination of correct selection, appropriate maintenance and consideration of filtration improvements can all combine to deliver reduced energy consumption. In this way building owners can save money on energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of their buildings.

    Contact Westbury for Your Free Energy Consumption Assessment

    Ready to enhance your HVAC energy efficiency? Contact Westbury today to discuss getting started with your FREE energy consumption assessment and discuss how optimised air filtration can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance your building’s sustainability.

  2. The Unique Non-respirable fibre ePM1 Glasstech Bag Filter Range

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    Westbury is pleased to announce the launch of the new “Glasstech”bag filter range of ePM1 Bag Filters. The range will be promoted as ”Powered by Afpro media”

    This innovative new product has been created in collaboration with International Air Filtration manufacturers Afpro Filters located in the Netherlands and utilizes their unique Micro Glass-fibre manufacturing process.

    During production the fibre is sandwiched between two layers of synthetic media, making the resultant product look and handle the same as synthetic fibre whilst totally eradicating the possibility of fibre shedding and the consequential inhalation of glass fibres associated with all other micro-glassfibre bag filter manufacturers. This revolutionary new process also toughens up the product making it more robust than conventional materials for handling during installation.

    The new Glasstech product is available in a range of sizes and is fully tested to ISO16890 ePM1

    For further information please contact Westbury on 01282 459744 or email sales@westbury.group

  4. Technical Bulletin – ISO 16890 Air Filter Test Standard

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    It has recently been announced that a new test standard for air filters ISO 16890 will be introduced towards the end of 2016. During the following 18 months the EN779 test standard will be phased out and replaced by the new standard.

    The new test method shifts the focus on filtration performance to the classes of particulate recognised by many of the leading environmental authorities, including the World Health Organization.

    You may well have heard of the particulate ranges PM1, PM2.5 & PM10 when reading about local environmental air quality targets and performance, these will become the new test ranges and, as such will result in the filter selection for specific needs being simplified.

    So what does PM1 mean?

    PM stands for Atmospheric Particulate Matter, the number 1 signifies that the particle range is for one micron diameter particles and smaller. In terms of quantity this is by far the largest particle range within the atmosphere. PM2.5 is the range that covers particles with a diameter of 2.5 Microns and less and finally PM10 particles 10 microns and below.

    During testing the filters under test will be challenged with a range of particles from 10 microns down to 0.3 microns and the efficiency to PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 recorded. In order for a filter to be rated to PM1 or any of the other PM bands it will need to demonstrate a minimum efficiency of 50% and this will be recorded incrementally to the closest 5% – so a filter performing at 66% to PM1 particles will be rated at PM1 65%

    For coarse filters the new standard will include filters that capture less than 50% of particles in the PM10 range – these will be known as “ISO Coarse” and will detail their PM10 performance i.e. “PM Coarse 45%”

    In summary:-

    There will be four specific grades of air filter:-

    • PM1
    • PM2.5
    • PM10
    • PM Coarse

    Each of the new grades will show the filter efficiency to the specific particle range, for example

    • 55% PM1
    • 50% PM2.5
    • 65% PM10
    • 40% PM Coarse

    So what are the benefits of ISO 16890 ?

    The new standard offers several improvements when compared to the EN779 Standard:-

    • It provides an international standard that can be recognised across the globe.
    • The EN779 test qualified fine filter performance at 0.4microns efficiency whereas ISO 16890 records their performance at a particle spectrum of 0.3 to 10 Microns.
    • Filters can be chosen for their specific performance related to the need of the application.
    • Fractional efficiencies of the filter prior to and after IPA discharge of any electrostatic properties can be seen.

    Should you require any further advice or information, please contact our Technical Team