Numerous considerations come into play when designing custom
air filters for
OEM applications. The following should be reviewed early in the planning process:
- Determine the filtration performance requirements.
- Match filters to air-moving (cfm) requirements.
- Analyze the space available for filters.
- Specify standards and specifications (NEBS, ETSI, CE, UL 60950 (formerly UL 1950), etc.)
Filter Selection Procedure
Many thermal design engineers use the following steps when designing an air filter:
- Select air filter dimensions (length, width, thickness).
- Calculate airflow velocity in linear ft./min. using air volume rating of fan in cfm divided by surface area of air filter in sq. ft. (i.e. 200 cfm./0.50 sq. ft. = 400 fpm)
- Select disposable or reusable media.
- Use media initial resistance vs. face velocity data/curves for preferred media. Typically, initial resistance is 0.10" wg (water gauge) or less.
- Select appropriate air filter model and frame thickness to accept selected media thickness. For example: Disposable, white UFM-50 media fits in any frame thickness (0.30", 0.43" or 0.50"). The cleanable/reusable Quadrafoam in 0.25 thickness fits 0.30" and 0.43" thick frames and 0.50" thick Quadrafoam fits in 0.50" thick frame.)
- Select a media color. Quadrafoam -green, gray or black. Polyester - white
- Determine if any handles or other fixtures are necessary for installation / removal.
- Prepare air filter drawing.