Particulate Air Filters for HVAC, AHU, Commercial and Industrial Applications

Particulate Air Filters are air filtration products designed to remove solid airborne particles from ventilation and HVAC air streams. Depending on the filter efficiency, they can capture contaminants ranging from coarse dust and fibers to fine particulate matter such as PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.

These filters are widely used in HVAC systems, Air Handling Units (AHUs), Fan Coil Units (FCUs), ventilation systems, commercial buildings, hospitals, factories, data centers, cleanrooms and industrial facilities.

VIETPHAT supplies a broad range of Particulate Air Filters including Panel Air Filters, Pleated Air Filters, Pocket Filters, Bag Filters, Compact Filters, V-Bank Filters, Fine Air Filters, HEPA Filters and ULPA Filters for commercial and industrial air-treatment applications.

What Are Particulate Air Filters?

A Particulate Air Filter is a filter designed to capture solid or liquid particles suspended in air as the air passes through filtration media.

Depending on the application and filter class, particulate filters may remove:

• Coarse dust.
• Fine dust.
• Fibers.
• Lint.
• Pollen.
• Smoke particles.
• PM10.
• PM2.5.
• PM1.
• Industrial particulate matter.
• Fine airborne contaminants.

Why Particulate Air Filtration Is Important

Airborne particles can affect HVAC performance, indoor air quality, manufacturing processes and sensitive equipment.

Without adequate particulate filtration, dust can accumulate on:

• Cooling coils.
• Heating coils.
• Fans.
• Heat exchangers.
• Ductwork.
• Electronic equipment.
• Production surfaces.
• Downstream high-efficiency filters.

Proper particulate filtration helps reduce contamination and supports more stable HVAC operation.

How Do Particulate Air Filters Work?

Particulate filters use fibrous, pleated or porous media to capture airborne particles through several physical filtration mechanisms.

Common mechanisms include:

• Sieving: Large particles are physically blocked by the filter structure.
• Inertial Impaction: Larger particles collide with filter fibers because they cannot follow airflow paths.
• Interception: Particles following the airflow come close enough to filter fibers to be captured.
• Diffusion: Very small particles move irregularly and have a higher chance of contacting filter fibers.
• Electrostatic Attraction: Certain media use electrostatic forces to improve particle capture.

Main Benefits of Particulate Air Filters

• Capture airborne dust and particulate matter.
• Help reduce PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 depending on filter performance.
• Protect HVAC equipment.
• Reduce dust accumulation on coils and ducts.
• Support better indoor air quality.
• Help protect downstream HEPA and ULPA filters.
• Reduce particulate contamination in production areas.
• Available for multiple filtration stages and airflow requirements.

Common Types of Particulate Air Filters

1. Pre Particulate Filters

Pre Filters are typically installed as the first filtration stage to capture larger airborne particles before they reach more efficient filters.

Common pre-filter configurations include:

• Panel Filters.
• Pleated Filters.
• Washable Filters.
• Synthetic Filters.
• Metal Mesh Filters.

2. Panel Air Filters

Panel Air Filters use flat or pleated media installed in a rigid frame.

They are commonly used for:

• Primary filtration.
• Pre-filtration.
• AHUs.
• FCUs.
• Fresh Air Units.

3. Pleated Air Filters

Pleated Air Filters use folded media to increase filtration surface area within a compact frame.

The pleated construction can provide:

• Greater media area.
• Higher dust-holding capacity.
• Improved particle capture.
• Longer service life depending on operating conditions.

4. Pocket Air Filters

Pocket Air Filters contain multiple flexible pockets that provide a large effective filtration area.

They are often used as medium- and fine-efficiency filtration stages in HVAC and AHU systems.

5. Bag Air Filters

Bag Air Filters, also known as Pocket Filters, are widely used in commercial and industrial HVAC systems.

Their extended-surface construction provides good dust-holding capacity and makes them suitable for medium and fine particulate filtration.

6. Compact Air Filters

Compact Air Filters use a large amount of pleated media in a rigid compact housing.

They are suitable for applications requiring:

• High airflow.
• Large media area.
• Higher filtration performance.
• Compact installation depth.

7. V-Bank Air Filters

V-Bank Air Filters use multiple mini-pleat filter packs arranged in a V-shaped configuration.

This construction can support high airflow and large filtration area within a compact footprint.

8. Fine Air Filters

Fine Air Filters are used where greater removal of smaller particles is required compared with coarse or medium filtration.

Depending on tested performance, they may be classified according to ISO 16890 as:

• ePM10.
• ePM2.5.
• ePM1.

9. HEPA Air Filters

HEPA Air Filters are high-efficiency particulate filters used in environments requiring significantly higher particle removal performance.

Applications include:

• Cleanrooms.
• Hospitals.
• Pharmaceutical facilities.
• Electronics manufacturing.
• Semiconductor facilities.
• Laboratories.

10. ULPA Air Filters

ULPA Air Filters provide an even higher level of particulate filtration and are used in certain ultra-clean environments such as semiconductor and advanced cleanroom applications.

Particulate Air Filter Types by Application

Filter Type	Main Function	Typical Application
Panel Filter	Coarse particle filtration	HVAC, AHU, FCU
Pleated Filter	Coarse to medium particulate filtration	Commercial HVAC
Bag/Pocket Filter	Medium and fine filtration	AHU, industrial HVAC
Compact Filter	Higher-efficiency particulate filtration	Industrial systems
V-Bank Filter	High-capacity filtration	High-airflow systems
HEPA Filter	High-efficiency particulate filtration	Cleanrooms, hospitals
ULPA Filter	Ultra-high-efficiency particle filtration	Semiconductor cleanrooms

Particulate Air Filters for HVAC Systems

Particulate Air Filters are essential components of HVAC systems because they remove airborne particles before air reaches coils, occupied spaces or downstream filtration stages.

A multi-stage HVAC system may include:

• Stage 1: Pre Particulate Filter.
• Stage 2: Medium Efficiency Air Filter.
• Stage 3: Fine Air Filter.
• Stage 4: HEPA Filter when required.

The correct filtration arrangement depends on air quality requirements, fan capacity, particle loading and application.

Particulate Air Filters for AHUs

Air Handling Units commonly use several particulate filtration stages to protect HVAC components and improve supply-air quality.

Filters installed in AHUs help protect:

• Cooling coils.
• Heating coils.
• Fans.
• Heat exchangers.
• Duct systems.
• Fine Filters.
• HEPA Filters.

Particulate Air Filters for FCUs

Fan Coil Units typically use low-resistance filters to capture dust from recirculated room air before it passes through the coil.

Common FCU filter constructions include:

• Synthetic media filters.
• Washable filters.
• Mesh filters.
• Shallow pleated filters.

Particulate Air Filters for Ventilation Systems

Outdoor air can contain dust, pollen and fine particulate pollution. Ventilation filters help reduce these contaminants before outdoor air enters occupied or controlled spaces.

The appropriate efficiency should be selected according to:

• Outdoor air quality.
• Indoor air-quality requirements.
• Available fan static pressure.
• Downstream filtration.

Particulate Air Filters for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings rely on particulate filtration to protect HVAC equipment and support indoor air quality.

Applications include:

• Office buildings.
• Hotels.
• Shopping centers.
• Retail stores.
• Airports.
• Schools.
• Public buildings.
• Convention centers.

Particulate Air Filters for Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities often have higher particle loading than standard commercial environments.

Particulate Air Filters are widely used in:

• Manufacturing factories.
• Automotive facilities.
• Electronics factories.
• Pharmaceutical plants.
• Food processing facilities.
• Medical device manufacturing.
• Warehouses.
• Industrial workshops.

Particulate Air Filters for Factories

Factories may require both HVAC filtration and dedicated process dust-control systems.

For general AHUs and ventilation, common filters include:

• Panel Filters.
• Pleated Filters.
• Bag Filters.
• Compact Filters.
• V-Bank Filters.

Processes producing large quantities of dust may require dedicated dust collectors, cartridge collectors or baghouse systems rather than HVAC filtration alone.

Particulate Air Filters for Hospitals

Hospitals use different particulate filtration levels depending on the area served.

A typical multi-stage arrangement may include:

• Pre Filters.
• Fine Filters.
• HEPA Filters.

The required configuration should follow the healthcare HVAC design and applicable requirements.

Particulate Air Filters for Cleanrooms

Cleanrooms require controlled airborne particle concentrations.

A typical cleanroom filtration sequence may include:

• Pre Air Filter.
• Medium Efficiency Filter.
• Fine Air Filter.
• HEPA Filter.
• ULPA Filter where required.

Effective upstream particulate filtration helps extend HEPA and ULPA service life.

Particulate Air Filters for Electronics Manufacturing

Electronics manufacturing can be highly sensitive to airborne particles.

Applications include:

• PCB manufacturing.
• Electronic assembly.
• Display production.
• Battery manufacturing.
• Precision electronics.

Particulate Air Filters for Semiconductor Facilities

Semiconductor facilities require advanced particulate control and typically use multiple filtration stages before final HEPA or ULPA filtration.

Filter selection must consider:

• Required cleanroom classification.
• Particle concentration limits.
• Airflow.
• Pressure drop.
• Final-filter performance.

Particulate Air Filters for Pharmaceutical Facilities

Pharmaceutical HVAC systems use multi-stage particulate filtration to support controlled production environments.

Pre Filters and Fine Filters are commonly used upstream of HEPA Filters to reduce loading and help stabilize overall system performance.

Particulate Air Filters for Food Processing

Food and beverage facilities may use Particulate Air Filters in production, packaging, storage and general HVAC areas.

The required filter efficiency depends on process conditions, hygiene requirements and air-quality targets.

Particulate Air Filters for Data Centers

Data centers require effective particulate control because dust can accumulate on cooling equipment and sensitive electronic components.

Filters should provide adequate particle removal while maintaining acceptable pressure drop for continuously operating cooling systems.

Particulate Air Filters and ISO 16890

ISO 16890 is an international standard used to classify general ventilation air filters according to their performance against particulate matter.

Main groups include:

• ISO Coarse.
• ePM10.
• ePM2.5.
• ePM1.

These categories help users select filters according to relevant particle size ranges rather than relying only on older filter-class terminology.

What Is PM10?

PM10 refers to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters generally up to 10 micrometers.

Filters with suitable ePM10 performance can help reduce larger airborne particulate pollution entering ventilation systems.

What Is PM2.5?

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters generally up to 2.5 micrometers.

Fine particles can remain suspended in air for extended periods, making appropriate HVAC filtration important in locations affected by traffic, combustion and industrial pollution.

What Is PM1?

PM1 refers to very fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters generally up to 1 micrometer.

Filters with tested ePM1 performance are commonly used in higher-grade commercial, hospital and industrial HVAC systems.

Particulate Air Filters and Former EN 779 Classes

Existing specifications may still reference former EN 779 classes such as:

• G3.
• G4.
• M5.
• M6.
• F7.
• F8.
• F9.

For new general ventilation applications, ISO 16890 performance data should generally be used where available.

G4 Particulate Air Filters

G4 Filters are still widely referenced as coarse pre-filters in existing HVAC systems.

They are commonly used to capture larger dust particles and protect downstream filtration stages.

M5 and M6 Particulate Air Filters

M5 and M6 were former EN 779 classifications commonly used for intermediate filtration in AHUs and HVAC systems.

F7, F8 and F9 Particulate Air Filters

F7, F8 and F9 were former fine-filter classifications widely used for higher-grade general ventilation and pre-HEPA applications.

Particulate Air Filters vs Dust Air Filters

Dust Air Filter and Particulate Air Filter are closely related terms.

Dust Air Filter is commonly used in general and industrial terminology, while Particulate Air Filter is broader and can refer to filtration of dust, pollen, fine PM and other airborne particles.

Particulate Air Filters vs Carbon Air Filters

Criteria	Particulate Air Filter	Carbon Air Filter
Main Function	Particle capture	Gas adsorption
Targets	Dust, PM, fibers, pollen	Odors, VOCs, selected gases
Main Media	Synthetic or glass fiber media	Activated carbon
Primary Mechanism	Mechanical filtration	Adsorption

Particulate Air Filters vs HEPA Filters

HEPA Filters are a specific high-efficiency category within particulate filtration.

General Particulate Air Filters can include coarse, medium and fine filters, while HEPA Filters are used where significantly higher particle-removal performance is required.

Particulate Air Filters vs Molecular Air Filters

Particulate Air Filters remove solid and liquid particles from air, while Molecular Air Filters target gaseous and molecular contaminants.

Systems requiring comprehensive air treatment may use both technologies.

Particulate Air Filters vs Odor Control Filters

Particulate Air Filters are designed for particles, while Odor Control Filters primarily target odor-causing gases and vapors.

These filter types perform complementary rather than interchangeable functions.

Dust-Holding Capacity

Dust-Holding Capacity is an important factor in Particulate Air Filter selection.

Higher effective media area can help increase the quantity of dust retained before the filter reaches its recommended final resistance.

Dust-holding capacity can influence:

• Filter service life.
• Maintenance frequency.
• Operating pressure drop.
• Replacement costs.
• Downstream filter protection.

Pressure Drop of Particulate Air Filters

Pressure Drop is the resistance to airflow created by the filter.

It is influenced by:

• Filtration efficiency.
• Filter media.
• Media area.
• Filter depth.
• Airflow.
• Face velocity.
• Dust loading.

As particles accumulate, filter resistance generally increases.

Particulate Air Filters and HVAC Energy Consumption

HVAC fans must overcome filter resistance to maintain airflow. Therefore, pressure drop can influence fan energy consumption.

For systems operating continuously, filter selection should consider:

• Required particle-removal performance.
• Initial pressure drop.
• Average operating pressure drop.
• Dust-holding capacity.
• Expected service life.
• Fan energy consumption.

Common Particulate Air Filter Media

Common filter media include:

• Synthetic fiber.
• Polyester.
• Glass fiber.
• Nonwoven media.
• Mini-pleat media.
• Metal mesh for selected coarse washable filters.

Common Frame Materials

Particulate Air Filter frames may be manufactured from:

• Galvanized steel.
• Aluminum.
• Plastic.
• Cardboard for selected disposable filters.

Important Particulate Air Filter Specifications

Parameter	Description
Dimensions	Width × Height × Depth
Filtration Efficiency	ISO Coarse, ePM10, ePM2.5, ePM1, HEPA or applicable class
Rated Airflow	Design air volume through the filter
Initial Pressure Drop	Resistance when the filter is clean
Final Pressure Drop	Recommended service or replacement resistance
Dust-Holding Capacity	Ability to retain particulate loading
Filter Media	Synthetic, glass fiber or other filtration media
Frame Material	Galvanized steel, aluminum, plastic or cardboard

How to Select Particulate Air Filters

1. Identify the Particle Problem

Determine whether the main concern is coarse dust, PM10, PM2.5, PM1 or high-efficiency particulate control.

2. Determine the Required Efficiency

Select filter performance according to outdoor air quality, indoor requirements, process needs and downstream filtration stages.

3. Confirm Filter Dimensions

Measure Width × Height × Depth accurately to ensure proper fit and minimize air bypass.

4. Determine Rated Airflow

The filter should be selected according to the actual airflow through each filter position.

5. Check Pressure Drop

The available fan static pressure should be sufficient to overcome the resistance of the full filtration system.

6. Consider Particle Loading

High-dust environments may require filters with larger media area and greater dust-holding capacity.

7. Consider Downstream Filters

Where HEPA or ULPA Filters are installed, effective pre-filtration can reduce loading and extend final-filter service life.

8. Evaluate Life-Cycle Cost

Filter price should be evaluated together with pressure drop, service life, maintenance frequency and energy consumption.

When Should Particulate Air Filters Be Replaced?

Replacement should be based on actual operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations.

Filters should be inspected or replaced when:

• Pressure drop reaches the recommended limit.
• Airflow decreases significantly.
• The filter becomes heavily loaded.
• The media is damaged.
• The frame becomes distorted.
• Air bypass occurs.
• The planned maintenance interval is reached.

Can Particulate Air Filters Be Washed?

Only filters specifically designed as washable should be cleaned and reused.

Many disposable Pleated, Bag, Compact, Fine and HEPA Filters should not be washed because cleaning can damage their media and change filtration performance.

Life-Cycle Cost of Particulate Air Filters

The total cost of filtration includes more than the initial purchase price.

Important factors include:

• Initial filter cost.
• Initial pressure drop.
• Average operating pressure drop.
• Fan energy consumption.
• Dust-holding capacity.
• Service life.
• Replacement frequency.
• Maintenance labor.
• Disposal cost.
• Impact on downstream filters.

Particulate Air Filter Supplier in Vietnam – VIETPHAT

VIETPHAT supplies Particulate Air Filters for HVAC, AHU, FCU, commercial buildings, hospitals, factories, data centers, electronics facilities, pharmaceutical plants and cleanrooms.

We support customers in selecting suitable filters according to dimensions, airflow, filtration efficiency, pressure drop, particle loading, filter media and actual operating conditions.

VIETPHAT Particulate Air Filter Product Range

• Pre Particulate Filters.
• Panel Air Filters.
• Pleated Air Filters.
• Pocket Air Filters.
• Bag Air Filters.
• Medium Efficiency Air Filters.
• Fine Air Filters.
• Compact Air Filters.
• V-Bank Air Filters.
• HEPA Air Filters.
• ULPA Air Filters.
• HVAC Particulate Filters.
• AHU Particulate Filters.
• Industrial Particulate Air Filters.
• Custom Particulate Air Filters.

Applications of VIETPHAT Particulate Air Filters

• HVAC systems.
• Air Handling Units.
• Fan Coil Units.
• Fresh Air Units.
• Ventilation systems.
• Commercial buildings.
• Hotels.
• Shopping centers.
• Hospitals.
• Data centers.
• Factories.
• Warehouses.
• Electronics manufacturing.
• Semiconductor facilities.
• Pharmaceutical plants.
• Food processing facilities.
• Cleanrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Particulate Air Filters

What Is a Particulate Air Filter?

A Particulate Air Filter is designed to capture solid and liquid airborne particles such as dust, fibers, pollen and fine particulate matter as air passes through filter media.

What Types of Particulate Air Filters Are Available?

Common types include Panel Filters, Pleated Filters, Pocket Filters, Bag Filters, Compact Filters, V-Bank Filters, Fine Filters, HEPA Filters and ULPA Filters.

Can Particulate Air Filters Remove PM2.5?

Yes, filters with suitable tested ePM2.5 or ePM1 performance can provide effective removal of fine particulate matter. The actual ISO 16890 efficiency should be reviewed for the specific filter.

Can Particulate Air Filters Remove PM1?

Filters classified for ePM1 performance are tested for efficiency against particulate matter in the PM1 size range according to ISO 16890.

Are HEPA Filters Particulate Air Filters?

Yes. HEPA Filters are a high-efficiency category of particulate filtration designed for applications requiring strict control of airborne particles.

What Is the Difference Between Dust Air Filters and Particulate Air Filters?

The terms overlap significantly. Particulate Air Filter is broader and may include filters designed for coarse dust, fine PM and high-efficiency particle control.

What Is the Difference Between Particulate Filters and Carbon Filters?

Particulate Filters capture particles, while Carbon Filters adsorb odors, VOCs and selected gases. Many air-treatment systems use both.

How Often Should Particulate Air Filters Be Replaced?

Replacement depends on particle loading, airflow, operating hours, filter type and recommended final pressure drop. Differential-pressure monitoring is useful for many HVAC systems.

Can Particulate Air Filters Be Washed?

Only filters designed as washable should be cleaned. Most disposable Fine, Bag, Compact, HEPA and ULPA Filters should be replaced rather than washed.

Can Particulate Air Filters Be Manufactured in Custom Sizes?

Yes. Depending on filter construction, products can often be supplied in custom dimensions, efficiencies and frame configurations to match existing HVAC equipment.

What Information Is Required for a Quotation?

Please provide Width × Height × Depth, required efficiency, airflow, application, quantity, frame material and any available pressure-drop requirements.

Contact VIETPHAT for Particulate Air Filters

For consultation or quotation for Particulate Air Filters for HVAC, AHU, commercial, industrial and cleanroom applications, please contact VIETPHAT:

• Zalo / Hotline: 0971 344 344
• Sales: 0827 077 078
• Sales: 0829 077 078
• Email: sales@vietphat.com
• Website: www.vietphat.com