Technical Specification: Pleated Panel Air Pre-Filter
1. Structural Composition
1.1 Filter Media
- Material Construction: Polyester fiber, fiberglass, or non-woven synthetic fabric, precision-folded in sinusoidal waveform (accordion configuration) to maximize surface area (3-5× expansion vs. flat-panel designs).
- Geometric Parameters:
- Fold depth: 20-100mm
- Pleat pitch: 5-20mm
1.2 Support Framework
- Primary Materials:
- Extruded aluminum alloy (6063-T5)
- Electro-galvanized steel (SGCC)
- Engineering-grade thermoplastics (ABS/PP)
- Sealing System: Polyurethane foam gasket (Shore A 25±5) integrated into perimeter channel to prevent airflow bypass.
1.3 Filtration Class
- Standard Compliance: EN 779:2012 (G3-G4 grade)
- Particle Capture Efficiency:
- 40-60% @ 5μm (G3)
- 70-90% @ 5μm (G4)
- Initial Pressure Drop: ≤50 Pa (@ nominal airflow velocity of 1.5 m/s)
2. Operational Principles
2.1 Primary Capture Mechanisms
- Inertial Impaction: Dominant for particles >10μm (Stokes number >1)
- Direct Interception: Effective for 1-10μm particles at fiber surfaces
- Diffusion Deposition: Secondary mechanism for submicron particles (Brownian motion)
2.2 Performance Characteristics
- Dust Holding Capacity: 300-500 g/m² (per ISO 5011)
- Service Life: 3-6 months under standard atmospheric dust loading (0.3 mg/m³)
3. Comparative Advantages
| Parameter | Benchmark Value | Industry Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Drop | 30-50 Pa (@ 1.5 m/s) | 40% lower than mesh filters |
| Energy Efficiency | 15% reduction in system power | vs. non-pleated designs |
| Maintenance Interval | 2× longer service cycles | Compared to panel filters |
4. Industrial Applications
4.1 Critical Infrastructure
- Power Generation: Gas turbine inlet air filtration (GE Frame 7FA applications)
- Pharmaceutical: ISO Class 8 cleanroom pre-filtration (per EU GMP Annex 1)
4.2 Commercial Systems
- HVAC: ASHRAE 52.2 compliant installations (MERV 6-8 equivalent)
- Manufacturing: Welding fume pre-treatment (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 compliance)
5. Selection Criteria
5.1 Dimensional Standards
- Nominal Size: 592×592×46mm (24″×24″×2″)
- Airflow Capacity: 3400 m³/h (@ 0.5″ w.g. ΔP)
5.2 Environmental Ratings
- Temperature Range:
- Standard: -20°C to +80°C
- High-temp: Up to 150°C (fiberglass media)
- Fire Safety: UL 900 Class 2 (flame retardant)
6. Maintenance Protocol
6.1 Replacement Indicators
- Differential Pressure: 150-200 Pa (manometer reading)
- Visual Inspection: Media discoloration >30% surface area
6.2 Cleaning Methodology
- Dry Cleaning: Compressed air jet (0.3 MPa, 30° nozzle angle)
- Wet Cleaning: Neutral detergent immersion (pH 6-8, 40°C max)
- Drying: Ambient airflow (<50°C) for 24 hours
6.3 Disposal Compliance
- EU Directives: WEEE (2012/19/EU) for metal components
- US Standards: EPA 40 CFR Part 261 for hazardous dust
