Classification according to ISO 16890
As of 1 July 2018, an DIN ISO 16890 labelling is mandatory for all filter manufacturers. They have to test and also evaluate their air filters according to the Standard.
Assignment to the ISO groups
The previous filter classes of DIN EN 779 will be replaced by an assignment to the ISO groups ISO Coarse, ISO ePM10, ISO ePM2,5 and ISO ePM1. The 4 ISO groups are dependent on their separation behavior towards particle collectives, which are based on the PM values.
Especially PM10 and PM2,5 are known from environmental discussions regarding fine particulate matter. The corresponding particle concentrations are continuously recorded at more than 300 measuring stations in Germany alone. The ISO 16890 uses similar definitions for regrouping the filters:
Test procedure according to ISO 16890
The DIN ISO 16890 prescribes that the filter to be tested should be measured in the untreated and in the electrostatically discharged state. First of all, the fractional efficiency of the air filter is measured with respect to particle collectives with diameters of 0,3-10,0 µm in the untreated state. This is followed by a 24-hour vapour-treatment of the filter with isopropanol, in order to neutralize the charge of the filter.
The minimum efficiency represents the efficiency, which is measured in the discharged, i.e. in the treated state. In order to achieve the ISO ePM1 group, the tested filter in the vapour treated state must have an efficiency of at least 50 % with respect to the particle collective 0,3-1,0 µm. Similarly, for ISO ePM2,5, the efficiency is measured with respect to particles of 0,3-2,5 µm.
The average efficiency results from the average value of the efficiency before and after the vapour-treatment of the filter. Here, therefore, the determined efficiency from both measurements is relevant. In order to achieve a classification into the group ISO ePM10, the average efficiency with respect to particles of 0,3-10,0 µm must be above 50%. If the average efficiency is less than 50 %, the filter is assigned to the ISO Coarse group and then
the gravimetric degree of efficiency is measured. Here the retention of the filter is determined with respect to test dust consisting of the quartz sand “A2-Test-Dust”. For example, a filter of the group ISO Coarse 60 % retains 60 % of the deposited dust mass.
Labelling according to ISO 16890
If the air filter could have been assigned to an ISO group, the average efficiency (rounded down in 5%-steps) is also appended as a percentage value after the name of the group.
If, for example, the particle collective 0,3-2,5 µm is deposited with an average efficiency of 73 %, the corresponding classification is ISO ePM 2,5 70 %.
Kalthoff Panel Filters
The classification for Kalthoff Panel Filters W-line and RELIM can be seen in the following table:
| Panel Filter | EN 779 | ISO 16890 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-Line | |||
 | Coarse dust filters: | G4 | ISO Coarse 90% |
| Medium dust filters: | M5 | ISO ePM10 55% | |
| RELIM | |||
 | Medium dust filters: | M5 | ISO Coarse 90% |
| - | ISO ePM10 50% | ||
| Fine dust filters: | F7 | ISO ePM1 55% | |
| F8 | ISO ePM1 70% | ||
| F9 | ISO ePM1 85% | ||
Referring to this table you can find the data sheets here.
Kalthoff Pocket Filters
Also for Kalthoff MULTIFOLD Pocket Filters, initial results for classification according to DIN ISO 16890 are available:
| MULTIFOLD Pocket Filter | EN 779 | ISO 16890 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coarse dust filters: | |||
 | T/TQ 35 | G4 | ISO Coarse 70% |
| Medium dust filters: | |||
 | TC/TCQ 60 | M5 | ISO ePM10 50% |
| TCC 65 | M6 | ISO ePM10 75% | |
| Fine dust filters: | |||
 | TCC 85 | F7 | ISO ePM2,5 65% |
| TCC 95 | - | ISO ePM1 65% | |
| TCC 98 | F9 | ISO ePM1 80% | |
Here you can find the data sheets of the Pocket Filters.
Kalthoff Compact Filters
All good things come in threes. Please find below the transmission of the EN 779 to the ISO 16890 for our compact filters:
| Compact Filter | EN 779 | ISO 16890 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RELIM VRK | |||
 | Medium dust filters: | M6 | ISO ePM10 50% |
| Fine dust filters: | F7 | ISO ePM1 55% | |
| F8 | ISO ePM1 75% | ||
| F9 | ISO ePM1 80% | ||
| FLUWID VSK | |||
 | Medium dust filters: | M6 | ISO ePM2,5 50% |
| Fine dust filters: | F7 | ISO ePM1 65% | |
| F8 | ISO ePM1 75% | ||
| F9 | ISO ePM1 90% | ||
Further information
In the following, we additionally provide the individual product tables for download:
- Kalthoff Pocket Filters according to DIN ISO 16890
- Kalthoff Panel Filters according to DIN ISO 16890
- Kalthoff Compact Filters according to DIN ISO 16890
We would like to point out that this is preliminary information.
The current Kalthoff catalogue data still apply.