The first ISO test standard for turbomachinery air intake filters

ISO 29461-1 is the latest international test standard for reporting the performance of air intake filters for gas turbines, compressors, and other turbomachinery applications. The ISO 29461-1 presents a uniform method for testing filters that enables turbomachinery operators to compare and select air inlet filters more easily.

Why a turbomachinery-specific standard?

Gas turbines and other turbomachinery are sensitive equipment that require protection against harmful particulates that could diminish life and performance. Air inlet filters are the most cost-effective way to protect your assets since they can prevent contaminants from reaching your turbomachinery.

Operators currently use filters with a wide range of particle capture efficiencies, from coarse pre-filters to ultra-fine final filters designed to keep engines clean and running at peak performance.

There are currently multiple standards used in the industry to help select filters; most prevalent are the EN779, ASHRAE 52.2, and ISO 16890 for lower efficiency filters and ISO 29463/ EN1822 for higher efficiency filters. The ISO 29461-1 has been designed to replace these four standards and as such is the first filter classification that can be applied to the entire range of filters in a single uniform standard that is more relevant to real-world performance.

This article is excerpted from a Standard & Regulations post by Camfil.