Air Filtration Systems
Camfil Far PathogenBarrier Filters Camfil Farr PathogenBarrier filters provide lab and field tested proven performance in the prevention of aerosol transmission of viruses including PRRS. The advanced engineering behind these units makes it possible to achieve the highest possible airflow while maintaining filtration efficiency throughout the life of the filter. 1 RADIAL INLET & OUTLET The unique curved form of the air inlet and outlet provides greater open area than any other V-shaped filter, resulting in a much lower pressure drop profile. 30% more open area on the filter inlet and 60% more open area on the outlet than traditional V-style filters - a key component of lowest pressure drop in the industry.
2 MEDIA PACKS The media packs utilize a newly developed height-to-pleat spacing ratio that works in conjunction with the radial inlet and outlet to minimize pressure drop. The pleat separators ensure pleat stability to provide continual low energy usage performance.
3 ENERGY STAR MEDIA The Energy Star Media is designed with a fiber structure that maximizes energy savings and airflow.
PathogenBarrier Filter Camfil Farr is a registered trademark of Camfil Farr, Sweden. The names PathogenBarrier and Camfil Farr are used with the permission of Camfil Farr.
4
1
3
6
1
2
4
5
ENERGY COST INDEX The PathogenBarrier Filter is rated as a 5-Star filter through the Energy Cost Index (ECI) program. Based upon a five-star scale, the Energy Cost Index is an indicator of how a filter will perform over time. The best rating, 5-Stars, maintains its efficiency over its life and uses less energy to move air through the filter and is the most energy-efficient, longest lasting filter available.
4 HANDLES The handles incorporated in the frame allow for ease of handling and prevent damage to the filter media.
5 BUILT-IN PREFILTER SPACER SECTION Eliminates blockage of airflow and resultant high pressure drop when a prefilter is mounted directly to the face of the filter. While this problem is common in all V-style filters the problem has been solved through advanced design engineering.
6 PACK SEALING The pack sealing flanges molded into the frame eliminate bypass seen with standard V-filter construction.
Scientific Research Multiple trials were conducted by Cyclonic Scott Dee, D.V.M., PhD., professor in Fan Collectors the Veterinary Population Medicine department and director of the Swine Disease Eradication Center at the University of Minnesota to evaluate the effectiveness of the PathogenBarrier filters in the prevention of aerosol transmission of the PRRS virus. To perform the test, two independent Filter Fogger chambers were constructed and then connected by a duct housing with a fan used to transfer air from one chamber to the other through a PathogenBarrier filter mounted in the air stream. A number of solutions containing various concentrations of modified live PRRS vaccine were then aerosolized using a cold mist fogger to create a virus cloud in the first chamber. Contaminated air was drawn by the fan from the first chamber, through the filter and then exhausted into the second chamber. Air samples were collected in the second chamber by two Midwest Microtek cyclonic collectors and then tested by PCR for the presence of PRRSV RNA. A minimum of ten repetitions of each trial were performed at each concentration of the virus solution. L6 PathogenBarrier filters were proven to be effective in preventing the aerosol transmission of the PRRS virus from the first chamber to the second chamber when using solutions with a concentration up through log six. L6 filters provide minimum resistance to airflow and decreased energy cost. L9 PathogenBarrier filters were proven to be effective in preventing the aerosol transmission of the PRRS virus from the first chamber to the second chamber when using solutions with a concentration up through log nine (1,000 times greater than log six). L9 filters provide a higher degree of protection for high value facilities, or facilities in a high risk location.
L6 PathogenBarrier
Airflow with pre-filter installed at pressure in inches of water column. 0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
20” X 24” w/ Pre-Filter
410
530
690
800
910
1020
1120
24” X 24” w/ Pre-Filter
550
710
920
1070
1220
1370
1500
L9 PathogenBarrier
Airflow with pre-filter installed at pressure in inches of water column. 0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
20” X 24” w/ Pre-Filter
210
330
450
540
640
730
820
24” X 24” w/ Pre-Filter
290
450
610
730
860
980
1100
Filter Ducts These prefabricated filter ducts are designed to fit between roof trusses and adapt two, four or six PathogenBarrier filters to a ceiling air inlet to minimize airflow restriction and allow negative pressure ventilation systems to operate as designed. These sealed ducts are ideal for new construction and converting existing facilities to air filtration. No tools are required for filter change out and maintenance.
Two Filter Duct
Four Filter Duct
Six Filter Duct
Two Filter Duct Assembly (30-0662) Airflow at pressure in inches of water column.
Dimensions with filters and pre-filters installed.
0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 Height Width Length
Frame Out
L6 PathogenBarrier
960 1,240 1,610 1,870
28”
28”
45.5”
27.5” x 43” ID
L9 PathogenBarrier
500 780 1,060 1,270
28”
28”
45.5”
27.5” x 43” ID
Four Filter Duct Assembly (30-0664) Airflow at pressure in inches of water column.
Dimensions with filters and pre-filters installed.
0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 Height Width Length
Frame Out
L6 PathogenBarrier
1,920 2,480 3,220 3,740
36”
33.5”
45.5”
27.5” x 43” ID
L9 PathogenBarrier
1,000 1,560 2,120 2,540
36”
33.5”
45.5”
27.5” x 43” ID
Six Filter Duct Assembly (30-0666) Airflow at pressure in inches of water column.
Dimensions with filters and pre-filters installed.
0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 Height Width Length
Filter Banks PathogenBarrier filters can be assembled in a wall bank configuration for neutral and positive pressure ventilation systems as well as adaptation to tunnel and cross ventilated buildings.
Frame Out
L6 PathogenBarrier
2,880 3,720 4,830 5,610
54”
33.5”
45.5”
27.5” x 43” ID
L9 PathogenBarrier
1,500 2,340 3,180 3,810
54”
33.5”
45.5”
27.5” x 43” ID
Notes: Two filter and six filter ducts require a minimum of 12” of clearance above the unit to permit installation and replacement of filters. The width of the two filter duct does not include 1.25” (2.50” total) mounting flange.
Pre-Filters Pre-filter units capture larger
particles before they reach the
filter extending filter life. Two models of pre-filters are available, a 2” unit recommended for filter ducts and a more durable 4” unit recommended for applications where filters are exposed to the elements.
Ventilation System Design Negative Pressure
Negative pressure filtration is typically the simplest to adapt to existing ventilation systems already designed to operate under negative pressure. It is essential to seal the structure when utilizing negative pressure to prevent infiltration of unfiltered air into the building. Lower operating pressures require higher filter counts which contribute to lower energy cost and extend filter life. Negative pressure ventilation systems are utilized to prevent “permeation� or the absorption of moisture and gasses in the structure which can result in premature failure of the building.
Negative Pressure
Neutral Pressure
Neutral pressure filtration utilizes a combination of supply and exhaust fans operating in unison to maintain a neutral or slightly positive pressure in the building. The use of neutral pressure decreases the potential for the infiltration of unfiltered air and permeation of the structure. The number of filters used can be decreased as the pressure of supply fans is increased but energy cost will increase and filter life will decrease when fewer filters and greater pressure is utilized.
Positive Pressure
Neutral Pressure
Positive pressure filtration systems provide the greatest protection from infiltration of unfiltered air into the building. The number of filters required can be decreased as the operating pressure of supply fans is increased but energy cost will increase and filter life will decrease accordingly. Positive pressure ventilation systems have the greatest potential for permeation of the structure and buildings must be properly sealed to prevent pre-mature deterioration caused by gases and moisture entering the structure.
Positive Pressure
FAQ’s •
Is the use of air filtration in swine facilities new technology? Air filtration systems have been used in Europe and North America for several years particularly on high value, high risk facilities such as boar studs. Many of these filtration systems have utilized HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in their design. The Camfil Farr L9 PathogenBarrier filter was first applied to swine facilities in North America in 2005 and has been widely adopted due primarily to it’s substantially lower resistance to airflow than traditional HEPA filters. The L9 PathogenBarrier is the most widely tested filter for swine agents and has been part of extensive research involving PRRS and Mycoplasma.
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How often do pre-filters need to be changed?
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Environment and application has a great deal to do with the expected life of pre-filters. Pre-filter life can vary from a number of weeks to a number of months depending on the amount of particulate present, the airflow through the filter and how exposed the filters are to the outside environment. Pre-filters installed on ducts in the attics of buildings generally last longer than those installed in filter banks that are more exposed to the elements. Pre-filters need to be changed when they are visibly dirty or when ventilation system performance suffers due to the resistance to airflow caused by loaded pre-filters. AP recommends establishing a scheduled preventative maintenance program with emphasis on having clean pre-filters in place before seasonal demand is placed on the ventilation system.
What is the life expectancy of a PathogenBarrier filter?
Like the pre-filters, the life expectancy of the PathogenBarrier filter is dependent on several factors including the rate of airflow through the filter, the amount of particulate in the air and environmental exposure. The use of properly fitted and maintained pre-filters is essential in extending the life of the PathogenBarrier filter. Filters should be replaced if ventilation performance suffers due to increased resistance to airflow caused by loaded filters and not more than three years after the filters were originally placed in service.
When should L9 PathogenBarrier filters be used and when can less restrictive L6 PathogenBarrier filters be used?
PathogenBarrier selection and ventilation system design is determined by a variety of factors including proximity to potentially infected animals, topography, weather patterns, prevailing winds and the value of the stock being protected. In some applications, a combination of L9 and L6 PathogenBarriers may be the best solution. AP recommends that a risk assessment audit be performed by a veterinary expert experienced in aerosol transmission of swine pathogens to determine the correct option for your facilities.
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Are antimicrobial filters effective protection against aerosol transmission of pathogens?
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Does the use of PathogenBarrier filters eliminate the risk of aerosol transmission of pathogens?
The use of antimicrobial air filters is appealing because there is the potential for decreased resistance to airflow and greater energy efficiency. These filters rely on particulate making contact with filter media fibers treated with an antimicrobial as the particulate is trapped in or passes through the filter. Concerns with this style of filter include the effective lifespan of the antimicrobial treatment and the possibility of pathogens passing through the filter without making contact with a treated fiber particularly as the filter media becomes loaded with particulate over time.
While scientific research and field application has shown that the use of PathogenBarrier filters is highly effective in mitigating the risk of aerosol transmission of pathogens, the risk can not be totally eliminated. Filtration like other bio-security practices requires proper application, maintenance and training to be effective.
Your Source for Innovative
Solutions
Creating the optimum environment is essential to achieving high health status and maximizing the gain and reproductive performance of your swine herd. AP is the industry leader in the manufacture of innovative, high quality, durable and energy efficient ventilation system components designed to help you meet these goals. The ventilation system experts from AP can provide you with an engineered system designed specifically to meet the requirements of your facilities and climate combined with industry leading warranty service and technical support.
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