SIST EN ISO 29461-1:2021 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 29461-1:2021 - “Air intake filter systems for rotary machinery - Test methods - Part 1: Static filter elements” - specifies laboratory methods for determining the static (barrier) performance of particulate air filters used in air intake systems for rotary machinery (e.g., stationary gas turbines, compressors and stationary internal combustion engines). The standard applies test procedures from ISO 16890 and ISO 29463, extended to filters operating at flow rates between 0.24 m3/s (850 m3/h) and 2.36 m3/s (8 500 m3/h). It covers individual filter element testing, classification and reporting of results, but does not by itself quantitatively predict in-service lifetime or field efficiency.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and applicability: Static filter elements (barrier filters); can be used to evaluate initial efficiency of some cleanable or surface-loading filters in suitable circumstances.
• Test method selection:
  • Filters with MPPS efficiency ≥ 85% (EPA/HEPA range) → tested per ISO 29463 series.
  • Filters with lower efficiencies → tested per ISO 16890 series.
• Flow rate range: Test procedures extended for 0.24–2.36 m3/s (850–8 500 m3/h).
• Performance measurements:
  • Fractional and overall particulate efficiency (including MPPS).
  • Airflow resistance versus captured dust mass.
  • Conditioning methods to determine minimum fractional test efficiency.
• Classification and reporting: Includes classification table and mandatory reporting elements to ensure consistent comparison of filter elements.
• Limitations: Results do not directly predict operational lifetime or field performance; whole-system performance as installed is outside scope unless the test assembly meets qualification criteria.

Applications and Users

Who benefits from EN ISO 29461-1:2021:

• Filter manufacturers - product development, performance claims and independent testing.
• OEMs and system integrators - specifying intake filtration for gas turbines, compressors and stationary engines.
• Power plant and industrial operators - comparative evaluation for procurement and maintenance planning.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - repeatable, standardized test methods for static filter elements. Practical uses include selecting filter media and multistage configurations, sizing replacement elements, and supporting procurement specifications where laboratory-measured efficiencies and resistance data are required.

Related Standards

• ISO 16890 (all parts) - Air filters for general ventilation; classification by particle-size efficiency.
• ISO 29463 (all parts) - High-efficiency (EPA/HEPA) filter and media test methods.
• ISO 15957 - Test dusts for evaluating air cleaning equipment.
• ISO 29464 - Cleaning of air and other gases - Terminology.

EN ISO 29461-1:2021 provides standardized, laboratory-level test methods to compare and classify static intake filter elements for rotary machinery, helping stakeholders make evidence-based filtration choices while recognizing the limitations in predicting in-service behaviour.