Sweden holds a strong position in air filtration and has many actors in the field, ranging from small companies to corporations which are world-leading in the business. Changes and new demands may lead to new questions, challenges and requirements from the industry and the business. The Air Filter Competency Center is to work primarily at the national level while maintaining an international network of contacts.

Main objectives for the Air Filter Competency Center

To create a national competency center for air filters focusing on textile materials and international penetration. The Air Filter Competency Center is to work primarily at the national level while maintaining an international network of contacts. Its primary activities are:

• Supporting the Swedish industry in developing innovative, marketable products.
• Creating, applying and spreading knowledge about filter materials through education and transfer of knowledge.
• Promote interaction between interested parties in air filters to further economic growth.

Impact goals

• Creating economic growth through transfer of knowledge to and education for producers and users of air filters.
• Creating economic growth for air filter companies through development of innovative products and materials
• Increased knowledge about air filters through development and collaborative research projects.
• Increased interaction between actors in the field of air filters.
• Developing and stimulating participation in national and international research projects.

About air filters

Particles impact health negatively and, consequently, it is important to keep particle levels as low as possible. Separating other harmful substances may also be required. An air filters causes a decrease in air pressure and, thus, increase energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to develop products which affect air pressure less, while maintaining, or increasing, the level of separation.

Ventilation installations with air filters are used to achieve a good indoor environment. In 2011, a new version of the current standard for ventilation filters, EN779, will take effect. Proposals for energy labeling of filters has been drawn up and will take effect in the future.

Filters are also used in Personal Protective Equipment and in medical appliances where clean air is important. For industrial purposes, the main employment of the filter is to protect processes and products. Filters are used to protect canal systems and components in the ventilation system from becoming dirty. Purification of process air from heavy industry and waste incineration plants may also be performed with textile filters. Air filters are also used in several applications in vehicles, e.g. air filters for passenger compartments and for engines.

Collaboration

The Air Filter Competency Center is a collaboration between:

• Smart Textiles
• SP, The Technical Research Institute of Sweden
• Swerea IVF

Contact

Emma Holmström
Project manager, SP The Technical Research Institute of Sweden
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: +4610-516 50 00